I haven't got any quarrel with you. I hope you and your family get some rest and enjoyment too.

I want to clarify that it's not like I'm looking over my shoulder at every little thing, but every couple months there's either national news or an incident close to home that reminds me the knuckle draggers are alive and well. A lot of my concern for my family's well-being comes from if things get worse, which would happen under Trump. I'm privileged to be able to say that, because I know there's Americans being actively targeted by conservatives. My first chemistry teacher is lesbian and has a family with kids. A teacher I knew but never had classes with had to leave the state because of increased transphobia and their trans child.

I just want to make it clear that me and my family are not actively suffering, I'm just worried (with good reason to be, I think). And I'm very empathetic for the people I know who are suffering right now. Does that make sense? I want to be able to help everyone, but my family and those I know come first, followed closely by LGBT and minority Americans.

Just to reiterate, I don't have anything against you. I suspect we largely support the same things and have the same beliefs too. I just wanted to show you that I'm not in an ivory tower -- I do understand what's at stake. The situation in Gaza asks you to make impossible questions, and it's unfair of me to judge people for what that decide is the answer. I'm still going to nudge them towards Biden, because I genuinely believe that is the most likely least bad outcome for everyone. But you're right, I shouldn't show contempt or distaste.