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Unhappily, and perhaps, disappointingly, history as well as current events instruct us that  war and human suffering are all too often motivated by the clash of  different religious beliefs .  Yet it is obvious, and must always borne in mind, that it is only by the mere accident of birth that we randomly acquire our culture and specific belief system.

The early seed of discord is planted by a well-meaning parent or guardian by the reference to a “we” and a “they”. As a consequence, thereafter, some dedicate their lives to evangelism, myth -making and even, warfare.

On the assumption that religion is needed by the believer to face his mortality, it should be realized and understood that other’s beliefs may be serving the same purpose albeit seen as “different” (“they”)

Personally, I seem to prefer secular morality.

Addendum:

All of mankind would greatly benefit from the permanent eradication of the word (and concept) of “race”. Worse than useless, arbitrary and unscientific, it has never been employed for useful (as opposed to malignant) purpose. Simply put, the word “race” only leads to mischief.

p

The 17th Century impetus was to find a short route to the “Indies” -for spices and other products and, very importantly, to find a route by which payments for the privilege of ocean passage might be avoided.

Chris’ application for the financing of the voyage was, perhaps wisely, turned down by his own rulers and so he applied to the religious zealots, the lunatics, Ferdinand and Isabella, who were almost too preoccupied with burning innocent people alive as “heretics” in Spain. The celebrated royal couple financed the voyage for their own   purpose of converting heathen savages to their brand of Catholicism.  (Presumably, one which would not be approved by the new Pope, Francis, by any means).

Three ships, loaded with many missionary priests (and some sailors) set out for the continent of America but ended up in Haiti (my wife berates me for getting off the LIE at the wrong exit!!).

He did, however, succeed in killing many indigenous people, bringing death, atrocity and new diseases to the “New World”. And its innocent inhabitants.

I enthusiastically celebrate the ethnos, but not that villain, Columbus.

p

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The Republican party, now in a state of utter and complete disarray, is reaping the rewards of its political chicanery in 1968. During the reign of Saint Richard Nixon (of blessed memory) the then anti-civil rights Southern States bolted the pro-civil rights. Democratic party and switched to the Republican side, where they could more comfortably continue their hateful and pernicious advocacy; the Republicans were only too happy to build up its roster and legislative power.

This created, indeed, a bigger and more powerful party, but one plagued and beset by many disparate interests and goals ,eventually leading, ineluctably, to the present day anarchy, intra -party warfare and hopeless disorganization
I do not apologize for my schadenfraude!
p