Ben Stein, and the art of understanding

From the moment I knew of Ben Stein, I knew he had worked for Nixon. I also knew he was relatively moderate when it came to economic policy (in as much as I can say, of course many would say that one can't be moderate if one disagrees with them). He felt that the wealthiest in America were paying a disproportionately lower percentage of their income (including capital gains) in taxes.

I also learned that he is a fierce advocate of the pro-life movement. Although I am a believer that women ought to be able to choose what happens to their bodies, I can certainly respect that position, and forgive some of the mean things he has said about people that don't believe as he does. However, I was surprised and disappointed to learn of his belief in intelligent design. I am terribly disappointed in what he has said linking those who understand evolution with the eugenics movement and genocide. Even if he can't get his head around the nature of God's creation, surely he can't be so obtuse as to say the things he has said? How can this be?

I have to try harder to be understanding of people who increasingly seem like people I couldn't love. It's difficult!