I have cut off all contact with two nephews and their families. As an old man, I simply do not need the anguish of knowing that relatives of mine are utter, aggressive bigots and right wing reactionaries who are living in a fantasy world of hate, fear, and bigotry and trying to expand that world. Both of them grew up in a culturally racist culture in rural north Florida. Both decided not to pursue education beyond high school.

But, as they lived in an area without much economic opportunity . And without any higher education, they chose to go into the military. One stayed in until retirement after twenty years. The other could not tolerate serving under an Afro-American officer, and simply bailed out after 15 years. The military was a safe environment for them: It did not require too much thinking or motivated independent action. It did not challenge their racism or thoughtless conservatism.

But, I did not fully understand until recently how malevolently racist and tionary they both are. Having grown up in that environment myself, I can understand how one can be a cultural, but not pathological racist. The one who has children has passed his truly hurtful outlook on life to them. I will no longer forgive or look away.