Steve Cameron: Why I write

Some friends have gotten me to thinking.

I'll get into a bit of detail in a sec, but the general idea they're promoting is pretty simple. They suspect I'm wasting my time writing about politics.

No, these are not rabid, right-wing crackers with Glenn Beck key chains, either.

They represent an intelligent cross-section of the political spectrum. Heck, one's a lifetime Republican, so if your beef with me is that I only listen to guests on "The Rachel Maddow Show" ...

Well, you're wrong.

Let me start with a very good pal who lives in Britain. Perhaps you know I spent three years residing in Scotland and -- unlike most Americans -- I actually do know what it's like in a country with what you might call "capitalist socialism."

Anyway, my message from that side of the Atlantic was pretty simple.

"I can't read your political columns anymore," the e-mail read. "Some of the comments you get are so cruel. Some of the people are just so mean.

"When we studied about America, we always were told that it was not only a free country for people to express their opinions, but that the government succeeded through compromise -- and that Americans always could pull together. What's happened to that?"

Good question.

Next up is my buddy the Republican -- a businessman who has lived in the Valley most of his life.

Full disclosure here: He's disgusted with the recent antics of his party and probably will change his political registration to independent.

Anyhow, his thoughts about my columns go something like this ...

"People with any sense at all either agree with you already, or understand your points. They respect political discussions. So writing for them is like preaching to the choir.

"On the other hand, the hard-core conservatives who rant about you don't just think, 'Gee, I feel like he's a little off on a couple of these issues.'

"No, they're hoping you'll get smashed by a bus on 16th Street. Some of 'em probably would like to be driving it at the time -- because in some weird way, they think you're a threat to American values.

"That would be 'American values' as they view them. As Sarah Palin views them. These are people who scream about freedom of speech if they get criticized for comments on Fox News -- but they'll call you a terrorist sympathizer if you claim freedom of speech for yourself.

"For these people, everything is a one-way street -- and you're going the wrong way."

Needless to say, my friend's final point was that none of these right-wing zealots -- not a one -- would ever, ever, ever take in a single word I write with an open mind.

So what's the use?

Another good question.

So let me quote another friend, and if you happen to be a racist or homophobic, you'll love this...

This particular lady is a lesbian who lives in Northern Ireland.

Here's a question that came up during our chat: Why would anyone take an unpopular position, when some people will not only disagree but loathe you for even speaking up?

Why?

"What I learned a long time ago was this," she said. "If not me, then who?"

Yet another great question.

And I guess that's why I keep writing.

I will always believe that America became great through fair and honest dialogue, through respectful exchange of differing views.

Now, however, there seems to be a movement afoot that believes there is only one view -- and that those of us who may disagree probably dine out with Osama bin Laden.

That kind of arrogant self-belief never has helped this country, and never will.

Thus, I have no intention of going away.

Sorry.

Steve Cameron is a freelance columnist. He can be reached at stevecameron1000@gmail.com.