I'm a secular humanist and that informs all my political views...

[bayareamike]

1. Just yesterday as I was discussing the Palestinian-Israeli conflict

with my very conservative grandmother (whom I would do ANYTHING for), she cited Biblical precedent in making the case as to why the Palestinian people should not have any say, rights, etc. in the context of the conflict. Israel, in her opinion, is justified in any of its actions because of what the Bible says.

It's funny. Other than her political views -- which, admittedly, are pretty far right -- she is an absolute saint. The point is that religion, rather than logic and humanist values, dictate her arguments and beliefs. I think this is true for many well meaning people in this country and throughout the world. "They" are good people and do want to live good lives, but hold some pretty crazy opinions based on religious conviction and not logic.