Letter: If we're to progress, be open to changes

Bob Thomas's column of July 27. I will begin by stating the positives. I generally agree that there is a namby pamby overreaction to the politically correct philosophy touted by many liberals.

PC has its merits in that the introduction of its ideas about what is insensitive and often rude semantically, helps remind us all that we tend to judge and act in frequently visceral ways without giving due to the ideals of patience, tolerance and understanding.

As for Bob's broken record recitation of attributing everything evil in society to those obsessed atheistic humanists who control the majority of our institutions of higher learning, I say pshaw, and take umbrage with his silly idea that a student cannot disagree with a professor philosophically or rhetorically and still maintain a good grade.

My experience in general is that people who spend their lives in education are quite frequently charmed and inspired by the contention of ideas. The absurdity of his broad-brush bile towards institutions of higher learning can only be addressed by an admonition to "look in the mirror, Bob," as it is apparent that you are complaining about conservative ideas that are not in the mainstream because they are exactly that "conservative."

Webster defines conservative as "desiring to preserve existing institutions, moderate, cautious, considered to involve little risk, tending to preserve." These ideals are fine in certain contexts like banks or hospitals, but if maintained in a society in general would tend to stifle the creative and cutting edges of human development, that of the mind and spirit.

The words of Bertrand Russell come to mind as a cautionary to the current pitiful mindset of humanity in general, "Many people would rather die than think, in fact, most do." If we are to continue to grow the positive sides of our humanity, that of compassion, tolerance and spiritual awareness, it is most emphatically important to not be conservative and to look to the challenges of new ideas and thoughts as seed for our personal and community growth.

CHRISTOPHER LUNN

Minden