sojourn

I am glad to see that you do not limit your political affiliations based on religion. It is rare, almost unheard of to have a candidate for any office run openly as an atheist. I just googled the list and it is extremely short and that list included many dead ones and did not limit itself to elected officials. "I only meant that your statement that God is imaginary is very different than saying “I believe god is imaginary.” Am I being presumptuous in saying that you often, in word and deed, say that "god is real"? Can you not see that your saying "god is real" is very different than your saying, "god may be real"? I see that statement as asking me to modify my beliefs in such a way that you would not. I will be glad to say that "god may be imaginary" if you can say "god may be real". Keep in mind, I had previously stated that neither of us had empirical or scientific evidence sufficient to validate the existence or non-existence of any deity.

"I’m sorry to feel the need to dismiss my beliefs as being imaginary." I challenge that you feel "sorry". I wouldn't presume to tell anyone "how they feel". You may regret I stated my beliefs, but I hardly think they brought you feelings of sadness. "I fully accept that you see them as such, but to state it as factual is demeaning to many millions of people worldwide." You think stating my beliefs "as factual" is somehow not a good thing. And yet, I get the impression that your beliefs should be regarded as "factual" by everyone. Is that not the case?You didn't say, but, I hear beliefs touted as gospel on TV, Books, Movies and even erotic gay fiction. In fact, the "Christian" ideals are almost synonymous with American culture, in word only. Self-identifying as a Christian is all but essential to winning political office in America and selling used cars. Would you knowingly vote for an atheist? I have voted for many Christians in my time and will do so again come mid-term. I seriously doubt that "many millions of people" see my lack of belief as demeaning to them. Offensive, perhaps, In fact. "many millions of people" would have my head for even expressing my disbelief. (Do you count Muslims in your many millions?) What exactly do you think I advocate? I advocate nothing. "It is equivalent to saying that as a non-believer your life is forfeit". That needs some serious clarification. Have you ever heard of the "Spanish Inquisition"? When I traveled in the Middle East, I was advised not to mention that I was a Christian. That advice was not meant to prevent some international argument. Just because I believe death is "sleep without dreams" doesn't diminish my appreciation for all living things, including those with other beliefs. Personal integrity and honesty are important to me. Respect for others is certainly a lifelong hallmark. In the past, my lack of belief has colored how some people responded to me. More than a few have spurned my friendship and made it clear I should not look to them for any help. Obviously, not everyone feels that way. My friends and family don't all share my beliefs. That doesn't mean we have less regard for one another. Do you, as a believer, feel threatened by my words? Let me share this... I don't tell many people I am gay, mostly out of fear. I would feel less endangered announcing I was "gay" in a crowd than to announce that I was an "atheist" in that same crowd. A reader emailed the other day, "gays like you are trying to destroy white American males. You don't realize we made this Country. Minorities are just looking for something for nothing." He also said, he "felt too threatened to readily reveal he was a Christian to any stranger today. Primarily, because of people like you." Personally, I would think he was just "too embarrassed" and not "threatened" in any sense of the word. I used the word "threatened" to accurately to describe my fears. I responded, "White American males" have been in charge for centuries. That is why it was called the "Civil Rights Struggle", who do you think blacks were struggling against? If you insist, and you do, on taking credit for the good in this Country, you should be adult enough to accept the rightful blame and acknowledge that which is less than good and work to improve that." I broke down his email and responded to every issue. He has yet to respond. Frankly, I am willing to bet he doesn't. Why,? because he wasn't using any "facts or logic. He was just angry that I presented ideas that challenged his "accepted" beliefs. In presenting his views, he relied on anger, bullying, and misrepresenting facts. (Too bad we can't say "lies" anymore.) If you wish I have no problem sending the text of his email and my response, sans his address, of course. I suppose all that could be summed up by saying, "I don't think you only felt sad at reading my "imaginary friends" statement. I think you were offended. My beliefs are just as valid as yours. Neither of us is in a position to prove our beliefs are "factual", even if your beliefs are more popular, at the moment. According to Google, "non-believers" make up the third largest group of religions right behind Islam with Christians being the largest. Apparently, a lot of people don't agree with your beliefs. Thank you for posting your comment. Jim

