Brillianty Written and Cave of Cool Endorsed

http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/losing-my-religion-for-equality-20090714-dk0v.html?stb=fb

 I often struggle with short explanation to describe my inner distain for the evils of organized religion. I know many need their faith as comfort or to give them guidance. I get the force for good it can be but I also am educated on ALL the myriad of ways that religion is a hateful and destructive force. I can't help but look at those who turn a blind eye to such evils as guilty themselves in those events. I see too many of the very people the churches should be helping being left with shame for even seeking help in the first place.

I could go on but this piece by President Jimmy Carter says it all and in a better way than I ever could. For a man of his stature, he has done more outside of his Presidency to make the world a better place in some of the worst places on this planet. He walks the talk and is the real deal.

This view that women are somehow inferior to men is not restricted to one religion or belief. Women are prevented from playing a full and equal role in many faiths. Nor, tragically, does its influence stop at the walls of the church, mosque, synagogue or temple. This discrimination, unjustifiably attributed to a Higher Authority, has provided a reason or excuse for the deprivation of women's equal rights across the world for centuries.

At its most repugnant, the belief that women must be subjugated to the wishes of men excuses slavery, violence, forced prostitution, genital mutilation and national laws that omit rape as a crime. But it also costs many millions of girls and women control over their own bodies and lives, and continues to deny them fair access to education, health, employment and influence within their own communities.