copy of my post on FB earlier today for a broader audience

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+[[!tag tags/freedom]]
+When I was younger, and worked in an "old HP" test and measurement division, 
+I sometimes sat at lunch in the cafeteria with a group of older co-workers 
+who I grew to have immense respect for. They told great stories. I learned 
+a lot of practical electronics from them... and other things too.
+
+Each carried on their person a copy of the US Constitution and Bill of 
+Rights, and most also had a "concealed carry" permit, which they would refer 
+to as their "redneck license". I quickly learned that they weren't *all* gun 
+fanatics... at that time, the vetting process for such a permit was a bit 
+daunting, and having one was their way of "proving" that they were honest, 
+law-abiding citizens. Citizens who knew their rights. Who enjoyed debating 
+boundary conditions in those rights inspired by current events at the lunch 
+table. I miss those guys and those conversations.
+
+I mention this because it's one of those things that I realize now had a 
+significant formative impact on my adult values and world view. Freedom 
+matters. That's why, despite my long-standing appreciation for and support 
+of the organization's activities, I'm embarrassed to admit that it wasn't 
+until this week that I personally joined the 
+[American Civil Liberties Union](http://aclu.org)
+and sent them a donation.