I am soooo easy. Readers type such sweet things with a soft seductive touch of the keyboard, and I'm done. I start stumbling all over the laptop trying to create those scenes which will satisfy the readers slightest whim. Already, Maria is insisting she have her own cell phone. You won't believe opening salvo in the. "Battle for the smartphone". She tells her Daddies... Oh, wait, I can't put that in a comment that has to go in the story.... sorry. (insert evil grin emoji here.) Thank you so much for posting your comments. Even more so since they are rare. I feel honored and pleased. The number of readers may have diminished but the quality remains as fine as it ever was. They don't always agree with me but they let me know they are reading what I write. Jim

I can't find any, any, statement in your comment with which I do not wholeheartedly agree. The positive elements of acceptance of gays you sited would have been unheard of in my youth. I know a man that was murdered in my hometown. His death was quietly ignored because he was found shot with his pants and "drawers" down around his ankles. The investigation stalled completely, I think, in order to save the family some humiliations should it come out, at trial, that the man was having sex or about to have sex with another man. Or if the perpetrator accused the dead man of attempted sexual assault? In my hometown that would have been called 'self-defense". That case I personally know about. As a grown man, I read about a serial killer, during that same period, who preyed on men in the South and enjoyed pulling his victims pants down after he had shot them. I wonder, if the local police had pursued their investigation diligently, could they have caught the killer and perhaps saved other lives. Prejudice sometimes harms those that are not being victimized directly. Maybe a little off topic but it illustrates how far we have come. My story shows how far we have yet to go. Thanks for taking your time to clarify fully state your views. Jim

I think this means you might continue to read this story in spite of the disappointments. I hope so. As to the USA being behind the RotW... Keep in mind, Australia just legalized same-sex marriage in December. Thank god, we are behind China and Russia in electing our "fearless leader" to a lifetime term., (Bone spurs, draft dodging, and all.) I do feel your concerns for this country are legitimate. But, I fear the ultra conservative movement is advancing world wide. We seemed to have either forgotten, minimized or just plane denied slavery, WWII, the Holocaust, Civil Rights protests, Stonewall, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. My biggest fear is that the right to dissent will soon become a seldom remembered relic from an age of "unnessasry" political freedoms. All Hail our Fearless Leader! PS, The first stage to ultimate oppression is the denial of free speech in some forums.

LOL! This is too funny. First Canuk says, " Assuming that this is written with a hint of real life in Texas, and its not set in 1940..." Then you comment, "you would have had more than two walk out." (Did you read his comment before posting yours?) You two have just reinforced the idea that I should just write as I write. Just so you know, I tend to agree with you. In fact, I would not have been surprised if the majority of the staff had walked out, had this happened today, in Texas. But, there again... I write fiction. I certainly don't discount those who really liked it as written. I am glad that this story has got people comparing it to "real life". That is actually very flattering. As always, Thank you, Centexhairysub, for your thoughtful comments. Jim

You flatter me greatly. To express disappointment that my fiction doesn't match your experiences in reality, can there be higher praise? You credit me for being a much better writer than I am. I mean, a billionaire, lawyer, in Texas, who has such an innate respect for others and falls in love with a gay, poor, single parent, veterinarian? In exactly which province, state or nation has anything "vaguely like this occurred" in your reality? Yet, for 43 chapters you have found them to be "real" enough. I applaud your sense of determination. And you end with a trumpism... "very sad", indeed. The irony is that I felt I had presented this scene with a very "low key" approach and offered only minimally negative reactions. I expected to hear that it was "unreal" in its theme of acceptance and support from not only his staff but the citizenry as a whole. Just goes to show... PS, My number of viewers dropped from over three thousand on chapter two to less than 700 on the last posted chapter. If it drops to "one" and that one is me, I will continue to "write as I write". I don't know any better. Thanks for posting your comments. This proves that I had rather hear bad news than no news. Jim

Your comment just brought to mind a scenario in which Nathan bursts out the closet. It is just the idea that he comes out in a most declarative way. Not sure yet of details or situation. But, you got me thinking about it. Thanks for your comment. Jim

