A reader writes:
I grew up in a small town, raised conservative Christian by conservative and amazing parents, turned out gay and caught between two worlds. I always knew my politics were more left of my parents, but not nearly as left as some of my friends. I was branded "conservative" and "Republican" - like they were dirty words - and never really knew what I was.
I'm happy now, though, to embrace my conservatism for what it is: a unwavering belief in peoples' rights to make decisions for the betterment of their own lives, and those they love, while not infringing upon the rights of others. Although i don't always agree with you, I always find your opinions insightful. And i thank you for helping me to come to an understanding of what I myself believe, and what being a "conservative" actually is.
There are more of that kind of conservative out there than the GOP establishment would have you believe. I hope my book contributes to a deeper understanding of the conservatism that believes in freedom and tolerance, rather than big government and bigotry.