I would like to thank Mr. Guthrie Worth for his concern and support of my letter, and his valid criticism of the anonymous person who responded to same.
I was reminded of Voltaire”s quote to paraphrase roughly: I disagree with everything you say, but will defend to my death your right to say it. Those who disagree with me are generally more forthright in their criticism and disagreement. But I was not that dismayed or upset. I have become accustomed to taking my lumps and verbal bruising throughout my life since I arrived in California from the hinterlands of Oklahoma and was given the epithet “Okie.”
I realized and was deeply aware that America has not always been very receptive to the outsider, the other or the outcase. Then came the “f” word for a male homosexual of which I am proud and unashamed, and now by an anonymous person, an “idiot.”
It appears to be an inevitable and gradual progression in the land of the brave and the free. So I was not surprised at the animosity displayed by my anonymous letter writer. I have survived and will continue to express my opinions and consider those names badges of honor.
After all, it means, someone, hidden away had to put down their iPods, not use their Facebooks for some childish mutterings and probably shut off their cell phones for a few minutes. That”s a kind of victory for humanity over our overloaded technological age.
Harold Riley
Clearlake
