I feel an obligation to do something for the preservation of freedom. I read, study, and philosophize on the subject and prepare myself for the time I might be called upon to defend liberty with word or pen. But I need to be reminded constantly that a rude, pugnacious enthusiasm will only lose potential defenders of freedom. I have no great fondness for writing letters, but write letters I do -letters for freedom. The personal, sincere letter can succeed where an emotional, vocal argument will antagonize.
Readers respond, too.
Phone calls, letters, and comments from my friends. In all that I write, I strive for tolerance and gentlemanly conduct. All that is required of any of us is understanding, humility, honesty, sincerity, and tolerance. Practice these daily and you won't be a lonesome libertarian. At the time of the original publication, Mr. Bearse was a free-lance writer in Humble, Texas.