Crippled physically or mentally are a far cry from crippled philosophically. I assume you are not embarrassed to be around the former but are equating the former with the latter. To wit, I would agree somewhat.

However, I WOULD be concerned that others may equate friendship with racists as condoning their views, which is totally different than tolerating their right to their own views. It is a difficult situation to deal with and can't be generalized... each situation on it's own merits, really.

Anyway, keep us posted on this interesting situation, Patrish. Your actions and the results may help us all deal with similar situations until we can all live on the Starship Enterprise.