DrHurd.com

Religious Conservatism, Like Liberalism, Kills

PDF Print E-mail
Daily Dose of Reason - Society & Culture
Written by Michael J. Hurd, Ph.D.   
Wednesday, 02 December 2009 00:00
The most important function of government -- making it the only acceptable alternative to anarchy -- is the protection of the individual from physical force. Governments cannot prevent people from becoming criminals, of course, and much criminal punishment comes after the fact. The horrible case of Maurice Clemmons, the killer who recently gunned down four police officers in the Pacific Northwest, illustrates how government increasingly fails at its central task. Clemmons, who reportedly went on a killing spree as a young adult, was later released from prison by then-Governor Mike Huckabee of Arkansas. This should finish off the myth, once and for all, that conservatives (at least religious ones, like Huckabee) care any more about the rights of the (innocent) individual than do liberals. We watch our liberal President bow to dictators, make excuses for known terrorists and even refuse to use the word "terrorism" because it might offend those who seek to blow up buildings and incinerate millions. In case you think a religious conservative would do a better job of defending you, note the case of religious conservative Mike Huckabee, the "aw shucks" kind of fellow who pardoned Clemmons because he was young and because Huckabee, being a fundamentalist Christian who takes seriously the notion of "turn the other cheek," felt sorry for him. Adding insult to injury (and mass murder), Huckabee now tries to claim that Clemmons was released improperly due to a paperwork error. It just goes to show how wrong ideas kill. This is true whether those wrong ideas come from the halls of fascist University departments, or from the faux-serenity of a Baptist church.
< Prev   Next >
 

Shopping Cart

Your Cart is currently empty.

Wait for the payment page to appear after your order is confirmed. If you haven't entered your payment information, your order will not be completed. When ordering instant downloads, your shipping and credit card billing addresses must match. Problems? Call 302-539-5986 or contact Dr. Hurd.

DR. HURD'S NEW BOOK!

Bad Therapy, Good TherapyClick here to purchase your autographed copy!
(Choose domestic or International delivery. Price includes shipping.)

Kindle Edition

Click below to purchase in KINDLE E-book format from Amazon CLICK to purchase in KINDLE edition

Daily Dose Mug

Daily Dose MugGet your official Daily Dose Coffee Mug! Click "merchandise" in the shopping menu to the left.

Psychotherapy

Want to address an issue head on in a peaceful, oceanside location? Come to the beaches of Delaware for our special Reflection...by the Sea package.

Stop and Think...

" Concern should drive us into action, not into a depression. "

Karen Horney


Recent News

Contact Dr. Hurd