I feel badly. I feel that Mr. Snider has either misunderstood and/or misinterpreted my letter. Indeed, with the exception of his first paragraph, I share many of his thoughts, although none of which appear to refute or reply to my letter. With regard to his first paragraph, I do think that people should be allowed to follow their own beliefs – I think the First Amendment has merit. His second paragraph simply acknowledges we have different sets of friends and associates.
Additionally, I don”t see how anyone could downgrade the value of “beliefs.” They do, indeed, affect, if not guide people”s lives, thoughts, and actions and I am pleased with mine, although I may change them as situations and knowledge change. But I am not so egotistic or elitist that I feel that everyone else should agree with me. I am secure in what I believe and feel no need to castigate others who feel differently.
I feel that constant hassling between differing beliefs is non productive and hurtful. That was the point I had hoped to make with my letter.
Guff Worth, Lakeport
