Article makes unfounded claims on conservatism,
religion
I am writing in response to Igor Sapozhnikov’s submission
(“Growth of
conservatism jeopardizes freedom for everyone,” Daily
Bruin, Viewpoint, Feb.7). Sapozhnikov’s article is whiny and
far-fetched. As someone who is not religious at all, I do not see
how society is becoming more conservative because of “a
religious awakening.”
First, he mentions that religious zealots are behind
“parental advisory” labels in music and ratings for
television programs. Has he listened to the lyrics of
Eminem’s music or watched 10 minutes of “The Jerry
Springer Show?” TV shows and music are much more explicit
today than they were in the past, which is why the ratings and
advisory labels are necessary.
Then he claims that former President Bill Clinton was impeached
because of religious extremists. Clinton was impeached because he
misled the independent counsel and the American people about his
actions; he admitted this before leaving office.
What I find most far-fetched is his analysis of the Civil War.
The onus of war cannot fall on the North, but rather the
South’s unwillingness to compromise. Throughout the 1800s,
the South always had its way when it came to slavery; both the
Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850 are examples of
this.
Besides, Lincoln even stated, “I have no purpose, directly
or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the
States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so,
and I have no inclination to do so.” The North was not
“demanding that the South conform to God’s will,”
but rather they were finally standing up to them after giving those
states so much. In fact when the Civil War started, most
Northerners were not crying, “Free the slaves,” but
rather, “Preserve the Union.” Emancipation only became
a goal for the North after the war had begun.
In the final part of the article, Sapozhnikov bemoans the fact
that religion has popped up in the realm of sports, politics and at
UCLA. Last time I checked, we do live in a free country where
people can say and do what they want. I have no problem with people
professing their love of God and religion on Bruin Walk. Just as
they have the right to say what they want, I have a right to ignore
them.
Sapozhnikov obviously has some problems with religion. With his
lambasting of religion, isn’t he trying to impose his will
and beliefs on the very people that he chose to criticize?
Long Le Fourth-year Electrical engineering