And, throw them under the bus!

Daniel Dennett, professor of philosophy at Tufts University, is one of the new cadre of individuals aggressively attcking religion and those who hold religious beliefs. In a Q&A in the Wasington Post, he was asked about the claims of media bias against religion, such as those recently made by Brit Hume. Professor Dennett's full answer can be found at: http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/panelists/
daniel_c_dennett/2010/01/religious_no_longer_a_protected_class.html.

I found part of his answer provocative. Dennett said:
I look forward to the day when violence done under the influence of religious passion is considered more dishonorable, more shameful, than crimes of avarice, and is punished accordingly, and religious leaders who incite such acts are regarded with the same contempt that we reserve for bartenders who send dangerously disabled people out onto the highways.

I also look forward to the day when pastors who abuse the authority of their pulpits by misinforming their congregations about science, about public health, about global warming, about evolution must answer to the charge of dishonesty. Telling pious lies to trusting children is a form of abuse, plain and simple. If quacks and bunko artists can be convicted of fraud for selling worthless cures, why not clergy for making their living off unsupported claims of miracle cures and the efficacy of prayer?

How do you respond to his comments?