Letter Warrants A Response

To the Editor:

The December 4 issue of The Bee featured a letter from Robert Knapp of Sandy Hook [“US Should Never Tolerate Sharia Law And Its Intolerance,” Letter Hive, 12/4/09], addressing in its own peculiar way the issue (in his mind at least) of the (imaginary, in my mind), danger of Sharia law making its way into our nation and ultimately overwhelming us.

Mr Knapp stated in his letter several truly bizarre things. Declaring right off that the wonderful values of diversity and tolerance must never replace love of Jesus Christ and God for all Americans, including Christians, Jews, Muslims, atheists and agnostics (I guess the Buddhists, Hindus, and Zoroastrians caught a break here). A straightforward interpretation of this first paragraph would mean that I, as a Jewish atheist, should not allow the importance of the values of tolerance and diversity to rise to the same level as my love for Jesus Christ or my love of God. I truly don’t know how to thank Mr Knapp for his clear minded and steady handed spiritual guidance. (Please reread the letter if you are in any doubt.)

He goes on to condemn Sharia law as not tolerant of other religions and not based on Western values (like Christianity which came out of where, I ask?) and says that “Sharia Law is anathema to our Constitution.”

This letter is truly disturbing on so many levels. It is blatant bigotry on so many levels, against Muslims, Jews, atheists, any non-Westerners, and any thinking rational person, apparently all in the name of loving God, Jesus Christ, and America.

He says his thoughts were “Ironically inspired by The Just War Theory of St Augustine of Hippo.” The apparent irony that Mr Knapp refers to here is that Augustine was a native-born African. Perhaps a greater irony is that as stated in The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, “Augustine believed reason to be a uniquely human cognitive capacity that comprehends deductive truths and logical necessity.” It is no surprise that this second irony has seemingly escaped Mr Knapp completely. Augustine also argued that the Jews would be converted at the end of time. Good to know I have that to look forward to; I’m all a tremble with anticipation.

The letter is a stunning display of ignorance and bigotry. What is more notable, by its absence, is any response at all from the concerned citizens of Newtown. I intentionally waited a week before replying in the hope that another would for a change. No one did. It takes great moral courage to write a letter about campaign signs on lawns or supporting someone for the heartily fought Board of Finance election. Everyone in town seems willing to take a stand on those tough issues, especially our brave elected officials. I am not surprised that I am the only one to respond. It has happened before. It will probably happen again. There are many excuses. None of them suffice. It is more then unfortunate that people are unwilling to do the right thing.

Robert Karnoff

66 Great Ring Road, Sandy Hook                         December 15, 2009