The Absolute Moralist

In 1978 Robert J. Ringer's book Looking Out For #1 was one of the best selling books of the year. His premise that we must first look out for ourselves before we can do anything for anyone else was somewhat controversial in its approach.

One of the imaginary characters he uses for various examples is "The Absolute Moralist." He describes this entity as one who "will kill you to save you from yourself."

That was 32 years ago and looking at some of today's headlines I can't help but think the "absolute moralist" is alive and well today.

One example that leaps into my thoughts is the adoption of new school textbooks by my home state of Texas. The "absolute moralist" residing there isn't going to kill us to save us from ourselves, its just going to rewrite history and incorporate religious tenants into our public school textbooks. And it's not just Texas school children who will be misdirected but many other states as well that purchase their textbooks from the same publisher cannot afford to print their own version.

Texas' "absolute moralists" have managed to cut Thomas Jefferson from a list of figures whose writings inspired revolutions in the late 18th and 19th century, replacing him with St. Thomas Aquinas, John Calvin and William Blackstone (Jefferson is not well liked among conservatives on the Texas Board of Education because he coined the term "separation between church and state").

Admittedly, I am not a fan of organized religion but I do support one's right to choose, to believe in the way that is most comfortable for them. What I do take issue with is forcing me to adhere to their beliefs. Perhaps, in a future blog I'll tackle the myth of such things.

Another arena where the "absolute moralist" seems to rear its ugly head is regarding the rights of individuals. Whether you agree or not the gay community is a part of America. They work, pay taxes and contribute to our way of life. Like it or not, they should not be treated as second or third class citizens. Studies done by reputable and objective organizations, universities and foundations show they are not a threat to the way of life we all enjoy or, to our children. In fact, many studies indicate children of same sex parents are well-adjusted and have fewer problems than their peers.

Chris Matthews recently aired a piece on MSNBC entitled: "The Rise of the New Right." Now, the ultra-right conservatives of the Tea Party are calling for a boycott of the sponsors of his show. Once again, the "absolute moralist" starts screaming because those who disagree are on the road to hell and dragging the country with them.

Our founding fathers agonized over the separation of church and state. They were all too familiar with the power churches can accrue and the establishment of a secular state.

Perhaps, the "absolute moralists" of today should take some time to read the diaries and writings of those who patched together our nation, including Thomas Jefferson. Or, review history and see what happened as religion took over various civilizations. Granted many of the world's great civilizations were founded on religious beliefs and not necessarily Christian based. But in each case, when those beliefs became the rule so too did the downfall of that civilization.

I have said many times before our greatest strength is in our diversity. If we all learned to respect this diversity and those who contribute to it we will be a better nation where all men are truly created equal.