Margaret Downey Fan Site

This rings true for me. When I told my father - 40 years ago - that I was no longer going to church because it was all so hypocritical, he asked me to spend the day thinking about my decision and all the moral and social repercussions that go along with it. I did, earnestly. And when he asked me at the end of the day what my decision was I told him my decision was unchanged. Boy did that set off a rage. He seemed all adult and concerned in the morning and all spit and venom at the end of the day when I did not confirm his belief as my own. And the funny thing is, my parents spent time and money to give me a wonderful education that pushed me to think and reflect. Love you too dad.

But there is another thing about this video that I find disturbing, beyond the obvious lack of respect and discussion. Why isn't dad saying anything here? Yes this is a short snip of an anger tirade and we don't know how it all works out but I think this family has deeper problems than the fact that a son is no longer interested in mimicking his parents religious rituals. Anger and abuse?

Michael, there are plenty of others out here just like you. We found love and fulfillment outside of the parental control realm. You will too. You may even be able to show your mother and father what real love looks like some day.
Best wishes