“A Modest Propposal”, by Jonathan Swift -
Swift’s essay is widely held to be one of the greatest examples of sustained irony in the history of the English language. Much of its shock value derives from the fact that the first portion of the essay describes the plight of starving beggars in Ireland, so that the reader is unprepared for the surprise of Swift’s solution when he states: “A young healthy child well nursed, is, at a year old, a most delicious nourishing and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricassee, or a ragout.”
Swift goes to great lengths to support his argument, including a list of possible preparation styles for the children, and calculations showing the financial benefits of his suggestion. He uses methods of argument throughout his essay which lampoon the then-influential William Petty and the social engineering popular among followers of Francis Bacon.
Swift’s main target in “A Modest Proposal” was not the conditions in Ireland, but rather the can-do spirit of the times that led people to devise a number of illogical schemes that would purportedly solve social and economic ills.
“Some have practices that are inconsistent with human rights.” In reference to infanticide practiced by certain tribes.
Well if abortion is a human right, (as certain agencies and courts claim), why not infanticide?
As far as I can tell what is considered a human right changes in the wind. But the law of God does not. So why not state firmly that it is a grave sin against God and innocents, and therefore must cease?
Bishop Krautler, synod organizer and Amazon expert from his years there, acknowledges infanticide but encourages a non-patriarchal, pastoral approach to teaching the natives the murder of infants is... culturally anachronistic. That should put an end to it.