Dear visionaries, Stan responded, “But consider the case of a murder colony . . . the law in the USA would NOT allow such conduct.” Unless, to take one obvious example, the murder colony is called the bombing of Dresden. Stan also said:” “He would have to fight against and oppose almost all wars the …
Somebody’s Karma Ran Over My Dogma
Dear visionaries, Thomas raises some interesting points. “Is there social harm from dogmatic fundamentalist views that will not admit . . .” But if there is demonstrable social harm that results from dogmatic fundamentalism, I wonder what the appropriate penalty might be? I don’t have to report to a reeducation center yet, do I? Seriously, …
Death Penalty II
Dear visionaries, Jamison asks if I support the death penalty for abortion clinic bombers, if the bombing were to result in the deaths of any inside. The answer yes, I do. At the same time, I do not support the death penalty being applied to children inside those same clinics. In short, I support the …
Death Penalty I
Dear visionaries, We have been asked about the contradictory positions taken, not only by absolutists, but by Christian absolutists. The example cited was that of the death penalty. But the example is poorly drawn. Everyone supports the death penalty. It is yet another example of “not whether, but which.” Do we execute the serial murderer, …
Believing Your Own Propaganda
Dear visionaries, The debate between rival absolutes is one kind of debate, like the kind that happened at the battle of Tours. Obviously, when two contradictory claims of absolute truth collide, both can be wrong, but both cannot be right. The rules of engagement in this are of interest to those of us who believe …
Debating Relativism Is Like War With France
Dear visionaries, Just got back in town after a week out, and had a fun time catching up. I agree with William (!) about one post a day. What a good deal that would be. Although I am a little concerned that a liberal wants to work out this kind of a solution without the …
Keep Your Shirt On
Dear visionaries, Bill Jameson argues that if he found the sight of a bare breast caused him to consider being unfaithful to his wife, then he would examine the depth of his commitment to the marriage — and he would not place blame upon a woman who chose to bare her breast. But then again, …
Erotic Retardation III
Dear visionaries, Joanne writes: “My observations suggest that it’s very poor countries–often fundamentalist regimes of various kinds–that have poor facilities for personal hygiene and women who are hidden from public view.” To which I reply, all regimes are fundamentalist. The only thing that distinguishes them is the nature of their fundament. Prudent legislation has spared …
Erotic Retardation II
Dear visionaries, Everybody take a few deep breaths. If that doesn’t help, put your head between your knees for a few minutes. Just a couple thoughts. On the subject of female toplessness, Thomas moaned, “We Americans look like bumpkin country jakes to most of the civilized world . . .” But there is a difference …
How About a Law Against Erotic Retardation?
Dear visionaries, Susan objects to a law that requires women to keep a top on but does not require the same thing of men. “A law intended from the outset to be selectively enforced” will clearly in the minds of some lead to tyrannical despotism. Since one of the things we have learned in this …