"We are as rife as anyone else in intolerance, bigotry and ignorance."

Are we now? Mr. Philosophy Professor, scratch that almost-empty noggin of yours and eke out what little wisdom remains inside of it, and enlighten us, in what way do we resemble a place like Saudi Arabia or some second-world Eastern European state.

Your shades are too darkly tinted Mr. Kingwell, scrap them. You probably have rose-colored shades in your locker. Ditch those too, and let your eyes take in reality unmolested.