Solomon's Private File #55
These stories about Stephen and Solomon take place starting in
1950's. Stephen wrote about his life in letters to a penpal, and then
in a secure blog, in case he lost his memory again, in the master
computer in his school for gifted students, which he started attending
in 2016 in a new incarnation, until his death. Now his son Solomon is
attending the same school, and is writing in his own secure blog for
his future incarnations.
All characters are fictitious, even if some of them might have names
that belong to some actual people, or act like people we know.
Solomon is 15 in this story, in the Summer of 2041.
Solomon's Private File #55 "CNN Religion and Politics 2"
START Page
Continuing from the previous entry, the second half of the CNN show
on Religion and Politics.
I said, "There is something else. Lying is a sin. One of the Ten
Commandments. While the Mormon Church officially allows that in
it were not true, we would have heard some noise about it now." The
Apostle nodded. I said, "Now that it's been brought out into the open,
I expect that to change, as I wish. Anyway, back to lying for political
gain. How in this God's infinite universe can a politician who is
promoting his religious values, which includes honesty, justify lying
to the public? Don't tell me you haven't done that. I can give you a
LONG list. And unrepudiated negative attacks. How is that a Christian
value? You demean your own religion with that, and not just your
person. Remember; when you push your religion in your politics, you
REPRESENT your religion to the world. The bad you do in its name,
reflects on your religion. Want to risk being excommunicated?" Paolo
looked very thoughtful. So did the Apostle. The politicians noticed
that, with some evident nervousness.
I said, "Some other things about this seriously disturb me. Why is it
that, in general, politicians that push their Christian religious
values the most, are also most in favor of the death penalty, and the
use of military force to achieve political goals?" Paolo said, "I want
to know about that as well. Our Church strongly opposes those things."
I said, "Most of those Americans who oppose abortion, are very much in
favor of killing adults. Can ANYBODY explain that to me?" Silence. The
Unitarian said, "I can see only one reason. Men against women.
Throughout history, men have tried to control women's sexuality and
reproductivity. This attitude is still officially in place in our major
religions." I said, "True. It still doesn't explain why loud Christian
politicians almost always favor the death penalty, and bombing people.
Will anybody have the courage to speak up?" The Liberal said, "I was
hoping for those who have those views here to be honest about it."
Paolo said, "I don't believe they will. I will say it. They believe
Americans are a bloodthirsty people, and those politicians pander to
that, despite their own personal and religious beliefs, for political
gain. Most civilized democracies do NOT have the death penalty. WE
strongly oppose it. We oppose war, too, except to repel unjustified
invasion."
I said, "It's well known throughout history, by politicians and
religious leaders, that it's much easier and more effective to
encourage hate and revenge in people, than love and civility. To do
that for personal gain, which always results in death and suffering, is
a dreadful sin that I would have a lot of trouble forgiving. I don't
like to have such bad feelings. Sometimes the urge to act on them,
well, there might not be sufficient motivation for complete restraint.
I hope I have your attention on this matter." The politicians were VERY
nervous.
I said, "In basic terms, we have concluded here today that
politicians will hypocritically say anything, do anything, USE
anything, including religion, to get elected, no matter the cost to
their own honor, and that of their religion. No matter the cost to
their Party and the Nation. They will continue to do that, if we don't
stand up and denounce it. Your religions are being misrepresented,
misused, abused, by those seeking personal power. How long are you
going to continue to let them do that unopposed, without defending
yourselves? Many people in America know your religions only from these
demagogues. Would you have what has happened to Islam, with people
believing only their violent extremists speak for that great religion,
happen to each of yours? If you do not protect your own religion from
these abuses, what does that say to people, but that you don't value it
yourselves?" That really shocked them.
Jeff said, "I think they didn't expect that." Don said, "I know what
he's going to say to that." We both said, "Good!" Chuckles. Paolo said,
"I see some conflicts for us here. Some views that are expressed in
political discourse, we agree with." I said, "I think all of us do. But
dishonesty? Vicious attacks? And promoting laws based on specific
doctrine, that most of the population is apposed to?" He said, "I see.
