Amalgam

 If you ever wonder where I stand on issues of race, color, gender, or religion, know this: 

My DNA includes African, Native American, and European genes. We were both slaves and slave holders at one time or another. My forefathers fought for the Union and the Confederacy. 

 My ancestors were Lutheran, Catholic, Separate Baptists, Mennonites, Presbyterians, and Ashkenazi Jews. My father was a Baptist- Buddhist, my mother an Agnostic. My sister was Wiccan. 

 I am a political moderate. My father was a Democrat. Mom was a Republican. I have experienced firsthand the corruption in both parties. I believe that both sides use false information to influence voters. I trust no one. 

 I am a female veteran who spent 12 years in a field where only 2 of us were women. I experienced a great deal of gender bias in my career. There was no MeToo movement. Rape was not discussed. 

 I worked for 25 years in a research institute that examines other cultures, other times. I have spent 7 years overseas, in countries where the predominant religion was not my own. 

 Like MOST Americans, I am an amalgam of races, creeds, and cultures. Unlike most Americans, I choose to embrace my ethnic and cultural diversity. So before you go spouting your political bullshit, better check your facts. I certainly have. 😎