The other day I was accosted by a friend in a bar who asked if it was true that I hated America, Christianity and Capitalism. It took me a few minutes to realize he was referring to my post of Sept 5 (Okay, I dont get it. If we all know what the problems are: Gross corporate greed…). I fear I have been misunderstood. At first I was amused, but the more I thought about it, the more offended and indignant I have become. So let me begin by saying unequivocally, I love my country, I am grateful for my Christian upbringing and the values I have acquired from it, and I AM a bloody Capitalist! Regarding America: When patriots see things that are obviously wrong – obviously Un-American – it is not only their right, but their DUTY to speak out! The Founders of our nation were patriotic dissenters. Most had no intention of severing ties with England. It was only when the Crown ignored their appeals for representation in Parliament that they chose to “dissolve the political bands” which connected our two peoples. When dissent can be interpreted today as hating America that is evidence of one of the problems that need discussion in this open forum. As to Christianity, I was pointing out that extremists of all shades – from rabid atheists to the Westboro Baptist Church – are responsible for much of the intolerance pervading today’s world. In fact, I would defy anyone to speak to ten Christians of different faiths and ask what “Christianity” is and get the same answer! Forget about the differences between Islam and Christianity – just talk to Protestants and Catholics in Ireland! So I do not hate Christianity! But anyone who cannot see that there are issues with any one sect or faith or belief system that vilifies all who disagree with their point of view is again, part of the problem. And finally, it is criminally foolish to equate the gross abuses of modern multinational corporations with capitalism. Capitalism is an economic system where the means of production are owned by private individuals rather than the state. I have no objection to this. Capitalism is responsible for the infrastructure underpinning our lives in the modern world. The fact that I own my guitar and the gear I need to work makes me a Capitalist!!! But when multinational corporations – generally very UN-American institutions – can influence our leaders to the point where they no longer listen to their constituents; to the point where they can flout the laws of our land for profit at the expense of our citizens and the citizens of the world, there is a PROBLEM! So, If pointing that out makes me someone who hates America, Christianity and Capitalism, then God help us because Monsanto, BP, the Westboro Baptist Church and the US Congress sure as Hell won’t! Okay, rave over.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 13:25:49 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015