He has an incredibly warped view of what it means to be an American. There’s nothing American about denigrating and fearing gays. They’re just people. Colorado’s pot laws are obviously the beginning of what is becoming a nationwide trend (except for the usual bastions of denial in the Bible Belt and a few other backward-leaning states).

He points out we are free to exercise our rights in this state, and then refers to it as the province of Colorodostan. I’m not sure what he’s inferring by that, but it appears he’s comparing Colorado to a former Soviet or Middle Eastern country? As if they are tolerant of gays and pot smokers?

He then states he’s a true American. People like Tillman should never be allowed to be law enforcement officials, as his prejudices obviously prevent him from making fair decisions. That makes him a poor choice for holding a badge. He, along with an abundance of other “conservatives,” have no idea what a real American is. There’s nothing truly American about being a bigot.

Those who think they’re superior because by pure chance they were born Caucasian in America are the worst this country has to offer. Many conservatives speak of freedom but want more freedom for them and less for you, waging fear campaigns against anything they don’t agree with or understand – but don’t want you speaking your mind. There’s nothing American about that, either.

Live and let live, folks. Just because someone believes differently than you, doesn’t make them scary – just different. Choose not to be afraid.

Ken Van Zee

Durango