In today's Strib, metro section, there's a piece about Lucas Helder, pipe bomber. He left notes "dismissing people to a better reality," according to Andrew Simcox, an examining psychologist, who continues, "Mr. Helder doesn't believe death exists. He has seen ghosts in the past. In Helder's world, bodies die, but spirits go to a higher dimension."
It's odd. That's just the stuff I heard at my uncle's funeral. A guy reported on ghostly visitations, and everybody professed loudly the view that my uncle wasn't really dead -- in fact, was better off now than before. I hope there weren't people with bomb-making skills in the congregation.
It is time to get over the idea that things we say in solemn, pious tones are safe and innocent. It is time to get over the idea that crimes are committed with bombs and guns. Crimes start out being just words.
Posted by shea0017 at September 2, 2004 3:42 PMTo suggest that non-mainstream philosophy is synonymous with crime is ridiculous. Although the two parties had similar elements of faith, one party bore them from malice; the other party out of hope.
Words aside: The funeral goers only wished to comfort the family of the deceased. Tone and context must be considered; they often express more than we attribute to them.
Lastly, yes: Sentiments like those expressed in the above article are intended to protect society from potentially dangerous acts. To outlaw unconventional opinion, however, would suspend innovation and pursuit of truth; All-the-while imposing onto us a 'Big Brother' society where thoughts and words are controlled to the point of persecuting people,not protecting them.
Posted by: Joshua at March 28, 2005 3:51 PM