Fundamentalist Error

November 2004

When President Bush attempts to justify his Iraqi mis-adventure, he inevitably claims that he is on the side of justice and truth and that those who oppose him are “evil doers”– or their accomplices. Again and again he reminds the world, you’re either for us, or against us. There is no room for nuance, much less dissent. Though he has learned to avoid the word itself, “crusade” accurately describes the evangelical fervor with which Bush pursues the continued occupation of Iraq. His fanatical zeal can admit no mistakes nor tolerate any criticism.

The Administration paints Iraqi resisters as crazed fundamentalists hell-bent on enforcing their self-centered vision of God’s will, the cost in human lives be damned. But, with tragic irony, such a description applies equally well to the White House. They wave the flag, hoist the cross, and profess theirs to be a mission from the Almighty. If blood is being spilled, so be it– it is God’s will.

Fundamentalism of any stripe makes for bad politics, for politics involves the art of getting along and living together in peace. Any group believing itself in sole possession of The Truth will inevitably, perhaps with the best of intentions, try to convert others. The more fervently any fundamentalist believes in his “truth” (be it Mohammed, Jesus, or laissez-faire capitalism), the more coercive conversion methods can be justified. If thumbscrews– or worse– are needed to get non-believers on board, their use is surely better than allowing someone to go unconverted.

One of America’s enduring political strengths has been a skepticism about religious fundamentalism and political absolutism. Indeed, our Founders recognized the utility of tolerance, religious and political, in encouraging diversity. From diversity spring vitality and resilience; good ideas are more likely found from amongst many options than from one dusty scroll or one blinkered political doctrine. “Truth” is not ever captured in just one person or one time or one text. It is the goal of constantly thinking, living– and thus, changing– minds. Fundamentalism, demanding unyielding adherence to a predetermined creed, inevitably becomes the enemy of truth.

The motto of America itself celebrates the utility of diversity: E pluribus unum (out of many, one). It is tempting for some politicians, eager for the power of unity, to forget that a strong unum is predicated on a vital pluribus. Enforcing oneness while quashing deviation leads to brittle totalitarianism. Any system aimed at avoiding such brutal and short-lived rule, must derive legitimacy and strength by embracing and encouraging sometimes inconvenient and messy diversity.

Instead of drawing on our strength in pluribus, Bush has sought to stifle and silence critics. He has armed John Ashcroft with the power to sneak peeks at political opponents’ credit card receipts, video rentals, and library borrowings. Secret tribunals are to replace public trials. And everywhere, fear is generated to prevent people from daring to oppose our leader. Dissent is explicitly equated with treason.

Bush claims his fundamentalist-inspired war is to be “perpetual,” thus civil liberties need be suspended indefinitely. But real Americans understand that tolerance, dissent, and diversity make America stronger, not weaker. Let us hope voters this November 2 send a message to the world: anyone parading narrow-minded fundamentalism, martial law, and endless war as true Americanism is a dangerous charlatan to be exposed and rejected.

Pasted from <http://guidemag.com/magcontent/invokemagcontent.cfm?ID=051C4828-B0B4-4205-8851DB0C822EF495>