Neanderpundit

Freedom of religion and separation of church and state seem to be large issues these days. Should freedom of religion mean freedom “from” religion? We’ve just had an airline pilot try to convert several of his passengers.
Personally, I think this is inapropriate. The passengers had no place to go, and were hence subjected to it against their will without the benefit of the choice to leave. Did it harm anyone? no. Did it perhaps irritate some? sure, I have no doubt of that. Aside from which, making “converts” like that is flawed. My seminary counselor always said, “want to convert someone? be such a good person that they want desperately to be like you”

Outside the confines of an airplane, and beyond the concept of forcing your beliefs on someone, there should be room in this country for anyone’s beliefs, as long as those beliefs don’t hold that the creator of the universe requires human sacrifice, or religion based discrimination.
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A very dear friend asked me the other day, how I felt that some people I respect had feet of clay. Specifically, she was referring to Sir Arthur C. Clarke, who in a comment in an interview revealed he lived in Sri Lanka because of his short eyes. Now, I’ve been a longtime fan of Sir Arthur, and his work is frankly impressive on many levels. To me, anyway. My friend cited a musician she was fond of, and who engaged in despicable behavior, which soured the music for her, forever.

To some extent, I can understand this; it’s maudlin and creepy to think of someone buying John Wayne Gacy’s clown portraits.
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Happy birthday Mr President!

God love and protect you. Mister, we could use a man like Ronald Reagan again.