I remember the first time I heard "secular humanism" uttered with loathing and disgust.

1984. I was a senior in a private religious college in Austin, TX. The religious denomination of that college had not (yet) gotten in bed with Republican evangelicals, so it was just a nice environment nestled in the heart of a really interesting city. There were not enough student teaching slots available in the denominational schools right there in Austin, so some of us got sent to Dallas and Houston and lived with host families for the 10 week period.

A friend and I were sent to Dallas. We went out to eat one evening and there was an older couple near us. The woman was on a tear about all the evils of secular humanism. As I recall, her dining partner didn't say much at all, but she went on and on. By that time I had several history and history of religion classes under my belt and was very familiar with humanism in the context of the Renaissance and the Reformation, but I had never, ever heard humanism referred to as a bad thing.

In fact, it was probably that overheard conversation that led me to try and figure out what the hell was going on in politics. My family never discussed politics, but I think my parents usually voted Republican. I had already researched how to get an absentee ballot because I was determined to vote against Reagan (thank you Rolling Stone magazine and William Greider!), but I don't think I would have gotten so involved without my horror at what right wing religiosos were doing and saying.

Can't he redirect it with a Sharpie?

My first name's Mo, my middle name's Ron, but you can call me MoRon.

"Sir, we charge extra if you want us to play with tears in our eyes."

What gave him away? Was his letter written Civil War style?

Well excuse me, but I had a Swiss army knife on that keychain!

Honestly, it's amazing there's no version of the Bible with commercial sponsorship yet.

The possibilities are endless.

The Nativity Story brought to you by Marriott International. We’ll always have room for you!

Changing Water into Wine brought to you by Drizly Alcohol Delivery. You don’t need a miracle if you’ve got Drizly!

The Feeding of the 5000 brought to you by Papa’s Fish & Chips. There won't be any leftovers to collect!

Jesus Walking on the Water brought to you by Sea-Doo jet skis. Why walk when when you could ride?

Matthew 28:6 "He is not here, for he has risen, just as he said."

“Come, see the Cadbury Creme Eggs he left where He was lying.”

Yes. They enjoy bullying vicariously through him.

In hindsight, even the initial shutdowns probably could have been done more regionally,

with specific areas going into stricter lockdown when infection rates in their area hit certain levels. That might have lessened some of the resentment in areas of the country that didn't see much Covid initially.

But to do that successfully would have required listening to competent experts, governmental leadership and cooperation, constant testing and truthful communications that Donald Trump and his Republican enablers did not want to do.