John wrote: Free speech(as being important)
Don P: Absolutely
John: Religion free from government interference, either positive or
negative.
Don P: Which also means that if someone wants to pray or conduct religious
activities in school, they should be able to do so. This does not mean that
everyone should be required however.
John: Against any law that inserts a grim faced man in a blue suit with a
large
gun into a doctor's office. In other words, pro-choice -- but NOT
pro-abortion.
Don P: People that are pro-abortion do have rights just as all do. For now
the law says that a woman can have an abortion. So we must follow the law.
But if one believes that God intended for people to do so, then this is
wrong. Your next point was on race, etc. Concerning race, why do you think
that the black population has not grown at the same level as whites and
particularly Latin-Americans. Of course, most will say that it is due to
immigration. Partly, but Planned Parenthood has pushed the abortion issue to
the point and for the purpose of controlling, or limiting, the number of
births to lower income people. This of course has a great effect on blacks.
Not so much with Latin-Americans, due to catholic beliefs. It is not
necessarily a race issue, but the rich do not want more poor babies that
they must support with taxes and that will be a burden to the economy and
thus their own pockets.
John: Anti-racist in a wide meaning of that term. See all humanity as equal
before God.
People of color have equal standing
Women have equal standing
People with different sexual preferences have equal standing
See diversity as a "good thing."
Don P: You are correct. Everyone is and should be equal, regardless of how
they were born. Color is not chosen, nor is gender. Sexual preference
however is chosen, and to my knowledge against God's will. Some would say it
is genetic from birth. First let me point out this. Anyone that chooses for
personal gain, or reasons, not to propagate is wrong. This was our main
function given by God. To chose not to have children for medical, or
religious reasons, is one thing. But, because one prefers same sex, that is
not beneficial to the human race. This is not just religious, but scientific
logic. Wondering why we are going to have a short fall of people to pay for
social security. Baby Boom? Not solely. Abortion and same sex have reduced
the birth rates necessary to replenish and grow. If everyone chose to have
abortions and same sex then we would be committing self genocide. Where's
the logic in that? As for genetics, again I will apply logic. If any
behavior, such as same sex or needle drug use, were somehow genetically
controlled, does this mean it is ok. First you would say, they don't have a
choice it is who they are. OK. If a man is born YY chromo and is a raving
psychotic as a result of his genetics, do we forgive his murders and allow
him to be free? He has no choice but to behave as he does. Of course one
would say that he can be placed in mental care, and so should those with
behavioral problems, genetic or not, like same sex. Do we not provide rehab
for drug users and phys rehab for handicaps. Why not for homosexuals? For a
long time, and even still, some would say that drug use only hurts the one
taking the drug. Do you believe this? How can anyone say that homosexuality
is not harming others. Heard of AIDS? But this is also a factor for anyone
who is sexually free. If society cannot have some limit on sexual behavior
then where will we end up?
John: Honor those of a different religious persuasion.
Honor those with no religious persuasion.
See Christianity as primarily a confessional, not a prescriptive
religion.
Don P: Christianity is not prescriptive, but belief in salvation, whether
from Jesus of Nazareth or the one to come, is necessary. Even Jews and
Muslims believe in salvation, although perhaps not Jesus. If your statement
is to imply that any religion works, this may be only from a philosophical,
and perhaps moral point.
John: Finally, the following good news came to me today from a fellow
liberal:
> Dallas City Council Approves Anti-Discrimination Ordinance
> The Associated Press, May 8, 2002
> DALLAS - The Dallas City Council on Wednesday adopted an ordinance
> that prohibits discrimination against gays and lesbians in employment,
> housing and in public places such as hotels and restaurants.
> The council voted 13-2 for the measure, which was pledged on the
> campaign trail by new Mayor Laura Miller. Violation of the ordinance
> will result in fines up to $500.
> "Let us walk out of the shadow of intolerance and bigotry and into the
> sunshine of human rights," Councilman John Loza said.
> The two councilmen who opposed the ordinance, Alan Walne and Mitchell
> Rasansky, said it would be too expensive for the city to enforce in an
> already tight budget year. Resansky also said the measure could be too
> expensive for small businesses.
> The ordinance exempts employers with less than 15 workers, and
> proponents said it would cost only $15,000 in money that's not already
> budgeted.
> American Airlines executive Donald J. Carty spoke in favor of the
> ordinance and said the Fort Worth-based carrier has adopted a similar
> policy for its workers.
> "The true strength of our city lies in our diversity," he said.
> The Rev. Flip Benham, director of the Dallas-based anti-abortion group
> Operation Save America, spoke against the measure.
> "It's a travesty that breaks my heart," he said. "The city hall has
> declared itself as God. It's a direct attack on the word of God."
>
This person sees no attack on the word of God. Except, perhaps, by Flip
Benham.
Don P: To discriminate would be wrong, but as I said, we must help them find
the way for their own sake as well as society's. Just as it benefits
everyone to rehab a drug user. Tolerance, coupled with prayer and rehab.
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