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In defense of Madsen
Three recent letters to the editor sought to criticize or outright silence women speaking out about life under oppressive regimes, women your Sue Lani Madsen gave voice to a week ago.
Kristina Johnson Morehouse falsely accuses Madsen of believing “some humans are less human than others”, and claims the rank of grand inquisitor in charge of banning “dangerous” ideas. Then John Mason makes a claim of racism, which is either purely baseless or Nonie Darwish is also a racist. Mere mudslinging. Finally, Veta Schlimgen invents the sweeping charge that Madsen hates Catholics, Jews, Mormons and Buddhists, but then recovers good ground with a recitation of American values, with which I am sure Madsen would agree.
Each of these writers may suffer from varying degrees of historophobia-induced pretzelexia, a rhetorical disorder that causes the sufferer to twist words and ideas out of shape to fit an easily condemned stereotype. Fortunately it is treatable.
Keep us thinking, Madsen!
Bill Sweigert
Spokane