that's me, jenny_o

Wordpress, O Wordpress, how you confuse me :)

I can only speak on Nova Scotia, but there are regular roadside cleanups here, done by volunteers and sponsored by mostly one business (a coffee chain) which pays for the supplies and advertising. Nova Scotia relies on tourism and the coffee chain relies on repeat business, so it's in everyone's best interests not to have roadside litter, particularly with the coffee chain's cups as part of it. Obviously someone is littering, if we need regular cleanups. But I think littering is the same as so many other things: if you see your parents do it, you'll probably do it too. And so will your kids. On the other hand, if you see your parents take the trash home to deal with, that's what you'll do too. It's hard to break that generational teaching-by-example.

I think that's why a lot of topics are (or should be) presented in elementary school. It gives kids an alternative view to consider. When recycling started here, there was a lot of education in the elementary schools about it. The thinking was that the kids would want to recycle at home, and they'd take their new knowledge home to their parents. This was in addition to public campaigns on the topic. And now NS has a very high rate of compliance with recycling and composting rules. (A bit off topic there, sorry.)

I'm fascinated to learn that there's such a problem with littering in the US, particularly in some parts. It's not how I picture it. But I've never been further than Maine, so there's that. I like your idea of appealing to the US pride in one's country to try to change this behavior.

I hadn't thought about in-family intolerance. That's sad.

Good grief, now it's all changed back to jenny - I have no idea what's happening :)

I don't understand why, but my name (jenny) appears when I am typing my comment, but it changes to my other identity (catsandotherwildlife) after I click to submit my comment. I also don't know how to fix it! Just know that it's me, I guess :)

This is probably a much more pressing topic in places where there is truly a lack of acceptance of secular thinking, as you mentioned under "Safety and Protection". At this time, at least, the region where I live is not - overtly at least - intolerant of non-believers. If that changed, I would be much more open to forming or attending a secular group. Protecting my beliefs would become a higher priority and I would be willing to put aside other things in my life to do it. The downside of my attitude, of course, is that it would take time to get such a group up and running if it was needed. It would be better to be prepared before a crisis or turning point.

Wow, I can comment again! I wonder how that happened but I'm not going to question it!

Interesting points in the post and comments. I have nothing to add but am nodding in agreement :)

Your examples are always well constructed to make your logic clear to "reluctant" readers. I wish I had that ability.

I don't even open the door to roaming religious people because I know they don't want a conversation, they want a conversion. But my grandfather used to invite them in and then debate with them for an hour or two, just because he was bored. I can think of better ways to spend my time, but I wish I could think more quickly on my feet like he could.

I could not agree more. And you're right: although it was clearly coming, it's still shocking. As you also pointed out, the part of "freedom of religion" that says "or no religion at all" will be up for banning too, sooner or later.

One thing I doubt we will see is a ban on inter-racial marriage. Or maybe there will be a ban, but with "exceptions", say, if you're a member of the Supreme Court.

This reminds me of the poem "First they came for me ..." (which I'm sure you know but I'll add this info anyhow: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_they_came_......