I am fed up with Intolerance, especially as expressed by the Christian Right movement. A Member of my own family embraces this movement and thinks it gives her the moral right to insult and denigrate others.

I don't care what others believe and am quite capable of admiring the quiet self-assured attitudes of atheists, agnostics and born-again Christians alike. I refer to folks who think their narrow interpretation of the Bible is absolute, and that anyone who believes differently deserves insults and injury; the blatantly self-righteous who believe theirs are the only Rights, the only Truths, and who have no regard for others. We had one or two folks like that here on MyBloggers and more than a few on the other site.

Since my visit to New York I have discovered that my niece has adopted these values. That would not bother me either. Family is family, and I thought we accepted each others' differences.

Since my visit she posted some tirades on Facebook that lambaste me and my son, and her defense has been that it is folks like us that want to strip religion and "A Nation Under God" from our country contrary to the intent of our founding fathers. You have heard it all before and could write the rest of this description yourselves. Her insulting characterizations of the Vatican are meant for me only as I am the Catholic member of the family. Like many she has overlooked the most important teaching of all: to Love one another. I have not retaliated or responded by engaging in any discussions about my faith with her as I don't want to fan whatever rage is fueling these flames of hate. I think I know what is at the root of this and there is nothing I can- or want do to change things.

It started after the visit to my son. He is successful and has a beautiful home, a well-adjusted, happy baby, and he and his wife both have successful careers. They were good, pleasant hosts during our visit.

My niece did not choose to pursue an education or a career, and presently the many health complications associated with her 360+ pound frame make getting or holding down a job almost impossible for her. Her husband (#3) is disabled through no fault of his own, but a disability pension limits one's income. I think the contrasts between her life and my son's (they are about the same age) set this into motion. I think I am the most hurt because while I have always been the family scapegoat, for the first time I saw that role transferred in part to one of my children.

Come to think of it, I don't know what is worse- Intolerance or dysfunctional family dynamics.