Ryan represents

Two new media appearances to report, both are by Ryan Bromsgrove, the UAAA VP-Internal.

First, on Friday, he appeared on CJSR campus radio on the first fifteen minutes show Q Transmissions to discuss the vandalism that happened to the UAAA large banner.

Ryan Bromsgrove on Q Transmissions

Second, in the Gateway today he wrote a reply to the last letter (that called me a hypocrite):

Beliefs must earn respect

In response to Sheila Kwasek’s letter (re: “Secularism no different from religious preference,” 25 September), I would like to address several of her points.

First, the idea that if one does not respect religious beliefs, one can’t be described as in favour of tolerance and equality, is nonsense. Religious beliefs shouldn’t be respected by default; they should earn respect, like everything else. You wouldn’t respect the belief that invisible pink unicorns routinely stampede down HUB. Does that mean you’re intolerant of the unicorn believers? No, you just think that they are wrong, that’s all.

Second, she notes that Canada doesn’t have separation of church and state, like the US does, but “more of a notion that one religion should not be given preference or predominance in a public institution.” What’s the difference? It seems she is arguing semantics here.

Then she claims that forcing secular ideals is somehow no better than forcing religious ideals. This too, is nonsense. Religious ideals demand belief in some deity for which we have no evidence. Secular ideals are, by definition, universally inclusive. If you want to augment your secular ideals with religious ideals, you’re free to, and the rest of us are free not to. Indeed, it’s difficult to see how secular ideals could not be a fundamental part of freedom itself. If you think that it’s somehow unfair to promote secular beliefs and values above religious beliefs and values, you’re frankly wrong.

Finally, calling on someone’s personal fault, whether real or imaginary, in an attempt to discredit their arguments, is entirely unrelated to whether or not their arguments are sound. Sorry, Jesus, better luck next coming.

Ryan Bromsgrove
Science II