From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Monday, June 02, 2003 11:48 AM
> In a message dated 06/01/2003 2:37:00 PM EST, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > > When I last signed off with "In God We Trust" it was as a citizen of the > United States of America. You, I, Buddhists, et al. in the US notice it each time > a dollar bill changes hands. > > I am aware of attempts to have that bold declaration changed. Unless and > until it does happen, opponents can choose to exercise their option to relocate > anywhere. Pat, Permit me to comment on the lively and refreshing exchange between you, George, Luiza and Chimbelcho. I think you are absolutely right when you observe (in the post-script to the captioned message) that religion -- or faith -- is something personal. There is, however, another aspect to the matter which is fairly well settled in the civilized world : that while each one is entitled to his views or to his faith, AND EVEN the lack of it, be it ours as civilized citizens of a diverse world, to respect -- even if we cannot concur with -- the other man's views or faith or the lack of faith. We all know that faith can neither be debated conclusively not proved one way or the other (the world should have been a much better place had that been possible, don't you think?) Was it Milton who put it so succinctly: "FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE, NO PROOF IS NECESSARY; FOR THOSE WHO DON'T, NO PROOF IS POSSIBLE!" No harm, however, in indulging in a free discussion or civilized exchange on matters of faith, so long as this is within the accepted parameters. Here I must painfully point out that your statement about "relocation" by 'opponents' to the idea of God, is unsavoury, unwarranted and uncharitable. I shall refrain from going into the merits of the statement, save a passing remark that views so harsh as "Fall in line or get out" were propounded by the ilk of Hitler and closer home, by Bal Thackeray! Regards/Valmiki ########################################################################## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##########################################################################
