So Much For Tolerance

Thanks for all of the cards and letters in response to last week's blog about tolerance. While many appreciated the sentiment -- "yes, of course, tolerance is a good thing and we should all demonstrate more patience for and understanding of others", wrote one person -- many had a slightly different take on the topic. To sum up that reaction, let me quote a particularly eloquent individual who wrote:

Are you out of your @#%$^& mind?!?!? You going soft on us? Too much Zen in your life??? Hanging out again in Berkeley for long periods of time?!??? Dude, what have you been smoking?!?? That crystal meth has done one huge number on you, my friend."

So much for tolerance. But you've got to love the use of italics and question marks.

In addition to the attack on my mental state (fair) and my Berkeley roots (unfair!) -- both of which left me feeling a bit taken aback -- many offered a list of people and situations that are so appalling, so confrontational, so insensitive that they no way, no how qualify for tolerance. Instead, they demand intolerance. In a big way.

I have heard you! As a public service and to champion the concept of tolerance, I share with you the best examples you offered. Here, then, is your list of uncivilized, uncouth, boorish people and behaviors that require active, aggressive intolerance. These include:

• Those drivers who wait until the very last opportunity to merge into slow traffic, thus causing an even longer back-up

• Anyone who refers to him or herself in the 3rd person

• Any member of the Tea Party

• Anyone who thinks their God and/or religion is superior to any other

• Cigarette smokers who consider Earth their ashtray

• Republicans

• Democrats

• Priests who mess with children

• Anyone who uses 'moral imperative' or 'moral majority' to prevent others from enjoying rights these people already have

• Racists

• Rude people

• Stupid people ("Or at least anyone less intelligent than me." someone wrote.)

• Grossly overweight people eating at Kentucky Fried Chicken who order diet drinks ("I mean really! If you're going to go for it, go for it.")

• People who don't return phone calls or e-mails -- but expect you to and complain when you don't

• The person in the airline seat in front of you who suddenly and quickly reclines fully

• Anyone talking on their mobile phone in a theater, bathroom, or airplane

• Anyone who is unable to drive the #*%#*@ speed limit while on their phone, and, of course,

• Intolerant people.
  

And you know what? You're right! These people have earned our wrath. Let us show contempt with all the glory we can muster. Let us walk with strong back, head held high and intolerance in our heart for the myopic, ignorant, self-centered, selfish people among us. They've earned it and we're just the people to give it to them. So, go forth and be intolerant! It's the least we can do.

Wow. This is working. I feel better already.