Growing up sane.

When I was a child in Roxbury, Massachusetts, there was a very strong dividing line between Catholics and Protestants. Catholics were the kids who crossed themselves when they went by a church or cemetery and ate meat on Friday. Protestants were the kids who had a variety of denominations and had no idea what the differences were and still don't. Back then, you were very much aware of the distinction. But with time, that line disappeared. Today, who cares? Especially me. As an atheist, I think all religion is silly magical thinking. Also back then we did not have a strong sense of who was a Democrat or who was Republican. Most people clung to one or other badge, though I doubt they could explain the difference. (My mother, for instance, voted for Republicans, a party who would have nothing but contempt for someone as dependent on the government as she.) Your political affiliation was pretty much what you parents told you. And I'm sure many donkeys thought they were elephants and vice versa. But unlike the religious divide, political differences have become very important. I find it nearly impossible to be friends with Republicans, whom I regard with great suspicion. I confess I have even dropped long-time friends or acquaintances who spout the party line for the GOP. Despite being an atheist, I do believe in lots of Christian ideals (though most Christians don't seem to). I absolutely believe I am my brother's keeper. So when I see fifth column creeps like Boehner and Cantor trying to screw the middle-class in favor of the super rich, and accusing those who need extended unemployent benefits as being indolent, I'm real pleased that I didn't grow up to be—yuck— a Republican.