You are right, Ali. I read one of Harris"s first columns there in which he stated that we need to get rid of all religion, and something about the way he said it just made me think of Stalin or Pol Pot. I'm not a churchgoer, but the anti-religion (and anti-freedom) strain on that blog creeps me out.
As best as I can figure out Sam Harris has written a total of 9 columns on Huffington post since Oct 2005. He is not exactly a regular contributor to the Huffington post, and some of his column have been controversial and attracted a lot of negative comments.
He seems to believe that all religion is nonsense, but he particularly dislikes religions that have a history of inspiring war and violence. He puts Christian, Islam and Jewish faiths in the war and violence inspiring group.
He also supports things like water boarding of suspected terrorist. His argument seems to be that if there is a terrorist attack, hundreds or thousands of innocent people will be killed. Accidentally torturing a few innocent people is better than that.
He seems to have decided that at the moment Islam is a particularly dangerous faith because of the way some leaders are using it as a justification for war and terrorism. He seems to be suggesting that people like Harris (a rather small group) should work with the fundamental Christians right to wipe out Islam.
Looks to me like Sam Harris is a Machiavellian. Some posters here would his support his position on torture of terrorist suspects and his view of Islam, but his anti-Christian position totally turns everyone off. Just goes to show that Leo Strauss knew what he was talking about in his criticism of Machiavelli.
Or some here might disagree that waterboarding constitutes torture, for reasons that have been explained ad nauseum. But rather than admit there's an honest disagreement there, you just assert the truth of your viewpoint.
To comment on Dean’s comment, my vote goes for Arianna.
I used to loathe Bill O’Reilly, but my wife liked to watch his Fox show. Under the aegis of marital give and take, I allowed her to watch his show during dinner.
And in the last year or so, I have actually come to enjoy the show, and appreciate his style and wit. It seems that he has mellowed a bit recently, but maybe that’s just my ego talking….
1.7.2007 5:36pm
Commenting on Dean's World is a privilege, not a right. Dean is your host, you are his guest, and you should behave in that fashion. Dean is not your babysitter, nor is he your punching bag. Please remember this. In general, you are free to disagree with anyone on any subject you wish, but abusive behavior will not be tolerated.
Of course we all lose our tempers now and then. Dean freely admits to being imperfect in this regard, which is why regulars to this establishment will generally be cut more slack than people who we don't know very well.
Still: behave like an adult, or go find somewhere else to play. Thanks.
I've thought about it often, and I still can't decide.
He seems to believe that all religion is nonsense, but he particularly dislikes religions that have a history of inspiring war and violence. He puts Christian, Islam and Jewish faiths in the war and violence inspiring group.
He also supports things like water boarding of suspected terrorist. His argument seems to be that if there is a terrorist attack, hundreds or thousands of innocent people will be killed. Accidentally torturing a few innocent people is better than that.
He seems to have decided that at the moment Islam is a particularly dangerous faith because of the way some leaders are using it as a justification for war and terrorism. He seems to be suggesting that people like Harris (a rather small group) should work with the fundamental Christians right to wipe out Islam.
Looks to me like Sam Harris is a Machiavellian. Some posters here would his support his position on torture of terrorist suspects and his view of Islam, but his anti-Christian position totally turns everyone off. Just goes to show that Leo Strauss knew what he was talking about in his criticism of Machiavelli.
I used to loathe Bill O’Reilly, but my wife liked to watch his Fox show. Under the aegis of marital give and take, I allowed her to watch his show during dinner.
And in the last year or so, I have actually come to enjoy the show, and appreciate his style and wit. It seems that he has mellowed a bit recently, but maybe that’s just my ego talking….
Of course we all lose our tempers now and then. Dean freely admits to being imperfect in this regard, which is why regulars to this establishment will generally be cut more slack than people who we don't know very well.
Still: behave like an adult, or go find somewhere else to play. Thanks.