Purity vs Irony

That seems better than Purism vs Ironism.

Anyway, David Brooks study of philosophy has finally found a path back to reality.  It is a bit funny that he published his column today as RSL has gotten politically active (beyond voting) and I went to an ACLU teach in event on practical ways to be involved.  At the end, many people bolted and a few stayed on to talk, as well was partake in the wine and vittles the host had provided.  As anyone who knows me, wine and munchies are all I need to be the last one at a party.

The discussion meandered around, but I finally got to make my point that Democrats need to find ways to back off on social issues, and I specifically mentioned the issue of baking cakes for a gay wedding.  We went quickly to the difficult issue of how is religious discrimination against gays different from white discrimination against blacks.  At one level, I agree it is not.  Thankfully, the sponsor, who is am attorney, made a coherent case that constitutionally protection of religious belief is on an equal footing with an individual's right to buy something from someone.  And if the latter person has alternative places to make their purchase, they have not been harmed.  What makes this situation different from racism is that is conducted on an individual level and not at a societal/legality  level.

In fact, I can now see the logic why Orthodox Religious people feel their religion is not being respected and I certainly understand why they would vote that issue over any economic issue that caused them harm.  If a Democrat wants some of their votes, the discussion must be moved off of religion.

If Democrat's wants to win in a district where a significant number of voters are religious (which is a significant part of the country), they have to acknowledge that once social issues have been won at the societal/legal level, you stop trying to do anything beyond protecting the issue at that level and you let individuals figure it out at the very local level.  If there is some rude behavior and sensitivities are harmed, well that occurs in life and we all have to get over it and move on with our life.  Buy your wedding cake at a place that welcomes your business.

Anyway, David Brook's column on this issue is worth reading.

The Benedict Option