How about I'm a battlescarred INDIVIDUALIST. I choose what's right for me from BOTH sides of the menu? I like people of different value systems, faiths, races, because they add spice to my life.

Aside from 'he/she makes me laugh,' one of the best things I can say about a person is that 'he/she makes me THINK.'

We all have that duty to our friends and loved ones. Whether they respect us for it in the morning is their choice.

Speak up, Rick, as kindly as you can, acknowledging that others have different opinions and do have rights to them.

Who knows? There may be other people in your 'group' who agree with you and are afraid to speak out. You might not be quite as 'homogenized' as you think!