Eyes shouldn't be shut to entire scope of views

By Nick Berman

It is noteworthy that there cannot be one side without its adversary. A person would not be considered evil without a “better” individual juxtaposed to them. Systems are best served by checks and balances limiting and distributing their power. This is why our country has a bicameral system.

This allows two viewpoints to be received. Yet it seems a particular side, with a majority of the financial resources, is rather intent on misrepresenting its adversary by forwarding falsehoods that do not accurately represent that particular party. Some conservatives simply choose to ignore the truth or are methodically slinging mud to blind those not privy to the whole political spectrum.

Though it would take many hours to clear out faulty claims about liberalism, today we will take on the argument about stone tablets handed down by God to a Jew 1,000 years ago.

Why would an American not choose to have the Ten Commandments in a public place? Are they really trying to kill God by not insisting that a list of his rules be posted everywhere? Simply because one does not flaunt their beliefs doesn’t mean they are weaker in their personal holdings. It may simply show that they don’t need braggart tactics to illustrate their faith.

We do not need to point out the obvious separation of church and state instituted to halt the coup d’état of religious zealots that came to power, and it is for a similar idea that presidents cannot be military officers for fear of the tyrannical takeover via military might that could ensue.

Does this separation mean God is dead in politics and government? Hardly. Christianity is deeply entrenched in our society, but it should not be the exclusive ideal recognized as having merit.

Our country was founded as an escape from persecution—and a place to commit a bit of horrendous colonialism—which is why people who comprise the majority of groups—especially religious designations—should be aware of the rights to practice and believe freely.

Not placing stone replicas of the Ten Commandments everywhere is not in defiance of their power, it is an acknowledge of the personal relationship that everyone has with their faith. Advertising this relation makes it no more valid than one that does not. Not placing religious articles at every turn and twist of an American citizen’s life is far from a travesty, it is the respecting of individual liberties we all share.

The same right that allows a person to preach in the Free Speech Area allows us all the right to have our views respected and held dear without them being deemed un-American or outside the political spectrum because my faith might be Judaism or Buddhism. Diversity has and will always be a source of strength—why else would they offer auto shop in high school. It is accepted that knowing more overall is beneficial and achieving a balance gives all sides a say.

If you disagree, we can always have a chat while you’re changing your flat tire—remember to loosen the lugnuts while still on the ground. We don’t want any problems when your car is up on the jack.

I make no apologies or arguments for other’s faith. I no more want a portion of the Kabbalah—that’s Jewish mysticism—or a statue of Buddha on our campus than a sculpture of the Ten Commandments unless we are equally representing each denomination—then balance would be achieved. Does this make me guilty of eroding Christianity? I guess it wholly depends on whom you ask, but I wager back about 300 to 400 years, I could have found some pilgrims that would have jumped at the idea.

— This columnist can be reached at collegian@csufresno.edu