Simplistic platitudes aren’t real solutions

Richard Hundahl’s August 11 letter titled “Country needs to turn back to God” demonstrates the too-common problem of offering simplistic platitudes as solutions to the complex problems tht our diverse and free society faces. He states that “our nation needed to return to the Biblical principles of right and wrong based on the sovereignty of God.” Sounds good, doesn’t it? But dig a little deeper.

Our country was founded on several living documents, including the Magna Carta (1215) and the British Constitution – not the Bible. The Magna Carta was originally developed to limit a king’s power in the wake of his disastrous foreign wars – perhaps a cautionary tale for today’s volatile political climate.

The “founding principles” Mr. Hundahl refers to as “right and wrong” are not moral codes from the Bible or the Koran or the Talmud, but rather the principles of liberty. The concept that we need rules for a civil society go back as far as Plato and Socrates.

Some of us do indeed believe that these founding principles are divinely inspired. However, how one chooses to worship such a divinity, or whether one doesn’t worship at all, must remain a sacred freedom. Such a marvelous process even allows individuals to express opinions, even when they are uncluttered by fact.

Arlington

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, Feb. 6

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Curtains act as doors for a handful of classrooms at Glenwood Elementary on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Schools’ building needs point to election reform

Construction funding requests in Arlington and Lake Stevens show need for a change to bond elections.

Lake Stevens school bond funds needed safety work at all schools

A parent’s greatest fear is for something bad to happen to their… Continue reading

Arlington schools capital levy: Say yes to new Post Middle School

Schools are the backbone of the Arlington community. Families want to move… Continue reading

Long sentences not much of a deterrent but serve justice

A recent column by Todd Welch mentions a trope that ignores one… Continue reading

Comment: Trump’s stress-test of Constitution shows it’s up to job

Keep filing lawsuits and the courts will bat down his unconstitutional orders; as long as he follows the rulings.

Stephens: Trump endangers stability of Pax Americana

Discarding the values of a ‘Great Power’ for a ‘Big Power’ will cost the U.S. its standing in the world.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, Feb. 5

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Comment: Costco’s work to defend its DEI values isn’t over

Costco successfully argued its values to shareholders, but a bigger fight looms with ‘anti-woke’ forces.

Goldberg: Trump running America as President Bush ran Iraq

Rather than de-Baathifaction, Trump and Musk are giving us de-wokeification. Expect the same ruinous results.

Kristof: Blind to science, RFK Jr. unfit to lead on health

On the cusp of another pandemic, now is not the time for a health official who doubts vaccinations.

Comment: Trump climate data purge risks Americans’ health, more

Groups are working to secure the data, but much could be lost that benefits health and economy.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.