At least that is what I was taught when growing up.

Now it seems that those three subjects dominate social conversations, business discussions, and other public interactions.

Methinks that the no 'money, religion or politics' rule was not in our favor.

maybe it matters to me.

Maybe it matters to me one heck of a lot more than a stupid sports team playing a silly game.

You don't have to read what I write, or necessarily listen to what I say, but you don't have any right at all to tell me to shut up - about anything.

.... to those whose children aren't quite as smart and wife isn't quite as beautiful as some people's standards demand...

(Apologies for the earworm.)

It's easy to say religion should be part of the conversation when you are a Christian. The majority of the country is Christian. How easy is it when you are atheist or Muslim? I agree that people should have the freedom to talk about their religion but to pretend there is no double standard is hypocritical. The first thought that went through my head when my daughter told me she was an atheist was that she would never be President. Not because she is a woman, but because she is an atheist.

There are still too many people who associate witchcraft with child sacrifice, etc. I suspect an atheist will get there first.

Closets are notoriously uncomfortable places to stay in. Why should Christians lock themselves in the prayer closet, or should I lock myself in the broom closet?

then saying you can't talk about religion is hypocritical, not that I want to talk or heat about it but ... just saying.

It's someone's "right" to talk about their sexuality, or their sports fandom, but religious beliefs are off limits? I respectfully have no idea why you get to choose what is appropriate or not appropriate for the public forum.

was effective.

But then I'm dyslexic and not religious so have no doG in that fight.

Talk about your religion all you want, just don't ever promote a belief that is contrary to the majority belief or criticize the main stream religions.

Because its perfectly fair that the beliefs we hold dear are brought up again and again and again and again, but if you are an atheist or satanist your beliefs are inherently offensive to the majority and you need to just shut up so the majority can pretend you don't exist.

And how dare you take offense at this CROSS we erected to remember this tragedy or event. We made explicitly sure NOT to ask you if you approved it before erecting it on your, but mostly our own, behalf. Besides, if you had a problem with it you should have mentioned it years ago when the country was far less tolerant so that we could have ignored you and ostracized you more openly back then!

and the lack of knowledge hurt no one. It was Reagan and the rise of the religious right that brought it front and center as a major focal point-and our political life has been horribly cheapened as a result.

Do what you like, just don't make a spectacle about it.