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I totally understand, I recently read a transcription of the 700 club with Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, and I was appalled, angried, and dissappointed that there are such public figures that are obviously representative of some part of our society.
Basically these two ignorant, judgemental, and all-together repulsive (in the fact that they are so narrow minded) blamed the ACLU, abortionist, gays and lesbians, pagans, and feminists for having a part in the attack b/c they have tried to "secularize america" Falwell also goes on to say "I point the finger in their face and say 'you helped this happen'"
The one question I have not heard asked or point mentioned, and something that has dampered my patriotism b/c I know part of the answer, is "Why do all these groups feel this way toward the US? What have we done?" The answer is not simply because we are "the brighest beacon of freedom" as President Bush has said. And it is not solely because Osama bin Laden is some Muslim nut job b/c there are others like him--obviously there is some vast, underlying thing that is the causing so much hatred. There are several things that come to mind: our Ethnocentrism, our success (hmm, kinda like greek hatred in that respect), our intrusiveness in world affairs particularly b/c we won't take any position other than one of head honcho.
Now don't get me wrong, I love America, it is a place where the freedom of opinions is least restrictive, and a place where the opportunity for success is available (although not entirely equally) to all. However I have the rationality to see that there is a seemy underbelly that many people either ignore, or never acknowledge. And the fact that I love America for it's diverse spectrum of thought is what makes Falwells and Robertsons words the most frightening. They systematically oppose any opinions that differ from theirs. They seem to forget that the ACLU has fought for peoples right to worship as they please, including Christians. They fail to see that while they dispute the lables placed on them, such as racist, and bigoted, they feel that they can exclude, chastise, and make second class citizens of other such petty labels on good people who I would much rather know, live with, and respect then these two so "godly" men. Frickin' Hypocrites!!!
Okay, well I'm stepping off my soap box, I hope that this makes some sense (it is pretty late) and feel free to reply.
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