HeyBub wrote:
Morris Dovey wrote:
I think you're overly optimistic. I think that no matter how
beneficial it was to remove Saddam Hussein, and that no matter how
important it may be to confront terrorism (and its root causes) -
George W. Bush's administration will be remembered for its
intentional polarization of American society, its falsehoods, and its
distain for the ideals and principles of American democracy.
The ideals and principles of American democracy, to coin a phrase, is not a
suicide pact.
Ok - did I suggest that it was?
Here's an example from another realm.
Orthodox Judaism holds that there are 613 Commandments - plus thousands more
regulations based upon these commandments. These rules were handed down
directly from God and God is not fond, to say the least, of anyone violating
them. Still, breaking these rules and commandments is not only permitted but
required and meritorious when a life would be at risk if the rules were
followed.*
From politics to religion? Hmm...
It's occurred to me that God must be a pragmatist /and/ have a sense of
humor.
Would you say a Jewish surgeon called to save a life on the Sabbath was
showing a "disdain" for his religious teachings? Would you complain that a
Jewish soldier firing back at an enemy was not adhering to his "principles?"
I'm generally not much inclined to stand in judgement of another
person's religious beliefs nor their exercise of same.
If a leaders "falsehoods" are considered evidence of evil, what about God
lying to Abraham?
If you spell "God" with a capital G, then I would suggest that standing
in judgement of Him might not be your best choice.
I will not make that same suggestion when it comes to politicians.
If you assert that "polarization" is a bad thing, how do you explain the
truth: "If you've got two Jews, you automatically have three opinions"?
My explanation: Everybody is opinionated. It's not a big deal - there
are times when I have three opinions all by myself.
--
Morris Dovey
DeSoto Solar
DeSoto, Iowa USA
http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/