"You know, dude, I learned something today..."
Yes maybe a bit of a double standard if the South Park co-creator
(Matt Stone?)'s contention is to be believed--that Hayes was fine
with making fun of other religions but not his own. Once Scientology
was spoofed/savaged (take your pick), he felt like he was getting
the...er... "Shaft" ("But I'm talkin' bout Shaft!") But if he wants to
leave, so be it. His choice.
I tolerate any religion except for the _extremists_ of a religion who
do things like kill the infidel non-believers; as I've said before, I can
tolerate, say, Islam, but when they hijack planes and crash them into
buildings to kill thousands of people, just so they can meet 72 black-
eyed virgins, then I think it's gone too far. It's up to moderate Muslims
to condemn the work of such extremists.
In this country we have freedom of religion (which also means we should
tolerate those who practice it and not get all hot and bothered
when someone holds a "Christmas Parade"--you don't like Christmas
or Christianity, then don't go. Start a parade of your own.) Freedom
of choice. Freedom of speech. etc.
And by the way the whole separation of church and state deal: What that
means is the govt. can't establish a state religion. The USA can't
say, "We'll have the Baptists and the Baptists only here." Or whatever
religion. Freedom OF religion does not mean freedom FROM religion.
You can believe in whatever faith you wish, or no faith at all. Tolerate
those of other faiths (except those who, say, kill in the name of their
religion) and we'll tolerate your faith (or atheism, if need be.)
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