One Belief to bind them all...
One of the best pieces I’ve read recently on the effects of religious fervor
on our country, was Salon’s interview with Richard Dawkins. Much of what
was said was quotable, but this one struck a nerve with me.
Bush and bin Laden are really on the same side: the side of faith and violence
against the side of reason and discussion. Both have implacable faith that
they are right and the other is evil. Each believes that when he dies he is
going to heaven. Each believes that if he could kill the other, his path to
paradise in the next world would be even swifter. The delusional "next
world" is welcome to both of them. This world would be a much better
place without either of them. (more...)
This past weekend, at a pool party, during fairly light political banter, I
was asked who I thought was responsible for 9/11. Without hesitation, I said
that we were–our arrogance toward the rest of the world caused a climate
where we became a target. Needless to say, that was the last calm word that
was said until the hostess came over and told us to change the subject and lighten
up. It’s a good thing the group didn’t ask me my thoughts on organized
religion–I would never get another party invitation! I don’t understand
how something as personal as one’s beliefs/religion has become such a
litmus test of a person’s merit....and the arrogance of one person forcing
their beliefs/religion on others so publically, would have been unthinkable
a couple decades ago. There is a very scary climate festering in this country.
8:22:26 PM 
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