I think in general, we would agree with you. Talk yes, manipulation,
no. While we would like very much for the world to all be Catholic, we
would not want that condition to be forced on people. That would be
false to our present beliefs." I said, "A false Confession is no
confession at all." He said, "It's based on that, yes. You DO know us."
I nodded. I said, "And if a religion NEEDS government laws to enforce
it's rules for its own people, doesn't that REALLY look bad for that
religion? Common sense would indicate that they should want to be very
quiet about that." More thoughtful looks.
I said, "Another topic. Many people in the States where Christian
religious views are the loudest, have stated that they would vote for
candidates who's expressed views most match their own, over any other
attribute. Said in another way, they think their own values, which they
oddly seldom comply with themselves, are more important in a candidate
than intelligence, education, experience, and even consistency, all
critically important qualifications for the job. All this is because
using religion to manipulate people has succeeded with them. Some have
even denigrated education, claiming it causes people to have less good
values. Is this good for America?" The Rabbi said, "I think they
disparage education because those people are more able to see through
their lies and manipulation." I said, "And they are less likely to
speak and act foolishly, loudly, and in public. Er, after they
graduate." Some chuckles. The Rabbi said, "Some think education is
related to elitism." I said, "Poverty or social status is NO excuse for
ignorance. There is NO excuse for not seeking and acquiring an
education." He said, "You have confirmed my suspicion. You, who in a
past life, learned from watching classrooms through the windows from
outside." I said, "I know you know. But that's enough for now. There
are even more opportunities for education in America now, than ever
before. REAL Democracy DEPENDS on education. Anybody who denigrates
good education in ANY way, is acting against Democracy and our country!
I now serve notice that I will actively oppose people who do that."
With shining eyes, the Rabbi said, "I knew you would."
I said, "Any more comments of the not embarrassing kind, on any of
the topics we have discussed?" Chuckles. The Mormon Apostle said, "I
think we all have some serious thinking to do. You have shown us a
responsibility we didn't know we had." Paolo said, "I agree." The
Unitarian said, "I'll go a little farther. Religion and politics rolled
into one thing, is a poison that can destroy our country. Keep it fully
separate, and we will all be better off." The Rabbi said, "I have to
agree." The Imam said, "I have not spoken here before. I do now. I
support all that Solomon has said. His wisdom cannot be denied." I
said, "Er, did you miss the not embarrassing part?" He just grinned.
Some chuckled. Jeff said to me, "I suspect that some institutions are
going to offer you a law degree." I said with a groan, "They were
really quick with that. Yes, the offers are still pouring in as we
orate." Chuckles. I said, "Don, I've been meaning to ask. Why no
commercials?" He said, "One of our sponsors agreed to that, after we
told them about how much of interest was said by you and your father
off camera." I said, "I'm sorry, but in full disclosure, that didn't
bring such things to the public here. He and I took that time to relax
with humor. It's actually a good thing for these discussions. It allows
some of us to gather our wits in time for the next er, onslaught." He
said, "Oh. We'll keep that in mind. And for this, we are out of time.
Thank you all for being here. Goodnight." The producer said, "Off air
and closed."
I said, "We have the use of this room for more talking if desired. It
will be as private as needed. If you would like that, and wouldn't
mind, I would invite Don to stay if he wants to. He will keep it off
the record if that is required." Paolo said, "I'll stay, if we are
secure, and if it's all off the record." I said, "No microphone will
work here now. And yes, one of our guests has had a recording device in
operation. Wow! Interesting neck exercises!" Laughter. Don said, "Now
you all see what goes on during the commercials. Often, his father made
us have to ask for a longer break, so we wouldn't go on air laughing."
