This courage refers to that which would be needed to honestly acknowledge the singular desire is to reduce everything to KISS standards: I don't know anything of the genuine issues, I lack all interest in trying to learn what they are or do research for genuine, palpable evidence that will disclose where Candidates A and B truly stand on them, and - bottom line - I don't have the least intellect to decide between what would only serve to confuse me anyway. In other words, the courage to admit, I'm Stupid, and that's why keeping it simple is the path I've chosen.

It has always been this way, not only through American history, but through all history into the prehistoric. The difference is, today we really possess trainloads of empirical evidence that all broad-brush presuppositions are inapposite, are false, that the multiplicity of exceptions are the norm behind all that composes "normal."

Given the essential cowardice of those who try to use the "Muslim" cover, I just don't see them summoning the kind of courage it would require to shake off that cloak.

Perhaps the greatest challenge facing the rest of us is the courage to openly confront those who do try to camouflage their true colors. Repeatedly I've heard folks say something along the lines, "Look, I've got family (or _[replace with whatever is appropriate]_), and to keep the peace . . ." To all who posit that, I only ask what your response might be if you knew the offending person had forwarded anonymous Internet emails falsely accusing your neighbor of being a sex offender, or had broken into your neighbor's house, or had participated in the beating of a minority, or in the commission of a murder? Where do you draw the line? When, and where will you differentiate between the wish to keep "peace," to "not rock the boat," and the moral grit to stand and be counted? Does it always come down to doing what is easy, or doing what you know is right? Finally, what does opting for the easy route really say about the kind of person you really are?

If enough of us compose a majority, and if that majority is more concerned with not making waves than with bringing a bigot up short for his or her bigotry, how then can we ever stand up during the National Anthem and the silly notion that somehow "land of the brave" can ever apply to us?

Think about it. No! really . . . think about it. The future of our country and that of the world may hang by how you define yourself.

- Ed Tubbs

Palm springs, CA

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