I Just Don;t Get It

You see, I just don't get it. Call me naive, call me ignorant, but I just don't get why people wish to judge, discriminate against, harm or kill someone else because of religious beliefs, skin color, gender, ethnicity, or sexual preference. I get the politics of suffering--how people can begin to hate others who oppress them in refugee camps, concentration camps, or society. So I get how the Palestinians' resentments started and grew, and the Israelis, and the Kosovars, and the..... What I don't get is what that has to do with religion, race, gender, cultural background, or sexual behavior. I can't imagine turning someone down for a job, not welcoming someone as a neighbor, not welcoming someone as a friend because they are Roman Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Hindu, or Atheist---or because they are of a different race or culture---or because they are gay or lesbian---or whatever. What does that have to do with people's hearts and spirits? I am different in many ways. I am a Universalist. I wouldn't want to be treated that way because of my views about the Divine. Sorry. You see, I just don't get it.......