It seems that my columns really rile some of my readers. And they certainly let me know how they feel. Some are infuriated by my opinions; some try to teach me the errors of my ways; some try to convert me to their religious beliefs. All of them give me a chance to think about my beliefs and values.

Two weeks ago, for example, I wrote a column expressing the hope that we Americans would not revert to prejudice and inhumanity in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks. One of my more rabid fans clearly disliked what I had to say.

His email said, in part: "Then you went on a typical leftist self righteous tirade about what we stand for in this country. Well, who knows for what we stand? Do we stand for racial discrimination disguised as 'affirmative action'? You do. I don't and neither do Justice Thomas or Thomas Sowell, both black men. Thirty-five years of political correctness have prevented the CIA, FBI and the police from doing their jobs effectively. . . And after 5000+ have lost their lives you have the nerve to ask that question, what do we stand for? Well, you're not in the position to ask that question because you are a hypocrite of the first order and despicable person. You and people like you have ruined what was once the shining example of freedom in this world. God bless America and may he or she never allow people like you to gain a foothold in the American political spectrum again."

He wasn't the only one who seemed to object to my belief that intolerance and torture are unacceptable in America. His rage still mystifies me. I don't know what he wants, other than to keep people like me (whatever that means to him) out of public office.

But, I have no problem with his unloading his venom on me. I am, after all, an ardent supporter of the right to free speech (even if my critic isn't). I would much prefer to have bigotry and malice out in the open than sneaking into our homes and businesses through poisoned mail.

That is one of the great strengths of our Constitution. The right of everyone to speak her or his mind on any issue, to disagree openly with our government and our fellow citizens. Recently, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled that the Ku Klux Klan had the right to burn a cross, judging that such an act was an exercise of free speech, no matter how abhorrent it may be to others.

Whether it's burning a cross or burning our flag, the courts have long upheld the First Amendment to the Constitution. I applaud them for that. While both acts disgust me, once again, I greatly prefer to know what others believe than to have them exercising their rage and hatred in secret.

That doesn't mean we have to respect what others think. Nor do we have to like the people who espouse views we find repugnant. But, we do need to respect their right to express their opinions, even if they don't respect ours. I doubt I would find the enraged person who sent me the email very appealing. I probably wouldn't find much in his opinions to like. Nonetheless, I do think it's important to know that some Americans hold views like his.

Despite the September 11 attacks, we are not just one big happy family in America. There are still many people who harbor tremendous anger over injustices that are real or perceived. Some of these people are going to act out their anger in violent ways. We need to know what they think and why if we are to protect ourselves and our country from them.

I will say it again because I believe it deeply. America's soul is based on tolerance and respect for the dignity and opinions of others. Our humanity, however imperfect, is a beacon to the world. I fervently hope we never forget that.