It was not central to this week’s thoughtful commentary, but in a brief aside you suggested Lincoln as the greatest president. I wonder if that is worth a bit of pondering: Can two or more informed and caring people — patient, sympathetic listeners both — with substantially different perspectives even agree on the criteria by which to rank presidents?
As you know, Rex, I’m impressed by how much we all take for granted that actually deserves to be questioned — or even admits of no systematic “answer.” If these assumptions lurk behind and beneath and surrounding political commentary, I sometimes or often scratch my head and wonder how to join in the discussion!
1/3 of the US population is now religiously “unaffiliated.” I bet they’d do a better job of summoning righteous change than the falsely pious “thoughts and prayers” crowd.
It was not central to this week’s thoughtful commentary, but in a brief aside you suggested Lincoln as the greatest president. I wonder if that is worth a bit of pondering: Can two or more informed and caring people — patient, sympathetic listeners both — with substantially different perspectives even agree on the criteria by which to rank presidents?
As you know, Rex, I’m impressed by how much we all take for granted that actually deserves to be questioned — or even admits of no systematic “answer.” If these assumptions lurk behind and beneath and surrounding political commentary, I sometimes or often scratch my head and wonder how to join in the discussion!
Nailed it! Thank you again for your Objective, calm, intelligent approach. Please keep up the good work.
On the mark, Mr. Smith. I have a friend who refers to such people as "hypoChristians," a term that I find rather appropriate.
Rex,
Wonderful article! At this late point in my career, I have decided to make gun reform my main civic activity.
You really got me with pious preening of --- praying politicians.
Steve
1/3 of the US population is now religiously “unaffiliated.” I bet they’d do a better job of summoning righteous change than the falsely pious “thoughts and prayers” crowd.