I had, maybe, a few thoughts to write about in this entry, but I didn't have anything really interesting or exciting so I thought I'd do something a bit different. I'm going to quote Playboy magazine. yes, Playboy.

In the Playboy Forum, where they discuss actual topics instead of print bullshit letters of how some loser fulfilled his sexual fantasy, they're covering the fact that the religious right wants to have the 10 Commandments posted in school. So, they asked 9 "big thinkers" what alternatives they would post. Some of the people asked were Scott Adams of Dilbert fame, Alan Dershowitz - professor at Harvard Law, and Susie Bright - author of Full Exposure: Opening Up to Sex and Creativity. But, the person who got my attention the most was John Rush, author of Real Atheists Don't Attend Church. I think the reason I liked his response the best was that it took the ancient Commandments and "re-wrote" them for modern times. Here's what he said:

"Most of the 10 Commandments (a word which implies that some authoritarian brute is dictating orders) are useless restrictions that hinder human progress. The first four deal strictly with man's subservience thousands of years ago to a mythical tribal deity. Together they could be replaced with 'Get along with others as best you can.'

The implication of rule five is that kids should honor even those parents who abuse, neglect or molest them. There is no reverse requirement that parents should take care of their offspring. I'd toss this one for 'Respect those who have earned it; learn from those with knowledge and experience, and share valid information.'

The last half of the thou-shalt-nots make me wonder how Christians dare call anyone else negative. Number six is hypocritical given the context - Joshua and David were among the most brutal killers in the Bible, yet they're considered heroes. 'Live and let live' would be a better statement here. Number seven prohibits adultery, but what's wrong with adultery if a married person is not sexually gratified? Some cultures have no concept of adultery, because they have no concept of marriage, which has its roots in religion. So let's discard this one, too, and substitute 'Love and let love.'

Nobody likes to have their possessions stolen, but I can't see punishing a starving vagrant for taking an apple. Still, theft violates the rights of ownership and privacy. Change number eight to 'Respect the property of others.'

Number nine can be shortened to 'Thou shalt not lie.' Banning lies means we'd have to live without literature and most forms of entertianment. Preachers also are professional liars, so we'd better not spend too much time here. Make this one 'Allow free speech'.

If you covet something your neighbor has, what's wrong with making him an offer? The more disturbing aspect of number 10 is that it places a man's wife in the category of slave. Better here to say 'Deal fairly with others.'

Finally, I would add 'Enjoy your life, since it's the only one you have.'"

I'm not going to ruin it now by inserting my weak musings and assumptions. Just think about what you read. Until next entry, be safe.