Keep in mind the United States of American was founded on very liberal (libertarian) ideals. Armed citizens able to defend themselves against an overzealous government? Freedom of press? Freedom to speak against the government? No state religion? No search and seizure without due process? These were all liberal concepts in a time of monarchs and autocracy.
We divide people into groups and put labels on them since exclusion makes those included in the group feel better about themselves. Tolerance does not mean acceptance of everything, and it's not about being "politically correct". It is acceptance that variety and differences can help build a stronger America.
I grew up learning to defend myself against ignorance, with wit, charm, fast feet, and sometimes fists. It's this background that has taught me to accept others. Being a
(former) Roman Catholic, half-Asian brat in the south, or an American overseas, paints a target on you. As I grew older, instead of becoming bitter, I became more and more liberal (that social liberal others referred to earlier). I understood that ignorance and low self esteem is what spurred the attacks. I could become one and the same, or I could
boldly take the high road.
As I got older, I also changed my view on gun ownership. My views of gun ownership softened, shifted, and are where they are today, in firm support of our 2A rights. This conversion went hand in hand with my shift from right (sometimes far) of center to left-leaning libertarian. (Of course, what I consider to be left of center may be seen as right of center to others.) My swing to the liberal side of many issues ran parallel with the understanding that rights are not given to us by the All-Caring Government, but by Nature|God|the Creator.
My point is this - it is possible to sway the minds of others. It is possible for people to change their position on their own. To do so, though, requires an inquisitive and open mind. It requires accepting that others that do not understand our way of life will seek to destroy it out of fear born of ignorance. It means presenting a reasoned argument in lieu of, or indeed, despite fitting a stereotype.
So, yes, my American brothers, do the right thing. Take your liberal neighbor, your liberal co-worker, your liberal family member, your liberal friend to the range, and teach them to shoot. Teach them the very American core value of individual rights is secured by an armed citizenry.
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