Identity politics threatens the foundation of a free society

Communication is the cornerstone of sharing information. Information is the bedrock of any society. Being able to communicate effectively is vital to the health of a free society.

Identity politics creates an impenetrable wall of irrational emotion that shuts down any hope of meaningful dialog.

While enjoying some online Texas Holdem poker, I had a very interesting interaction with another player.

I lost a big hand to a bad beat*. I made a cocky comment about always getting my bets in while my hand is the best at the time.

Another player chimed in to tell me that I am an "entitled white boy who thinks society owes me." He also made a comment about me looking good, though it was not a compliment.

I was a little shocked by the comment and asked the player if they are racist, then mentioned I am not a "boy" but rather a 38-year-old man who apparently looks good for his age.

The player's comment could only have been prompted by my picture, and my screen name.

This is the picture I have and my screen name is "Liberty"

He then asked me if I had big guns too. "Little boys love their big guns."

Another player chimed in, "let's just play poker."

The agitator responded, "I just hate Neo-nazis who wrap themselves in the flag."

My response: I hate "Neo-nazis" too!

At this point, the agitator left the game and left me puzzled at his belief that being good looking, white, having an American flag backdrop, a shirt with the Liberty Bell and the word "Freedom" or having the nickname "Liberty" could possibly lead to someone concluding a person is a gun advocate or a racist.

So a white person who supports America and believes in liberty and Freedom is a racist?

Saying I am opposed to racism is an understatement. Does that mean I have to hate America, or just give up on freedom?

And what about guns? Are guns a bad thing too? Guns are great tools of self-defense, especially for the most vulnerable and oppressed classes.

*A bad beat in poker is "when a player with very strong cards loses to an opponent who is statistically unlikely to win, but hits a lucky card (or two) and unexpectedly takes the pot."

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