... can be very slippery, David.

For example:

>> What I am concerned about is when the majority caves to every minority opinion.

I would say that's an exaggeration. For the most part, majority does rule in this country. Certainly every vote that's ever taken is determined by a majority (at least a majority of those who bother to vote) -- and most of what passes for government in the US is conducted by a vote of some kind.

>> For instance, not being able to fly an American flag in
>> some communities because someone is 'offended'.

I did hear of that happening (after 9-11 and at least once before). I absolutely agree that this was ridiculus, but it was not "the majority" caving in -- more like a spineless "official" of some kind. I would have flown the flag anyway and let them cite me -- and would have loved the resulting court fight!

>> A sign 'God bless America' ordered removed from another California
>> school sign after September 11 because one parent is 'offended'.

I have somewhat ambivalent feelings about that. It is a religious expression and I generally feel that we are all better off if there is no religious expression in our public schools. However, it has such minimal religious implications that I personally would not find it objectionable. [As an aside, the Connie Francis version of "God Bless America" is one of my all-time favorite songs.]

>> What if I am offended when schools want to teach homosexual
>> tolerance to young kids and I am against that?

It is difficult for me to conceive how the teaching of tolerance of others, regardless of how or why they are different than you, could be a bad thing.

>> It is against my religion and I am offended but that won't
>> stop the far left from achieving their agendas.

The fact that tolerance of homosexuality is against your religion should have no bearing on whether it is taught in schools. The religiosity of the subject is irrelevant. The question should be, is tolerance of homosexuality a socially desireable goal for the community as a whole. If the answer to that question is yes (and I believe it is), then teaching such tolerance in school is appropriate.

Please note that teaching "tolerance of homosexuality" is not the same thing as teaching homosexuality itself. Being tolerant of homosexuals is no more likely to make you homosexual yourself than being tolerant of blacks is likely to change your skin color.

By the way, what makes you think the subjects you addressed are the sole province of the "far left" (whatever that is). Supporting the constitution, regardless of personal beliefs, seems to me to be a rather "conservative" approach to living. And, like it or not, the "liberal" point of view (out to and including the "far left") is shared more or less by a majority of Americans today.

----- jim o\-S