Why it's important to debunk those obnoxious freeper emails

[Jo March]

I received a chain email from a good friend of mine. It was one that was attributed to Ben Stein and some of it was from Ben Stein but the entire email isn't. I love the person who sent it to me. He is very sweet and caring. Even though I was worried about my reply, I just couldn't let it drop. I kept my cool and check out his reply (after my response):


Jack,

You know I love you, right? Well, I do. I also hope that you will read what I've written below.

Part of the email that you forwarded did come from Ben Stein. Of course, even if it did, Nixon's ex-speechwriter doesn't need to lecture anyone on how to be a Christain. http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_ben_stein_christmas.htm

As far as the comments from Billy Graham's daughter, the last time I received this email, her comments were supposedly in reference to 9/11. (That's also explained in the link that I attached above) Anyway, when you accept God into your heart, no amount of laws can prevent you from carrying Him with you, correct? So, if God is omnipresent, then how can any Earthly laws prevent Him from being with us when we need Him?

Madeleine Murray O'Hare was murdered, yes, but not because she is an atheist. She was murdered for greed. For Ben Stein to reference her murder as some sort of backhand way of condemning atheists is shameful. If that logic held, then all believers would never have to worry about being murdered.

Children can still pray in schools. Schools and the government just cannot endorse one religion over another as we do not live in a theocracy. I'm glad for that. One's religion does not have anything to do with one's morality. If that were the case, then Pat Robertson wouldn't be calling for the murder of Hugo Chavez and no preachers would ever murder their spouses, steal from their churches or molest young children, right?

For what it's worth, Dr. Spock's son DID NOT commit suicide. That is quite shameful to spread around. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Spock

These types of emails do not serve any purpose but to whip up feelings of anger and resentment towards those who do not believe the way that we do. Jesus says, "Love thy neighbor as thyself." He said that this is the greatest commandment. I believe that in my heart.

I could just let this email pass but more and more these days, I find that I cannot let these types of emails continue past me without at least bringing in the truth.

I hope that you and the familiy are all well. We miss you guys and hope that we can see you sometime soon.

Arnie

This is his reply:


Arnie,

That's what I Love about you the most...You did your research and I just passed on info I had no idea about. You have made me a better person and I respect your opinion. The email has stopped here and in a way I'm glad I sent it to you first. Thanks for putting an "older" man in his place and I am definitly not offended. Love to you and yours....

See? We need to continue to pass along the truth when we get these types of emails. We may not convince everyone but if we can show one person that these emails are hateful and wrong, then we will have done some good. You know that you get these types of emails - the ones that claim to be from someone "important" (I use that word loosely.) and they are filled with barely concealed hatred for gays, atheists, anti-war protestors, etc.

Don't let the hatred and bigotry pass your eyes unchallenged! You can make a difference and stop the chain. :loveya:

If you want to read the text of the "Ben Stein" email, I'll post it but it's drivel and is not worth the electrons.

[stepnw1f]

1. Ver Nice (nt)

[Sweet Freedom]

2. Please post in the DU Debunker

The DU Propoganda Debunker is available for just this reason.

Here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=284

If you create a post labeled "E-mail: Ben Stein", include the original text and then your resposne (with a link to this thread), your debunking will be readily available for others DUers to reference and/or be inspired by.

Thanks!:)

[Jo March]

5. Cool! I have always used Snopes

I'll go and post this there now. What a great resource.

DU rocks!! :yourock:

[yellerpup]

3. Way to stand up!

My favorite truth: Don't let the hatred and bigotry pass your eyes unchallenged! You can make a difference and stop the chain.

Thanks for sharing.

[Berry Cool]

4. Very good--shows that if done right, you CAN change the minds and hearts

of people who are not closed-minded or evil, just misled by misinformation.

Also: along with the DU Propaganda Debunking Group, keeping tabs on snopes.com really pays. Not only are they politically neutral when it comes to digging up the truth behind e-mail garbage (see their "Inboxer Rebellion" section), but they're also helpful in dealing with the non-political nonsense you may find cluttering your mailbox. You know, the win-free-stuff-from-Microsoft or please-forward-this-email-so-someone-will-donate-3-cents-to-charity-or-you're-a-bad-person stuff.

[Jo March]

6. I like Snopes but they don't always provide in-depth debunking

Some of the more obnoxious freeper emails contain a lot of stuff and require quite a bit of research. For some DUers, that is just a walk in the park. ;)

[yellerpup]

7. Good to know.

thanks. :hi:


On Edit: I meanto to reply to BerryBush. Sorry!