Michael Ryan defends Brit Hume's ignorant bigotry

Re: "A good-faith attempt to help," from the January 8th edition of the Augusta Chronicle."

Michael Ryan's defense of Brit Hume's insulting comments about Buddhism completely misses the point of the criticism. Instead, Mr. Ryan focuses his commentary on some over-the-top statements Keith Olbermann made. Normally, I agree with Mr. Olbermann, but his comments comparing Mr. Hume to a jihadist were hysterical, and they obscure reasoned criticism of Mr. Hume.

Mr. Ryan ignores the reasoned criticism. Mr. Hume said that Buddhism doesn't offer the redemption and forgiveness found in the Christian faith. According to Robert Thurman, a professor of Tibetan studies at Columbia University, "adultery is considered an ethical sin in Buddhism..." and "Believers have to look to themselves and turn to an ethical way of life for redemption."

Buddhism actually makes more sense than Christianity which depends upon the belief in an omnipotent God (who also happens to be an invisible Jewish man) for redemption. True redemption does come from within. People claiming they find God are simply making an excuse to turn their lives around.

Mr. Hume demonstrated complete ignorance of a religion foreign to him. His attempt at proselytizing Tiger Woods was just stupid and insensitive. It's like something Archie Bunker would've said. Because he's the former anchor of Fox's main news show, maybe Fox News should be renamed the Archie Bunker News.