I feel I ought to say something about the implications and rumors of implications of recent Supreme Court Jester decisions, so I will provide an allegory. It is against my religion to drink alcoholic beverages. In college, superiors from organizations with which I was affiliated felt it was their duty to get me to drink so I could be more normal. I always resented the pressure, and that is my shortcoming. I know people who can sincerely smile with love and gently persuade the damaged child hiding behind a tyrant’s mask that it’s safe for him to outgrow his hurt. I am not at that level, but I would love to be.
My point is, we are supposed to be tolerant of religious diversity. I protect my conscience and honor my Higher Power by, among other things, not drinking. You may do the same by putting a red dot on your forehead. It is not for political activists to make you make me get drunk or make me be the one to put a red dot on your forehead. To each his own, live and let live. Enough of this compelling others to celebrate, embrace, and participate.
