Independence restricted

July is when Americans celebrate Independence Day. It's our independence from the British back in 1776. 247 years later in 2023, a lot of that independence is taken away or withheld. Our conservative Supreme Court justices swore not to reverse any decisions that were made previous to their appointment. Yet, here we are fighting for our right to have autonomy over our bodies, how or who can vote, and what or how history is interpreted to our students. One-by-one, they pick and choose the most controversial issues to overturn. 
Abortion is a medical issue, between the patient and her doctor. I'm not saying abortion at every stage is legit. I'm saying taking it away at 6 weeks is bullying of the female citizen. Someone else besides me has the authority over my body to carry an unwanted baby? The "unwanted" can be any reason: rape, incest, medical, etc. Will the people fighting for its life take care of it when it's a member of the LGBTQ+ community? Or will that be frowned upon as it is now?  In Florida, there's even a "Don't Say Gay" law. Seriously, because being gay is unacceptable to those lawmakers. In the Bible, Jesus asked those without sins to cast the first stone against Mary Magdalene. Everyone walked away and she became one of his disciples. 
Back in 1920, women were granted the right to vote. Today, voting districts are being drawn over to give a certain advantage to the majority party. Today, society has gone so crazy for red or blue that common sense seems to disappear. Not everyone is going to be happy with all the rules and regulations but at least make it where the majority of the people can be happy about it. We are so divided as a country that you have to pick a side. You can't be purple or in the happy middle. 
I am not complaining as I live in the bubble of Silicon Valley.  We have our own economy and we are very liberal. We also have lots of conservatives. However, we manage to live side-by-side in enough harmony to continue this economic growth. This place celebrates uniqueness and individualism. You can be who you are, just don't bother your neighbors. Does it hurt your feelings to see me dress a certain way? Or to see me kiss someone? Why wouldn't you think you're hurting my feelings because you dress a certain way or kiss another heterosexual?  Feelings and emotions go both ways. I hope one day the few people who get to make the laws understand they are working for the majority, not the few. I also hope that people become more tolerant of others and be more accepting of differences. If not, there's a quote my patient has at the end of his email that is very wise: Build a bridge and get over it.