Deal breaker

OK, let me make one or two more arguments while I can.

I don't listen religiously to the Glenn Beck program, and, when I do listen, don't agree with everything he says. But a couple weeks ago, he made an emphatic point that made me pick up my ears, since it relates directly to the notion that we ought not be paying for tax-funded abortion. Trouble is, Beck doesn't seem to realize the importance of his own point.

The context of Beck's animated sermon was an on-air phone conversation with a political candidate from Texas. Beck asked this gubernatorial hopeful for her position re. the "911 truthers", those who believe that the 911 attack was an inside job, the work of people within the U.S. government. When the candidate demurred from specifically denouncing these theories, Beck reacted with suitable outrage.

Beck's arguments went like this: If this candidate really believes there to be some truth to the notion that government forces were responsible for that mass murder, then she can not credibly pretend to have any other more pressing political concerns. If our government were actually engaged in the deliberate extermination of innocent people, then that government is evil. Not mistaken. Not corrupt. Evil. And that would be a deal breaker. No other political issue would matter. Beck asked pointedly: If you believe these theories, why wouldn't you work with all diligence to expose such evil? Why would you pay another nickel in taxes to such an evil government?

Just so, Mr. Beck. Just so.