READERS’ FORUM
We do not publish personal attacks against other readers. You are welcome to express your own religious views but not to criticize the views of others. We seek to unify, not divide. Send comments under 300 words here.

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SHOULD IMMORAL ACTS BE ILLEGAL?
2016 Jan 19 from Ben
Dear Mr. Griffin,
I was once (in my childhood) a liberal, then (after much learning) became a conservative. After Milton Friedman convinced me that drugs should be legalized, I realized that, through time and research, I had become a libertarian. You certainly influenced my political positions. You (and Bastiat) say that the state’s sole duty is to protect citizens life, liberty, and property. The only trouble I have with this, as a fundamentalist Christian, is that this would mean legalizing bestiality and similar things. What would you have to say on this?

REPLY FROM GEG:
Hello Ben.
You have hit upon one of the most challenging issues in knowing where to draw the line between freedom and coercion. However, there is an answer, although it puts our beliefs to the test. Below is my answer (short and long versions) as it appears on the web site of Freedom Force International:

MORALITY BY DECREE: Members of Freedom Force have strong convictions about life style, morality, and religion but they do not advocate the use of government to force their views on others. None of us have the right to compel our neighbor to adhere to a particular moral code – unless doing so is essential for the protection of lives, liberty, or property. If we do not have that right as individuals, then we cannot grant it to our elected representatives. The full explanation is here.

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TRUTH IS TRUTH
2017 Jan 16 from Stephen Walker
Subject: Satanist Explains NSA Power Grab
Mr. Griffin,
Truth is truth no matter its source. What this young man explains needs to be evaluated on the basis of its veracity. His beliefs certainly color what he has to say, but the essential truth he gives stands no mater his religious affiliation.

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CAN THE MESSAGE BE CONSIDERED APART FROM THE MESSENGER?
2016 Jan 15 from Graeme Howarth
Subject: Commentary from a Satanist
Hello Mr.  Griffin,
I say as a born-again Christian that, though this man [a commentator quoted in last week’s news] is completely deluded spiritually, facts remain facts regardless of the source. If we can verify what he states to be as he states, there is no need to take into account our opinion of his religious beliefs or worldview. Thank you and may God bless your work.