OPINION:
Dr. Ben S. Carson’s rationale is a rationalization that says the end justifies the means, which, of course, it never has and never will (“Charting a course between principle and pragmatism,” Web, May 20). I, a conservative, am not angry. I am incredulous and greatly disappointed that Dr. Carson, whom I greatly admire, would suggest pragmatism at the expense of principle as a course of action.
Pragmatism, like liberalism, is an easy path of least resistance — but a very dangerous course to follow. Health care rationing, death panels and more are solutions a pragmatist would propose. Principles are more than “very important”; they are everything. Without them, we are rudderless.
Lastly, is it not disingenuous of Dr. Monica Wehby, Oregon Republican, to run for Senate as pro-choice when, according to Dr. Carson, she is really “very pro-life”? Is she to be trusted when it comes to voting on the most important issue of our times, the sanctity of life? Stand up and be counted. Be who you are openly and proudly. Dr. Carson writes, “We need to stabilize the country first and then address the other serious problems.” Tell that to the million-plus babies that will be aborted this year and next, and the year after that, and on and on.
PATRICK CHISHOLM
Catonsville, Md.
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