Love to hear that stuff. Thanks. I think the emoji says a lot. Although, I did express disappointment with Nathan, the other day, when he sent a response that was one single emoji repeated numerous times. His were not animated. When I complained, he responded with ONE VERY LARGE emoji. We were not amused. Okay, really it was funny as sh... Thanks for posting your comments and your emoji. Jim

I agree with your sentiments. I can't comment about the election...just yet. As always, thanks for posting your comments. Jim

Welcome aboard! I love it when someone binge reads my stories. I am so guilty of doing that when I find a good read. That is really flattering to me. Thanks for posting your comments. Jim

Daniel thought for a moment about how he was feeling. Raymond had just outed them and told him they were going to be parents all in one breath. He thought about how he had felt nauseous off and on during the meeting. Then that was obliterated by his overwhelming concern for Raymond. That was soon replaced by unbridled joy. As he considered each emotion it was as if he, again, sampled a bit of each one. He decided the last one was his favorite. Definitely, if he could choose from among those feel

Imortality is not always in a fleshly sate of being. I am glad you decided to post again. It was a story that I regreeted leaving unfinished in my reading. Thanks,

Okay, I surrender. You now The Andy Griffith Show better than I. I will leave with this parting shot, "Earnest T. Bass". My favorite. Put them rocks in your pocket. LMAO! Jim

I believe that most people don't hold any animosity toward gays. They just let the loudmouthed bigots speak on issues that don't affect them directly. Daniel's support will have to come from those folks, including the old' Biddy network. I think those that stand with him, as Nathan did, will be less obvious, but no less supportive. Daniel has a surprise coming. Thanks for commenting. Jim

I am glad to hear that. I took it to be a fair and accurate observation. I hope I responded in a way that was informative and provided some insight as to how we got here. And also to let you know that Jeff and Paul and of course Maria are not forgotten. But, I am glad you will continue to read along. Jim

Thanks for the kind and encouraging comments. I was, in a previous response, trying to explain not excuse my level of training as a writer. I have no thought of quitting. I did look at the stats on this story and they have dropped drastically since peaking. I decided that if someone/anyone says they still enjoy what I write, I will continue. After all, with my writing method, not even I never really know what happens next. Thanks again, Jim

You have good taste... But, then I already knew that. "Gomer" became my favorite of all the quirky characters. I also enjoyed his spin-off, "Gomer Pyle, USMC. It was a massive hit.

Not a problem. I'm just glad you chose to post a comment. Believe me, I have been called much worse than, "Gary". Besides, doesn't everyone have a friend named, Gary? Jim

Actually, I had forgotten. Bet, you don't remember ever seeing it when it was first broadcast. And probably no one remembers the series continued after Andy left. I do. Still liked James Garner better. After I saw, "A face in the Crowd", I could never unsee the character "Lonesome Rhodes" in Andy Griffith. I think that movie should be required viewing in every high school and before anyone sends money to a televangelist. Thanks for the memories. I think I'll search for "Support your local Sheriff". Jim

WoW! Considering your usual level-headed observations, that's very flattering. Thank you! Jim

Thanks for the nice remarks. I'm glad you are enjoying it here. I don't to "HEA" only because of the "Ending" part. But, all my stories, as you know, end in a "hopefully and happily for now" kind of way. I am a cynical romantic. I think that comes across in my writing. None of my characters are without flaws and foibles. The main characters are good men facing no so good folks and challenging situations, sometimes self-inflicted. Much like folks in everyday life often do. thanks for commenting, Jim

Thanks, by now you have read the next chapter. But, even then the meeting is not ended. Someone is eventually going to tell me I milk every scene to the very last drop of entertainment and I should just gloss things over a bit more and move on faster. Thanks for commenting. Jim

Geez! Give me a break. Two chapters in two days and you are pushing for more. I'll take that as a compliment. As for the "three"? I am not sure the degree to which those guys will impact the story. But, I figure it would be too unrealistic to have everyone all warm fuzzies without a few cold pricklys. Thanks for commenting. Jim

Thanks... but, who's Gary? You haven't been around in a while... is this an old joke I forgot?