why I’m not a progressive

This is pretty simple — let’s avoid fancy flowery language.

• I don’t hate white people
• I don’t hate the police
• I don’t hate rich people
• I don’t hate business
• I don’t hate christians
• I don’t hate men
• I don’t hate America

I used to be a democrat. Of course! I grew up in Italy, then England, then lived in Switzerland in my twenties, before immigrating to Silicon Valley in my early thirties. I’m naturally inclusive, egalitarian, cosmopolitan and multi-racial. FFS, I was born in Kenya. I will never be a republican. I don’t hate poor people, I don’t hate people of color, I don’t hate women and I don’t hate immigrants, gay people, artists or non-christian religions. I have many friends who are intelligent republicans. They are not racists, they do not hate gays, artists, immigrants and poor people. They seem to prefer lower taxes and a go get it country, and they seem to think democrats are all about endless sob stories and accusations. I disagree with them on many issues but we are friends. Yes, that can be a thing.

America is divided. As a result, we can’t act. Can’t react. Can’t address problems as a nation. Covid is a perfect example — politicized and used to divide us.

Hate is not the answer. It never was and never will be. When democrats are able to form a big tent, inclusive, open and fair for everyone, they will form a voting majority that cannot be hacked by Putin and cannot be beaten by a tin pot dictator and his thug following, which represents only about 15% of the electorate. Hate is not the answer. Unity, tolerance, liberty are the answers. True liberty must go with tolerance. I must be able to respect you when I disagree with you.