Have we really reached the point where people heap scorn and ridicule on the governor of Georgia simply because he prays for rain? I find it deliciously ironic to see non-religious people acting even less rationally than religious people.
(Speaking of politics and the phrase "delicious irony," Chad sent me a link to the Presidential Candidate Selector quiz promoted on the Volokh Conspiracy. Apparently I should vote for Ron Paul -- yet I'm well aware that most of his recent popularity comes from single-issue voters for an issue on which I disagree with him.)
Posted by Matt Bruce at November 8, 2007 02:34 PMHow is mocking him non-rational?
Posted by: M.S. at November 8, 2007 04:37 PMHow is mocking someone else's religious expression rational? More precisely: What good does it accomplish?
Even setting aside the straight value calculation (infinitesimal probability of making a difference, but a big difference: think of it as a really lame form of Pascal's wager), this particular prayer is a reasonable symbolic act.
Posted by: me at November 8, 2007 05:32 PMHow is mocking someone else's religious expression rational? More precisely: What good does it accomplish?
1. It raises the issue that praying for rain diverts attention from real solutions on Earth that the Governor is probably ignoring for political reasons. There are many factors involved in a drought, public attention is limited, and a cost-benefit analysis could argue in favor of his spending his time trying to change demand or explore new angles on supply. "Pray for rain while we keep putting up highways and McMansions on 1/2 acre lots" is a problem.
2. It provides personal satisfaction to the people doing the mocking, and hey, it may work. If this sounds unconvincing to you, remember that this is exactly the logic that declares praying to be a rational activity.
If people piss you off for criticizing Sonny for praying, then you can just say they're pissing you off and call it a rant. The hypocrite charge is, well, weak.