My friend Bill at Bill's Comments reflects on how too many on the Left mock those with religious beliefs. (Qualifier: they usually only mock those with religious beliefs that are more traditional in this country. If you happen to be the proud owner of a religion that is at odds with Western values, or quirky, then you get a bye.)
Bill asks this to-the-point question:
Can you imagine the outcry if a national conservative commentator made equivalent remarks about secularists?
I can imagine indeed, Bill.
Nevertheless, some Lefties feel no compunction whatsoever when it comes to mocking those with firm religious beliefs - nor even in wishing for their demise! Read beloved Lefty writer Molly Ivins in action:
The Southern Baptists are poised to deploy en masse, reminding us of Texas newspaperman William Brann's famous comment, 'The trouble with our Texas Baptists is that we do not hold them under water long enough.
It's a strange world. Molly Ivins is happy to speak up for Islam, and criticize those who point out that a segment of Muslim believers are perpetrating horrific acts in the world - but she's all for drowning Baptists.
Perhaps this is just Ms. Ivin's "colorful" manner of criticism? Maybe. Still, even a humorist could use a bit more respect for those with religious beliefs that differ from her own.
Thanks for the link Peg. Even as a hard-core agnostic, I was aware that religion was being persecuted in this country and was appalled. Isn't it amazing that those who scream, "First Amendment", at the idea of not publishing something they know that would put our troops further in harm's way, would then try to destroy another part of that same amendment. The Japanese have the idea that things are in boxes, some to be opened in public, some to be opened with close associates, and others to be opened only when totally alone. But I never expected to have conjoint ideas ripped apart and put into boxes that were to be treated as non-related parts of a whole.
This is on a par with the piece I posted a couple of months back about NY liberals actually praising Saddam Hussein.
Posted by: Bill | Sunday, October 03, 2004 at 07:45 PM