Reality Points Memo, Issue Three

Western democratic values are much maligned- not because those values are so terrible, but rather because they pose a threat to an accepted status quo to certain interests.

Tribal inhabitants did not discover cannibalism with the advent of European discoverers.

Al Qaeda Islamists did not discover beheading as a result of the American Revolution and democracy.

When we examine more primitive cultures (defined as less technological as well as those cultures that are non democratic), we are not stepping back in time. In fact, we are observing a more natural state of affairs. It is to the credit of modern man that we have overcome our nature and evolvd into something far more civilized and advanced. Anyone who advocates a return to a more natural state of affairs, or a return to a more primitive lifestyle, is a fool.

As we have repeated, 'cultural diversity' and 'cultural differences' cannot hide reality. Some cultures are superior to others. Modern society and culture are not separate, distinct- or equal in status to lesser, more violent and less tolerant cultures and societies.

Simply awareness of cultural differences does not give those lesser cultures and more credibility. Just because we can watch a television program on other cultures and societies does not 'equal the playing field.' Cultures, societies and religions are measured by the what they build and contribute and not by what they destroy.

Taking an anti war stance and then celebrating the deaths of some is hypocritical. Either all war and violence are bad, or there are times war and violence acceptable.

The situation in Darfur will only be resoved with armed intervention. In Rwanda, over a million died because 'talking' was the preferred to intervention.

There is a no one single 'universal culture.' There is a reason we have not and cannot 'all just get along,' and that is because lesser cultures have refused to accept the notion that other cultures are as equal as theirs. Until that happens, that universal awareness that we tolerance is a choice and not 'natural,' we will continue to fight with each other. Superior cultures are more tolerant. Lesser cultures are more bigoted and intolerant.

Superior cultures acknowledge evil and make every effort to exorcise that evil from within. Inferior cultures celebrate evil, make excuses for evil and tolerate evil. What exactly is evil? Well, evil is any expression that causes harm. Evil is morally or physically repulsive and reflects the bad character of those who make evil a part of their way of life. Good people separate themselves from the evil others embrace.

Societies and cultures that refuse to accept/tolerate other societies and cultures as having anything less than equal worth, or the right to determine their own destinies, are evil. The societies that embrace evil are culturally chauvanistic and cultural absolutists. Those cultures and societies cannot be made to appear equal to, or as civilized as free societies. Those cultures and societies are more primitive- and usually, more violent- in every sense of the word.

As we have noted,

Environment no more affects human progress than does race. They are contributing factors, of course, but in the end there are three things that inspire or impede achievement or progress. Those things are principles, values and beliefs.

There are societies principles, values and beliefs that made achievement and progress inevitable. Those are the cultures and societies that embraced change, and they valued those who carved out that change. It's that simple.

Of course, there are societies and cultures that have yet to embrace progress.