Secular doesn't mean 'no religion'

Editor:

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- In response to Mike Harman's Aug. 31 letter, several fallacies should be both highlighted and corrected. It is an untenably weak argument that Dan Cathy is "actively campaigning for withholding the basic rights of major groups of citizens." The burden of proof for a statement such as this lies squarely on Mr. Harman's shoulders, and we should hear something more than "he thinks children deserve a mom and dad." In context, Dan Cathy's statements had more to do with the broken homes wrought by divorce than they did the homosexual community. But, who's concerned with context when one wants to wage a war?

The secular society Mr. Harman believes we have here in America is not a privatized religious society or a religious-free society. It is a deeply religious society whose religion is founded upon the secular state. Secularism, as a religious worldview, does not mean "no religion," it simply means "no other religion."

Mr. Harman is correct in saying "having a mom and a dad does not ensure a loving or nurturing environment." The catalysts for the degeneration of the nuclear family are vast. However, the abuse of a thing does not negate the use of a thing. The recent report from University of Texas sociologist, Mark Regnerus, looks at adult outcomes for children raised by same-sex couples. Although the results of the research may surprise some, Regnerus confirms what societies have known, intuitively, from the beginning of time: heterosexual couples in a life-long committed relationship provide the best environment for human flourishing. See Ross Douthat's New York Times column "Gay Parents and the Marriage Debate", June 11, 2012.

The idea that politics and religion are divided by a great, uncrossable chasm is nonsensical. "Politic" is derived from a Greek word, polis. It means city, or citizen. It is made up of its people and these people will always be religious. "Religion" in this sense is the fundamental worldview and beliefs that seek to answer the questions of life, meaning, and purpose. Do you think the secularist who advocates slaying the unborn does so void of an answer as to the value of life? Think again.

William Erps

Huntington

Socialism will lead to life of misery

editor:Editor:

As a person who grew up in West Virginia, I would like to respond to Jerome Curry. Socialism, feudalism and totalitarianism are all first cousins. They create misery, violence and savage hatred. It is the long march to deadly poverty.

Our nation is a unique nation. We are not stratified, but free people living in a land of opportunity. Those born in poverty have the chance to become financially successful. That makes us unique.

The assumption that socialism benefits the poor and downtrodden is false ignorance. Socialism leads people toward mediocre standards of living, toward an entitlement mentality and a very stratified and unhappy life.

Freedom, capitalism and opportunity are why we are called the land of the free and the home of the brave. One final point, a very wealthy person can afford to embrace liberalism. Those born poor had better fight for freedom and capitalism. It is their only hope.

I support ambition. God Bless America.

Richard Hughes

Defiance, Ohio

Helen Gurley Brown and sexual freedom

Editor:

Helen Gurley Brown (1922-2012) introduced sexual freedom to the world teaching woman, if you have it, flaunt it, freeing woman to explore and experience their sexual fantasies without the old Victorian guilt complex instilled in them by the men in black.

Steve Kopa

Weirton