There is an old but very wise saying: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do!” Sadly, we seem to be living in a time in which some people have revised that saying to: “When in Rome, do as I do”

This increasingly dangerous attitude of monolithic-culturalism ironically attempts to take ownership of the victimization of religious persecution with total disregard to the “host” countries own culture, attitudes, beliefs, ethics, morals, and politics (many of these formed over centuries). Again, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” is a simple reminder that, as a guest in a foreign country, you should respect and conform ( yes, that’s right) to that culture. As a visitor, you have a personal responsibility to keep an open mind, learn their history and appreciate how your host citizens live, speak, and pray (not the other way around). If that is an idea that is intolerable to you, then you will be unhappy, angry and frustrated for the remainder of your “visit”. Some advice . . . keep your passport current.