re: #1030 Sharmuta

Now now, careful with that ax, Eugene. Ad hominem attacks? Aren’t “liar” and “hypocrite” harsh words? Is this your normal response template, or (more likely) are you frustrated?

The Constitution is but one tool in my conservative arsenal. The Declaration of Independence is another of my tools.

And again you appear to equate ‘respecting religion’ with “belonging to a religious belief” or being required to hold a religious belief. Or practicing a specific religion. I didn’t say that. To respect religion does not necessarily mean you must endorse the specifics of a particular religion, its rituals, or its view of the universe and man’s role in it.

How many self-labeled conservatives consider themselves to be such enemies of religion that they must expunge the views of the faithful from the public arena? Not many — that would be intolerant. And I agree there are atheists among self-labeled conservatives. I respect their right to hold that view. Just as I respect religion (even practitioners of religion holding views dramatically different from mine). So yes in a free society we are required to respect religion, and even respect atheism. As a matter of tolerance the Constitution requires it. Read it carefully — the 1st amendment says “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion…”. There is no Church of America (ref. Church of England).

The vast majority of conservatives believe in God. For that matter, the majority of scientists do too.

I called atheism a belief system, yes. And I tolerate it, and respect its annunciation to the degree I am willing to listen and challenge it. But that doesn’t mean I can’t argue with a particular atheist’s misguided practice (that being the practice of intolerance). I could never have an atheist as a close friend, but I could (and do) have atheist neighbors that I tolerate, and yes, even respect.

By refusing to answer my questions, you are ignoring my challenges. You prefer a misguided, tangential, semantic rut. And by the employment of vitriol in your responses, you are showing signs that you may be ‘intolerant’. At the minimum it reflects poorly on your character.