I simply do not have the stamina for it but would love to ask them all about their fascist views and just what they know about the history of Pledge, whether they think burning of the flag should be protected speech, whether they have actually served in the military, etc.

Some times people can be educated, but I fear this is not one of them.

On a related note, I was waiting at the bus stop (5-ish) the other day on campus. A guy my age or older was looking around and holding a clipboard. The crowd was mostly “kids”. I had on my camouflage gore-tex coat but there’s also a small rainbow ribbon on my backpack in support of my friends. This guy kept sizing me up and was, truthfully, looking at me quite oddly. I almost finally asked him if I was causing him problems. He finally came over and asked me if I would sign a petition to get him on the Republican ballot.

I did sign, not because I intend to vote for him, but because I believe in plurality of choice at the ballot (not that we have it). Then he went and talked to another guy clearly our age and dressed in definite mid-West blue collar clothes. He didn’t talk to any of the “kids”.

I was in the service so I MUST have certain views, right? Grrrr. I probably just reinforced that stereotype in his mind by signing his petition.

Once in a (great) while I wish my life could be as simple as other people’s.