August 2003

Men

by Hank Boudolf

Most men I know will not voice an opinion on politics or religion. Most Unitarian Universalists will voice an opinion on practically anything any time.
Mitch, Brad, Dick and I pass through the steam room at the YMCA quite often and have become fairly friendly. This day Mitch was incensed over a flag burner and the ACLU lawyer defending him.
I decided to trust our friendly relationship. I said I was glad there was the ACLU willing to protect our freedom, Mitch, yours and mine. Surprisingly, Dick said he did not like flag burners but he too was glad the ACLU was willing to tackle such an unpopular expression.

Now we are all probably better friends. In a sense Dick and I bonded that day and now share many tidbits of religious and political items in common.
Six engineers who worked together for many years at Eglin meet for lunch once a month in order to stay in touch. Some of us share a pitcher of beer. Typically we never discuss the unmentionables - religion and politics. Over the years my political and religious beliefs have leaked out but not so for any of the others. I suspect their politics are different, their religious beliefs, if any, I would not hazard a guess. Yet there is one who has expressed to me his belief that Darwin could not be right. This engineer is a conscientious and good person whom I admire for many reasons. Searching, he has read many books written by scholarly people who refute Darwin. We have many discussions since I believe in evolution, not creationism.

The discussions go on and I am saddened. I have come to believe that my friend is trying so very hard to convince, not me, but himself that evolution is not possible.
Men. What complex human beings.