We should all watch more Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood regularly. He will remind us to be consistent – – to hold basic respect for others and recognize the free-agency of each individual. Nobody has to think exactly like us. The world would be a more peaceful and reasonable place on all levels, if we’re fair and consistent to ourselves and to others.

Let’s be that helper. Let’s be good neighbors.

Personally, I recall a sage advice very early on in my youthful civic engagement from a community activist. She noticed me and took me under her wings to share her decades of experience in protecting the environment, open space, and community empowerment.

“Be careful. Avoid fanatics on all sides. They’ll support and love you when you don’t cross them. But when you don’t fit their mold of thinking or their causes, they’ll not hesitate to eat you, chew you good, and spit you out! “