I do not understand hate. I mean, I know the definition of the word, but when I try to internalize it nothing from my experience seems intense enough for proper comprehension. I know love; I have been married to the same wonderful lady for twenty two years. I have been blessed with two incredible children. I am even familiar with lust, I am only human. I have experienced greed, fear and joy. I admit I know people that I do not like, but that just means I choose not to be around them. There are lots of stuff I do not enjoy doing, so I do not do it. There is television show and songs and books I had to read that I disliked, but no hate. Ten years ago I lost most of my left hand in an industrial accident. The subsequent investigation proved it was someone else's fault. He felt real bad, he said he was sorry and he meant it, still no hate.

I suppose that's why I feel so sad and so shocked when we are exposed to people like Reverend Wright. It is not just Reverend Wright's words; it is the very tone of violence and aggression. The very sad part is that this is not an isolated cultural phenomenon, it knows no party affiliation. This dangerous rhetoric threatens all race, gender and sexual orientation. White men, black men, women, politicians, professed Christians and even, tragically, children are snared by this evil. Think about it, who do you hate and why? Is there such a thing as hate or is it really evil infesting our very lives. I just do not remember hating, thank God.