Apparently my suggestion that “Daily Kos may be hurting its own cause” (12/1/15), that “abortion is at best a regrettable expedient” (even to save the woman’s life (saving the pregnant woman’s would be good, that one had to resort to an abortion is not) or when preventing an unfit parent from having having kids), or that “homophobia is perhaps, among other things, a fear in some men that homosexuals will “do unto them” as they, “straight” men, “do unto” women (i.e. think of and treat women as sex objects and second class citizens – often demeaned as sluts, etc.)” provoked at least one abusive response.
One of the first principles of (successful) warfare is “know thy enemy.” Or more to the point, since we are not actually at war with “religious” conservatives or even with homophobes, if one understands a problem, one has a better chance of fixing it. Homophobia is definitely a problem.
Being quick to take offense (e.g. in the guise of “political correctness”) may give the appearance of “victory” by shutting up one’s opponents, but that “victory” is hollow, indeed illusory. It is almost sure to exacerbate the problem. Demanding that an obnoxiously “squeaky wheel” be placated creates resentment and is more likely to harden people in their opposing views than to win over converts.
To state the obvious, one does not promote understanding by stifling the exchange of ideas, by stifling free speech. Besides, being quick to take offense simply isn’t nice. Although other people’s ideas may (or may not) be wrong, being quick to take offense when no offense is intended, is definitely wrong.
As I have said before, although enacting laws prohibiting abortion would be a very bad thing, both sides in the abortion debate are wrong. As the debate is still conducted, Pro-Life vs. Pro-Choice, neither side has the remotest chance of convincing anyone on the other to change their mind. (See Abortion “Wrongs” & The conceit about truth). Abortion should not be illegal. But the way the debate is usually framed, focusing on women’s “right” of choice, does not help.