On The Road Ramblings: Radical or Humane?

This episode is brought to you raw and unedited before my emotions are polluted by experiences of the day.  I always wanted to be seen in the best light and never wanted to make waves. After all Jesus said "Blessed are the peacemakers.." (Matthew 5:9) right?  As I look out at the world and the bold statements people are making that minimize others I also reflect to “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” -Proverbs 31:8-9 I have begun to speak out to defend those who are suffering as our country minimizes their pain. By doing so, I was most recently called a radical, a leftist, socialist, for speaking out for human rights. This caused me to ponder, am I radical? Is it radical that we all deserve to same rights as our neighbor? Is it radical to believe in our scientists, that our planet is changing and we need to protect it? Is it radical that I believe the homeless man on 3rd street deserves healthcare and the opportunity to live as long as he desires? Is it radical that when I read the Bible that "God so loved the world..." he meant the world beyond the USA? Is it radical to believe that pro-life extends outside the womb? That we should value the lives of our Muslim neighbors, our gay neighbors, our black neighbors, our trans neighbors? Is it radical to believe that giving is better than greed, that kindness and compassion are better than contempt? When they call me radical, do they really mean humane?