Harry Selby made an excellent point when he said laws are not based on morality.

It’s true; many laws such as legal ages for drinking, voting and gambling have nothing to do with morals and are in place merely to create order in society.

However, there are some issues (murder, rape, etc.) on which I will not concede this point.

Some things are wrong, and many cultures have established this throughout history, as Mr. Selby said.

I feel the most important responsibility we have as a culture is discerning which issues must be immoral or moral, and which are simply arbitrary.

Trying to enforce ideals so inextricably linked with God and religion is incredibly complicated and sometimes questionable in a secular nation, but that does not make them less true.

I would also like to know just what Mr. Selby would say “civil liberties” are based on, and if he thinks they are universal.

If they are not universal, just how much meaning do they have, and why?

Last, “What is true for you may not be universally true for everyone else,” is absolutely wrong.

If something is true, then it is true, regardless of anyone’s perceptions.

Emily Hoppenworth

Junior

English