Klarinet Archive - Posting 000396.txt from 2001/09

From: Claaronet622@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Terrorism and religion
Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2001 01:13:29 -0400

In a message dated 9/11/01 4:44:07 PM, Spiegelthal.Dave@-----.COM writes:

<< I realize this is a clarinet forum, but I must digress, and I realize that
I'm
going to deeply offend some people. Right now, I really don't care if I do.
I
agree wholeheartedly with those list members who have asked that we keep all
references to religion out of our wishes for the health and safety of our
fellow
clarinetists, especially those in New York City. A good argument can be made
that, to a large extent, religion created this tragedy, and today's events
reinforce (my humble) opinion that religion is, and has been historically, as
powerful a force for evil as for good. It is unfortunate that two of the side
effects of religious belief seem to be (a) the subjugation of rational thought
processes by the acceptance, without evidence or proof, of concepts and
beliefs
passed down to us by people who are either misinformed or have ulterior
motives,
and (b) intolerance for people who believe differently than we do. So by all
means, let us send all our hope and best wishes to the victims and their loved
ones, but please, keep religion out of it!
Flame away if you must. This tragedy is bigger than all of us, and unless we
want this religion- and nationalism-based hatred to continue, we had better
all
start thinking outside our own belief systems and prejudices.
David Spiegelthal
Calverton, VA >>

Eloquently put.

Aaron

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