Strong beliefs kill.
As an example, look no further than 9/11 or at the last time a doctor was killed for performing an abortion. Yes, I have picked rather glaring examples. But really, anyone can partake on a smaller scale: the 55% of the country that supported sending American troops into Iraq despite the administration’s shaky reasoning, for example.
Take for example, George Bush’s strong evangelical beliefs, on everything from abortion and gay rights to the worldwide sale of democracy, which prevent him from considering any opposing points of view. Evangelicals like George Bush and the blatantly prejudiced Jack Chick and Fred Phelps aren’t the only examples of how beliefs harm people. Three prominent American Cardinals recently pontificated about Catholic politician’s responsibility to stand against abortion, the death penalty, and gay rights. A politician is not beholden to the church, rather an electorate of vastly different ideals. It is his or her responsibility to protect the rights of the individual, not only the majority, but the under-represented.
A person has the right to control over their body, be that through abortion, drug use, or assisted suicide. The imposition of conservative Christian ideals in a melting pot only alienates those who don’t share those beliefs, anymore than the Muslim residents of France who spent the better part of the fall rioting. The responsibility of citizens, politicians, and religious leaders alike, is too show tolerance for the ideals of each other. What is right for you may not be right for me, or vice versa.
My entire point is that strong beliefs, be them under the guise of political or religious affiliation, rabid nationalism, or overt prejudice does massive harm to societies. Beliefs, primarily strong ones, don’t change- look at George Bush’s bull-headed instance on the existence of WMDs in Iraq… Or Dick Cheney’s refusal to acknowledge his daughter’s right to choose who she wants to marry (whether she personally supports her rights or not). Even the refusal of Governors to commute death sentences in the light of incomplete evidence or the mounting numbers of exonerated death row inmates.
Ideas are open to change. Ideas save. Call them flip-floppers, say they lack clarity and resolution if you like, but I always considered it a hallmark of an intelligent person to be able to reevaluate information and change course based upon new information. Tunnel vision and resolute stubbornness seem indicative of ignorance… Blind faith will lead you over off the edge of a cliff before it will deliver you to heaven. If indeed a superior being is responsible for the Big Bang, we evolved with free will and the capacity for thought, and surely it wouldn’t want us to waste that?
Pound for pound, your writing style, your capacity for debate, and your knowledge base far outweigh anything I might attempt. You are well spoken, judicious with your verbage, and extremely poingnant and pertinent. Bravo, Michael, Bravo!