I said, "The black holes revelation had you in real trouble with coming
back." He said, "I have to admit it, yes. Priceless." I said, "I don't
know how Uncle Hawk survived it." The Imam said, "I don't understand
that reference." I said, "Hawk laughs even at the idea of laughing. Oh,
that did it." He grinned and said, "I understand. Thank you. He watches
you?" I said, "Who here wouldn't want to, if they could? Mostly in
horror, I suppose." He grinned wider, and said, "I see it. Yes." I
said, "All in my group are monitored in public, against a brain fault
that could make us harm people. It hasn't happened, but with our
capabilities, we aren't about to take any chances. I, being the most
powerful, am monitored by more than one, and VERY carefully." He said,
"I am more comforted by that than I would have believed possible." I
said, "So people have said. We feel the same."
Rick, the Catholic politician, said, "I wasn't aware of that. I have
to agree. I feel much better, knowing that." I said, "It goes deeper.
In serious ethical issues, we have conferences, and that can include
the clergy of different religions. We will NOT ever think we know it
all." Paolo said, "That's true. I have been included in some of those
conferences, sometimes by accident of being there when it happened."
Don said, "I've witnessed their ethics in operation. Truly amazing, the
restraint they exercise, and it's consistency." Mic said, "That has
always surprised me. They could do MUCH more against people than they
do." I said, "I don't like to tell you, but what you said shows more
about you, than it does about us." He looked surprised, while some
nodded. Then he looked thoughtful, and then embarrassed. I said, "Now
you know one of the reasons why I make some of the er, unusual comments
I do. Oh don't look so surprised. By nature, I'm a research
psychologist and teacher." The Imam said, "You said you are the most
powerful. Does that then make you their leader?" I said, "Power isn't
everything. We see ALL who each of us are. From this, we know who is
the most intelligent, the most wise, and the most powerful.
Unfortunately for me, that's er, me, despite my efforts to make my
students better than me. But I'm not a leader as you would think of it.
We don't need them except in emergencies. We all do what is best, based
on our abilities and interests." Paolo said, "I know how that works.
You do something they didn't think of, and they like it. The other way
is you have a meeting, and they agree with you." I gave him a rude
noise, and they laughed.
Paolo said, "I wasn't trying to be funny. I saw that with his father.
He thought the best, and made the wisest decisions. None of them are
foolish enough to argue with that. In fact, they just don't argue.
However, their discussions can be very interesting, if you can
understand them." I said, "Actually, we try to make them a little more
interesting than we really need to." Don said, "That's very true! I
know it's difficult to believe, but they are very informal among
themselves, and actually playful." I said, "That's what you get with
just leeetle bitty egos. Not that most of you have experienced that."
There were a variety of expressions going on all over. I watched it all
with obvious interest, which they noticed, drawing some chuckles. I
said, "If you were wondering why I admitted what I did about my
statements, that should be less now." The Rabbi said, "I see it. Even
though we know, we still have to react as you intend. That's VERY
interesting." The Apostle said, "Not the least, what it reveals of your
intelligence and planning." I said, "Things you value highly, so you
would notice that."
A surprised Mic said to me, "YOU set this up!" Most of us looked at
him with smiles. He said, "Oh." Don said, "Like his parents, whatever
he's involved in, he runs. He can't help it." I said, "I'm not sure he
told you, but I told your network president I wanted this, and he did
what I asked." Don said, "I didn't know, but I assumed. Correctly, as
it turns out." Jeff said, "You TOLD him?" I said, "I er, neglected to
make it in the form of a request." Don said, "It doesn't matter either
way, and they both knew that. An hour show with Sol? If we ever refuse
that, well, why even consider the impossible?" Chuckles. Jeff said to
me, "You chose who would be here?" I said, "Yes, all but you. I had
asked for an independent constitutional lawyer. He pushed for you. Want
to know why I agreed?" He said, "Absolutely!" I said, "Because you can
smile." They took a while to work through that. He said, "Thank you." I
said, "You're welcome."
The Rabbi said, "May I tell?" I said, "No. Those who should know,
will." He said, "Your wisdom, although it shouldn't, often amazes me."
