I would like to thank Gerald Klassen for his "Abhorrent and repulsive" letter published in the Saturday paper. It reminds us that fundamentalism is not confined to the American Bible Belt or Islamic State.
His rabid response to a mild, politically insightful cartoon, that wasn't even attacking religion, is reminiscent of the Spanish Inquisition.I am grateful he did not threaten actual harm to anyone, but I have to assume it was implied, as his holy book often prescribes mortal punishment for minor and arbitrary transgressions of sacred rules.
Belief is not worthy of respect, as clearly people believe many things irrespective of reality. Their right to express their belief is worthy of respect. The confusion of the two has often led to such oxymoronic behaviour as a group marching with placards saying "Down with Free Speech" while utilizing their right to free speech during an incident with a certain Danish cartoonist.
My only hope is that such archaic cultural artifacts that Gerald is a victim of will continue to evaporate under the light of meaningful examination, discussion and progress in humanity's societal development towards rationality, not superstition. That might allow us to unite as a species rather than the fractious assortment of "us versus them" we seem determined to perpetuate.
Ryan Lander
Prince George
