I too was admonished not to talk about politics and religion, but not by my father. Instead it was "polite society" that made that request of me. Growing up, as I watched my father carefully speak his mind, write letters to the editor of the local paper, and stand up for what he believes in, I learned that if we don't talk about these things openly and honestly then we will never change the status quo and we will simply be the sheeple that the corrupt power seekers want so desperately for us to be. So, I learned when someone says "Don't rock the boat" to respond "Why the hell not?" If they can give me a good reason that's not rooted in shame, then I will. Otherwise its open season on any topic. laugh

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