E-mail from decent Mepublican colleague. How to respond?

[callous taoboy]

I just wanted you to know that I have been reading the articles you have sent and watching the bill moyer's video. Actually, I've given them lots of attention, making notes about thoughts I have at the time.
I have allowed myself to not get back with you for several reasons. One of them is that I don't particularly enjoy these discussions....it's the truth. I am not particularly happy with that statement, and I'm not saying that debating policy issues isn't important. In fact, I think it's very important. Here's the rub: I feel like I have to have my debate reasoned out to the nth degree to even match wits with you, and I don't really think that in the end, you necessarily want to be at peace about this.
You talked about feeling branded as "not patriotic" by many of our resident conservative folk. You spoke with passion about this, and I can tell it hurt you deeply (or offended, disappointed, bewildered, p.o.'d). I would like you to know that I consider you very patriotic, and the quest of finding the truth, as you know it, to be a journey of the highest order. This is the very nature of patriotism.
You may not feel this, or accept my comparison, but I feel similarly offended when I read some of this narrative (and have some debates). I sometimes find it to be filled with judgment, disrespect, and to have a condescending nature. This seems to happen as a matter of right, as witnessed by a Christmas card I received the other day from some of my best friends in Colorado: "We are both concerned about the direction our world seems to be headed in, particularly in this country which just elected a man we wouldn't trust to mow our lawn, but you make do with what you have."
What makes people think that it is okay just to say this....just to drop this casually into a letter like you were critiquing a vacation choice this year. How am I supposed to feel about this? Discounted, because I obviously have no sense (otherwise I would have voted better)? When I, a person whose faith is the bedrock of my life (and who tries his clumsy best not to shove it in other's faces, but rather to be Christ-like in my charity and kindness with others), listen to critics heap disrespect on people who voice their belief in a creator and higher callings in life, not in the spirit of true discussion, but as if disdain and hate for these people is somehow enlightened or justified, i am deeply offended.
I have a memory in mind. It was after a practice for handbells, in front of ---------- Church. The 2000 election was being contested and I confess that I made a flippant remark about the result. This was only meant as a joke, if even thought about that much. However, you tore into me something fierce, getting very close to my face, and appearing, at times, like fisticuffs might occur. I didn't like this, and I still remember it. In one sense, you were sticking up for your guy and letting me know that the system, in your opinion, was totally messed up. You were in pain for your side. I can accept this. I don't see, however, where it has to get so heated, or where my feelings and opinions have to be somehow walked on or disregarded. I'm not saying that this is your intention, but it is the definite feel of the pieces you have asked me to consider. From my perspective, I feel insulted at times; something I don't seek out, as a rule.
I understand feeling strongly about something and arguing the good and the bad, but, I don't willingly enjoy entering a domain where my opinions, feelings, and leanings will, in the end, not be accepted or respected. I don't believe that one side is all right, and the other all wrong......I don't feel that Fox News is the devil or wicked (and I have trouble believing in media conspiracies when I think of NPR, PBS, the major news networks, many of our largest papers, and most of Hollywood, who have no problem giving their slant on the world. I actually listen to all of these, and enjoy them much of the time, but if you think that Republicans/conservatives/evangelicals are given the same kind of sweet, homespun stories and respectful slant, then that highlights how we both see what we want to see).....I have a hope and basic feeling that most politicians are decent and trying the best they can (in both parties!).....I didn't belittle Bill Clinton's basic value, I applaud his skill and know in my heart that he did many great things for America, and I didn't see his election/reelection as the ruination of our country.
I'm talking myself into a corner, and this brings up the second reason I haven't written: I haven't had the time to prepare a proper essay. Or, I should say, I haven't MADE the time. Unfortunately, tonight is not really the time either. I'm missing school tomorrow - doctor's orders (viral infection). I am sneaking into school in a bit, quick cleaning my desk (can you say Scholastic box?), and coming home to make a brief plan for tomorrow. This must be done, and I should be about it before I get too sleepy.
I've been sitting here, thinking of what I haven't written, how to prove my point, persuasive topics, etc...............and, I
realize that I don't want to convert you and I'm happy with you just the way you are. I don't mean to discourage our talking....quite the contrary. I have enjoyed plenteous good times with you and I know that we can debate philosophies and have fun. I don't feel the need to justify my side, but I'll tell you, to the best of my ability what I'm thinking. If that's okay with you, I hope you'll come on down in a few days (once the croupy cough is over)....let's have a beer and chat.
I've given you a lot. Maybe 1/10th of it is worthwhile, but my desire was to let you know that I've given your words and recommendations much thought. Thanks for reading this and thank you for the opportunities to study and ponder. It is good!!
I hope you have a great week, and I'll seeya later.

Sincerely, and with friendship,
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---This colleague really is a decent person. He forgets that he, too, was red-faced mad with spit flying from the corners of his mouth that day in 2000 in front of the church.