Don acted rightly in heading off any more discussion on that, by asking
me, "Have you in a past life ever owned slaves?" I said, "Yes I did own
slaves. In ancient times, there were no long term prisons for the
common people. It was either crippling physical punishment, death, or
slavery for those in present times who would be incarcerated. Those
acted as servants." He said, "And in America?" I said, "As a Native
American, no, although some actually did. Those who were around when
Columbus discovered what wasn't India, didn't have slaves. We didn't
actually have a concept of owning anything like we do now. Captured
enemies were either let loose, killed, or adopted into the tribe. VERY
few captives were killed, although many were er, slightly terrorized."
The Rabbi said, "SLIGHTLY terrorized? Please explain." I said, "All
tribes had what we would now call a right of passage, to signify the
change in status from child to adult. There usually was some danger
involved. A test of courage, such as being sent alone into the
wilderness for two weeks, with specific tasks to accomplish. For those
we would adopt, they were already adults, but we had not witnessed
their test. So we gave them a shortened one, which could be a little
er, frightening and painful." He said, "Ah! I see. More, I see you
understand this from a modern perspective, too."
Don said, "You know what I was really asking." I sighed, and said,
"Yes. I did have African slaves in America." I looked him in the eye,
and said very seriously, "But they were paid, and never abused, and I
freed them when I realized my error, and became an abolitionist." He
nodded and said, "I suspected just that." I said, "Don't DO that." He
laughed. We hugged.
The Unitarian said, "Were you ever a woman?" I said, "Yes. Many
times. I see some questions brewing in the men. Yes, I actually had sex
as a woman. And I LIKED it!" Laughter, some of it with some
embarrassment. Paolo said, "Your father found it amusing, embarrassing
me with comments about sex." I said, "Did you learn nothing from that?"
He looked a little surprised, and said, "I should have realized that.
He did very little for just one reason. He wasn't just teasing me, he
was teaching me. Thank you for bringing that to my attention, but not
so much for doing it in public." I said, "When I can do that where it
can help others, I think it's justified, and that you would agree." He
sighed, "Who can argue against such wisdom?" The Imam said to him,
"Brother." Paolo nodded and said to him, "Brother."
I said, "You have discovered another reason for this conference." Don
was nodding, while the rest looked at me with strange expressions. I
said, "Look at each other." They did, and understood. There was
respect, and even some feelings of friendship. I stood and said, "Like
my father, I love everybody, even those I dislike. I am a friend to
everybody, but not so obviously as some might notice. But for true
friends, there is, like my father did, something I offer of myself." I
held out my arms. They came into them for my hug with love, and I
helped them to sit. Don was the first. Then the Rabbi. Then the other
clergy. Then Jeff. Then the liberal politician. The other politicians
held back, thinking I wouldn't want them, but my arms were still open
to them, and they came. They had some tears. After that, I said,
"Honor. You all know what it is. You all know what I ask. Be good. Be
generous. Be kind. Be wise. You are not alone. We have each other. And
we have our one God. May He be with you always." I ported home.
Mom said, "Wow! Really!" Hawk said, "Absolutely!" Chad said, "Ha!
They already said it!" We poked him. Ed ported in from the camp he was
helping Dex with, and said, "Same for me." We hugged and kissed, and he
ported back. Kam was on tour, and couldn't get away, not that she
really needed to. We are never really apart. Galya, Daren, and their
parents ported in, and we all hugged and kissed. Pete said in the air,
"Great show! Great after it!" I said, "Er, thanks." Mom said, "Like
some said; not like your father. Different, and I think in this
instance, actually more effective than he would have been." Chad said,
"Stephen was an imposing person. He couldn't help the force of his
personality, his being, affecting people. Sol doesn't show that as much
as he shows his understanding and wisdom. They see and feel that, and
it affects them differently. Sol, am I right?" I said, "Yes. Good job
with the analysis." The others nodded. Chad had a tear or two. He said,
"Thanks." We hugged with love. I said in a loud whisper, "But not so
good with the embarrassment." He shook with laugher, while the others
chuckled.
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Grant
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