I Am Not Surprised by Ignorance



I AM NOT SURPRISED BY IGNORANCE

BY

DAVID ARTHUR WALTERS


The case of the granite shrine of the Decalogue inserted by Judge Roy Moore into the rotunda of the Alabama Judicial Building in 2001 is of importance to all those who love liberty. I have received various comments on my coverage of the event. 

I am not surprised that many commentators did not read the entire text they commented on, and, instead, rendered a knee-jerk reaction to some portion or phrase because they think their ideology or theology is being attacked. I understand. I have done that myself. I happy that individuals have written long comments and articles on this case and on the general theme. While doing so, some of them insisted that this case is unimportant or impertinent, that it has no bearing on the American scheme of things, that it is not representative of a shift to the born-again self-righteous authoritarian government. They are sorely mistaken in my opinion.

I can understand why people might be embarrassed by their ignorance of the significance of this issue and might want to remain ignorant as to why every citizen interested in liberty should pay careful attention to it. They would sweep it under the rug in order to remain ignorant about what is going on behind the scenes as the checks and balances are destroyed under their noses. After all, it is supposed, we have authorities to look into these matters, and most of us do not have time to be looking over their shoulders. But I have been interested in this significant issue for several years and have gladly even given up football to keep up with it. Of course I am not astonished when I am told to shut up, when it is suggested that I am somehow wrong (a moral term meaning 'bad') for doing what I consider to be my civic duty in voicing such objections as I have presented above.

I am not even surprised when someone comes along and blatantly preaches ignorance over reason although that would result in a bestial utopia ruled by one king of the jungle over another.

As for the stone in this case, the stone itself is irrelevant and so is the judge's unwitting violation of the first four of the ten commandments inscribed thereon. Humans have been setting up stone festishes since the dawn of history. That might be objectionable to iconoclasts and is demonstrative of primitive ignorance but it is not illegal unless prohibited by law. And it was prohibited by federal and state judicial decrees in this case. This particular judge's disobedience and contempt for the rule of law is relevant, and that is the fundamental issue. I personally have no objection to the judge's fetish or anyone else's idolatrous stone- and word-worship on private property. I can enjoy it for its aesthetic value, and, my taste being what it is, this monument to the Hebrew god pleases me. Of course everybody in Alabama knows what is going on. The judge deliberately pushed himself and the shrine, which represents his view of religion, into the public courthouse because he wanted to make a scene.

Many people in Alabama favored his aggressive stance, especially those who ever since the Civil War have deeply resented having their traditional symbols torn down and removed from public places. Nonetheless, everyone in Alabama and everyone who is literate and takes the time to do their research knows that the judge used (or abused) the Ten Commandments to get elected to the position where he was showed contempt for the rule of law. Otherwise, it would have gone unnoticed. I do thank him for that and I thank those who brought legal objections to it because the controversy works to expose the ignorance and bigotry of those who would be removed from office or not elected to office providing that the controversy is aired.

I have on numerous occasions recommended that the Ten Commandments and other laws both religious and secular be posted in suitable places so they can be discussed - not worshipped. Just posting them and revering them is futile and absurd. Judges and priests and kings and presidents who swear by them are notorious for violating them. That is why they are regularly crushed.

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