I believe that we need to step off of the path that leads to the reduction of everything to the lowest possible common denominator. There is no need to abandon tradition because it makes some uncomfortable with who they are.

I believe that it is possible for civil discourse to exist even where there is strong disagreement. Anybody who disagrees with this is a... ...well, never mind.

I believe that self-depracating humor is in short supply. People are too grumpy and too self-important. If we can’t poke gentle fun at ourselves and one another without wilting, how on earth can we expect to face hard discussions?

I believe that people need thicker skins and need to stop thinking of themselves as wounded victims. Life can be hard. Get over it.

I believe that we are too often willing to offend, and not often enough willing to apologize for having offended.

I believe that intellectual honesty and logic are the only legitimate currency in the exchange of ideas. How one “feels” about an idea is useful for developing a passion about it, but is less than useless in defending it.

I believe that people who can vote, but don’t, should shut their pie holes. If you don’t like the available candidates, then write in Mickey Mouse. Those who can and don’t participate are dead weight. Pray for those who are unable to vote, for whatever reason.

I believe that all men are my brothers and all women are my sisters - even when I don’t like them.

I believe that one should be willing to give a hand up to a less fortunate brother or sister.

I believe that beggars can’t be choosers. (I also believe that givers should not be cheap.)

I believe that wisdom usually comes with age, but age does not automatically confer wisdom.

I believe that one of the greatest gifts this nation can receive is that of a warrior servant who dedicates his or her life to the defense of this country. They don’t get paid enough.

I believe The Apostle’s Creed (Protestant version).

I believe that people need to be respectful of one another’s religious beliefs. Many people have faith lives through which they filter their world. True believers of any stripe are unable to separate faith from life.

I believe that people of faith need to remember that they cannot legislate their faith and expect to live in a free society. Witness most of the middle east. In a free society, morality debates should be won or lost on the merits, not on what scripture says about it.

I believe that people who claim to be atheists should admit that they, in fact, believe in something - the absence of a God. They should be intellectually honest enough to admit that they can’t support their belief any better than a religious person can support theirs.

Everybody needs something to believe in. I believe I’ll have a beer.