My dearest and oldest friend is a bit of a racist. Not knowingly - he'd do anything for anyone - but does use the "N" word on accasion. He used it in my home many years ago and I told him that he had a right to his views but I didn't share them. I pointed out that of the five Black Marines in Vietnam that received the Medal of Honor all of them earned it by rolling/jumping on hand grenades to save Marines of all colors. He has never used the word in my home since then. Occasionally he will use it when I am at his place - but he has a right to say whatever he wants in his home.

I, personally, am ready to go at it with anyone that carries a racist/bigoted mentality. I don't always enlighten, but I always speak my mind. It is that ideology that facilitates young men and women killing each other in wars. If it is just a "insert detested word here" it dehumanizes and allows the hate to begin. Always easier to pull a trigger if hate is driving it. Real people are much harder to kill.

If my friend were driven by racism I probably would not be part of his life. He isn't - just spent his life with words that don't always express what he means. And I credit him with saving my life one dark night.

One must follows his/her belief and takes each as they come. What is that Country & Western tune? You have to stand for something or you'll fall for anything?

The above is only my opinion.