Joseph: Lets put away the age thing. You are right – I have no idea how old any of you are. (although he would be writing from an old age home if he were double my age 🙂
As for the chinuch he received, I can only go by his words.
Having said that, I would probably be good neighbors with any of you if you lived in my neighborhood. No offense to anyone. I can respect anyone’s view as long as it isn’t an issur min hatorah.
My point being, respecting another person’s way of life is waaaay more important than trying to make people over to fit your view.