Dear Ms. Bachmann

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God - 2011

Dear Ms. Bachmann,

Please remove “It’s The End of the World as We Know It” from your ipod.  We understand music around “Best of the IRS Years” appeals to you, but you are scaring small children.  To quote Helen Lovejoy, another deeply religious caricature, “Won’t someone please think of the children!”

Yes, the world is a big, scary place.  Human beings cannot control storms and disasters.  Like the ancients, you have developed a story to explain things that scare you.   This phenomenon - this “other” - is frightening.  You employ humor to hide your fear.   We understand – many in the land used humor to hide our fears during the reign of W.

It may comfort to you know that in 2011 we have “Science” to explain big, scary, damaging, things like hurricanes, earthquakes, Rush & Fox News.

It’s time to put on your big girl underpants and look to science to assuage your fears.  It’s OK; we’re right here, you are not alone.

Scientists explain hurricanes as areas of low pressure that form over warm ocean waters.  Water vapor is the fuel for the hurricanes because it releases the latent heat of condensation when it condenses to form clouds and rain, warming the surrounding air.   

Yes, this is simplistic; please consult Tom Skilling here in Chicagoland for further explanation.  Simple though it is, perhaps it will help you and your disciples understand that hurricanes develop because of water and wind and heat – not because we are sinners in the hands of an angry g-d.  Rather than point to the divine, perhaps you should re-evaluate your position on global climate change; alas, this is asking too much.  One must take baby steps.  Perhaps in 2016.

Regarding the other item that has of late caused you great distress - earthquakes.  Despite what Pat Robertson and your “book” tell you, earthquakes are not said angry g-d’s version of Morse Code.   Science can explain ground shaking, too.  We note you did not link Mr. Cantor’s unskillful behavior to this “phenomenon” which perhaps we do take issue with.  Nonetheless, there are women and men of Science who will assist you in sorting out your beliefs about “earthquakes” – simply type “seismologist” into your Google machine.

As for Rush and Fox News, this is a bit more complex.  Luckily, there are Sociologists who specialize in “herd mentality.”   Other sources of information on this odd phenomenon are Historians; perhaps you could find one whose area of expertise includes the rise of Fascism.