This isn't a big deal but it really ticks me off. KY State Rep. Riner is demanding that Homeland Security credit his preferred deity for our safety, and he's very upset that credit isn't being given to his version of the Spaghetti Monster. Since today is Sunday, the traditional day to contemplate matters of religion, i thought I would share with outrage with you.
Below the fold I share the key point of the article, rant a bit and seek you comments. Of course there is a poll. Forgive me if I'm a bit curmudgeonly, but a dear friend died yesterday after over four score of an impressive life educating and training Britain's finest young chess talent for most of it, and becoming the oldest players to compete in a Grandmaster chess tournament this summer. Bob Wade, longtime socialist and yet holder of the Order of the British Empire will be sorely missed.
Here's the main point of the article including the sensible HomeSec response.
"This is recognition that government alone cannot guarantee the perfect safety of the people of Kentucky," Riner added. "Government itself, apart from God, cannot close the security gap. The job is too big for government."
"I will not try to supplant almighty God," said Homeland Security chief Thomas Preston. "All I do is try to obey the dictates of the Kentucky General Assembly. I really don't know what their motivation was for this. They obviously felt strongly about it."
I agree with Thomas Preston's reply, though I personally don't see how you can "supplant" a fictional entity. Religion has no place in HomeSec policy. I would ask Mr. Riner what specific evidence he could put forward that his invisible friend acted to prevent any terrorist activity. And why didn't his omnipresent friend do something to prevent the terrorism in Mumbai. Or any of the other catastrophes that have taken place. One certainly didn't expect the Spaghetti Monster to make things better, no matter how many meatballs were offered in sacrifice.
The power of prayer has been tested in crisis and has been proven scientifically to be a total failure. Often things get worse after massive prayer efforts, such as the one Bush called for to deal with Katrina. Our national security must never rely on such things, even if the persons carrying out policy are fellow believers, as is their American right.
You can let Riner know how you feel by emailing him.