without interference or molestation. Allowing differences without discrimination.

Far too often in Bermuda there is real evidence of a lack of tolerance. There is a failure to allow people their opinions or their lifestyles "without discrimination''. Anything "different'' in Bermuda is far too frequently shunned. We are too often intolerant of the rights of people to be themselves, to express their views and to live their lifestyles.

Harsh judgments are often made about individuals with very little cause except their daring to be different. How often have we all heard someone "molested'' because of their hair; because they belong to "that funny religion''; because they express views outside the mainstream; because they dress differently; because they stick to their political guns; because of their ancestry. Very often the molestation arises from something very minor like an earring or an accent.

Individual politicians and political parties spread intolerance of people or groups they want to score against because they see it as an easy way to discredit someone. However the people often get their own back when they say: "There aren't going to be any politicians there, are there?'' The public spreads intolerance all the time by questioning why someone or other was seen with someone of a different political persuasion. "She can't be trusted you know. She's always with him and he's PLP.'' "I saw him eating lunch with a UBP MP. Something strange is going on.'' Some churches do it all the time and excuse it with quotes from the Bible. The public again gets its own back by believing less and less in literal acceptance of the Bible.

Governments do it when they make people's personal problems a criminal offence instead of a community concern. The public prevails by ignoring the laws.

Far too often the lack of tolerance causes great hurt and pain as well a tangible damage to both the victim and the victim's family. It can spread from a single source and become the norm for judging a person or a group of people and far too often it takes no account of real worth.

Often intolerance is a sign of individual immaturity, of making yourself look better at someone else's expense. Sometimes it indicates that Bermuda has yet to grow and mature politically to the point where political persuasion cannot be used to molest people. But the truth is that intolerance thrives in Bermuda today and is too often sanctioned by people who should know better.