Intellectual integrity

In response to David Ferguson, who has informed us of his displeasure of being subjected to my letters each month: David, surely you jest. Contrary to your wishes, the Constitution of the United States guarantees every citizen the right to free speech. However, you can take solace in the fact that there are many like you who, for whatever reason, fail to grasp the concept of free speech, but wholeheartedly embrace any number of absurd notions immortalized by religious propaganda.

It would seem that individuals who have a religious conviction that their faith cannot be shaken by contrary evidence are the first to insist that contrary evidence be suppressed. When censorship is imposed upon society, instead of creating an enlightened citizenry, it produces a herd of fanatical bigots. Those who oppose free speech and rational dialogue are standing much in the way of civilization.

In all honesty, I have grave doubts about the future of the human race, as the masses of the world continue to take their guidance from a plentiful assortment of gods who are merely the renderings of their generous imagination, and they simply accept the fantasy that has the most satisfying conclusion.

In my opinion, the virtue of intellectual integrity (deciding questions in accordance with the evidence) is of far greater social value than all the dogma of organized religion put together.

I would like to thank Gail Cnudde for her kind words. Semper fi.

AL CASE

Onia