I’m baffled by people who can’t.

I consider myself a person with principles. My principles might not match yours and you might not even think they’re any good. But that’s not the point. I have principles and I stand by them.

For example, I believe that if a man and a woman are in a relationship, they should be faithful to each other. That’s one of my principles.

I believe that people should not lie, cheat, or steal. That’s another principle.

I believe that people should be tolerant of other people’s religion, political beliefs, and sexual orientation. More principles.

These basic principles — and lots more where they came from — are what guide me in my daily activities.

I stand up for what I think is right. That’s why I write so many opinion pieces on this site and wickenburg-az.com. I see something I don’t think is right and I want people to know it. I want them to see — even for a moment — why the thing is wrong. Or at least why I think it’s wrong. I want them to look into it for themselves, think about it with their own brains, and make a decision. Then I want them to act on that decision.

One of the biggest complaints I hear these days is that a single person can’t make a difference. I think that’s a cop-out, an excuse not to try. The trouble is, too many people believe it. Too many people are willing to ignore their principles because it’s the easy thing to do.

Everyone can make a difference. If you believe in something, let it guide you. Don’t settle for less.

And don’t give up, just because it’s easier than trying.