To: Tenchusatsu who wrote (196404 ) 7/31/2004 8:12:01 PM From: tejek Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 1580566 Ted, Why don't you let go of your anger and really hear what he is saying? I shared my life's experiences because I wanted you and others to see where I'm coming from and why I think the way I do. To have that thrown back at me as "fulfilling a Korean stereotype" and "proof that I'm unworthy to be an American" is quite offensive to say the least. Do you really believe John is racist? I think what he said to you was harsh but I don't think it was said from a racist POV. And I haven't even shared everything because (a) I don't want it to be any more personal than it has to be, and (b) I think I shared enough for people to give me the benefit of the doubt. Like I said, I consider myself quite frugal and generous, but these days I've held off on my charitable donations in order to focus on my wife and our family's future. Hopefully later on we can resume being generous and charitable to society. I don't think John is asking you to be charitable in the sense you should be giving away your money to needy org. but rather not to begrudge your tax money to be used in part for people who are less fortunate.In any case, I've done enough to try and hear what the other side is saying. I even give you the benefit of the doubt more often than not, even though there are a lot of "Yahooligans" who don't. But I've had enough of hypocrites who won't show me even a fraction of that benefit just because they somehow can't tolerate what I say. This coming from those who pride themselves on being tolerant. Uh huh. Ten, I have always said that you are more opened than many of the "Yahooligans" on this and other SI threads. However, in all fairness, you have become as good at dishing it out as everyone else. And there are times I find myself having to be tolerant of you and your POVs. For an example, I feel very differently about the Passion than you but I tread very carefully on that subject because I know its near and dear to your heart. There are only two things I really wonder about when it comes to you: First, there is a common view held by some GOP that the poor are one level above parasites and any assistance provided them is a waste and smacks of socialism. I wonder sometimes if you hide behind that view so you won't have feel guilty when taxes are reduced and they will lose some assistance? After all, JC spoke of the poor repeatedly and encouraged all to be generous to them. Secondly, I really wonder at your support of a party whose family values skew white. As a white man living in LA, I can't tell you how many times I was asked by white GOP types how I could stand living in so much 'color'. One woman actually asked me when I planned to get real and move to OC. I think I've said this before but once I took a woman, a Latina, I used to date to a studio party and was asked by a GOP type why I brought my maid. BTW the Latina was an attorney and I am talking about CA Republicans in their 20s and 30s, some of the most liberal in the party. John implied you were born in Korea. I never knew that but even so, I have never thought of you as anything other than an American with an Asian background just as I am an American with a European background. And I believe JF sees you the same way. However, to many in the GOP, it doesn't matter how many generations of Americans are behind you. If you don't come from the right part of the world, then you are not really American. That means you can never be good enough. Oh sure, there are token people of color and Jews in the GOP......I mean, I almost fell over when I found out there were even gays in the party. But when push comes to shove, the wishes and needs of those people fall to the way side. Not a pleasant subject but unfortunately, the reality I learned about in a post riot torn LA. ted