M.D. Harmon’s attempt to paint Kim Davis as a hero is a classic example of trying to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear ( column, “Kim Davis is a hero, not a criminal,” Sept. 11).

Harmon’s long and convoluted rationale is blatant sophistry. He clearly knew the conclusion he wanted to reach and selected the facts that would support that conclusion while rejecting all the others.

Harmon would have us believe that Davis’ status as hero or criminal is based on theology and history, but all that blather is simply a smokescreen obscuring the real issue. In taking the oath of office, Davis swore to perform the duties of county clerk. But she then refused to perform those duties because they offended her religious conscience. That spells “duplicity,” which translates as dishonesty. In Christian love, no doubt, but dishonest nonetheless.

Davis also refused to resign from her position as county clerk, thereby holding all the residents of Kentucky’s Rowan County hostage to her religious prejudices.

This is precisely the type of religious tyranny our forefathers hoped to abolish when they articulated the need to maintain a clear separation between church and state. This little tidbit didn’t get mentioned in Harmon’s historical survey.

Harmon also failed to mention the fact that Davis accepted her salary while refusing to do her job. To me, that spells “swindle,” which, in most jurisdictions, is a criminal offense.

If Harmon really believes that Davis is a hero, then maybe he’d like to buy this bridge I own in Brooklyn.

David L. Mitchell

Madison

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