“Tolerance of intolerance is cowardice.” - Ayaan Hirsi Ali

A while ago, around December, I went to have Christmas dinner at my Mother's parent's house. After the food, crackers, and hats were all finished with my Grandmother leaned over the table, rested a hand on my Mother's arm, and said - completely out of the blue - "I brought you up to respect other people's beliefs."

Now, as this somewhat hushed and accusatory utterance was so unexpected and random, my Mother was a little confused. I was too.

"What do you mean?" she asked.
"You're always laughing at religious people, it's not nice."

Now my Mother knew what she was going on about. She crossed her arms.

"Mother, I refuse to 'respect' intolerant views. Why would I?"
"It's just not nice, Victoria. My Father always said-"

At this point I chimed in... (Read more of this post)