Reply #132: You have to remember the dynamic at work here. [View All]

[Zenlitened]

It happens a lot when people have been backed into a corner, or -- as is the case here -- have backed themselves into a corner.

They have to walk away in a huff.

They have to dismiss their critics as "close-minded," for example, or unwilling to engage in serious debate. (Ironically, it's also a case of projecting their own shortcomings on their opponents.)

In any event, the only exit strategy left for them, as some point, is to declare "this discussion is ended." As if that settles it.

Whether or not we get an answer from the poster in question here, I don't think it matters. I think readers of the thread have heard both sides make their case, and realize that one side is critical of a specific church practice (promoting discrimination against gays and lesbians) while the other side uses one right-wing technique after another to try to silence all criticism:

Claiming all catholics, everywhere, are being smeared with a broad brush. Deflecting the discussion to matters of style. Tossing out obvious strawman arguments. Feigning ignorance of the history of what has been an ongoing discussion on DU. Accusing progressives of violating their own ideals of tolerance. Playing the "I'll-leave-the-party" card. The list goes on and on.

It's pretty transparent. Tiresome, yes. At times amusing, in an "I-can't-believe-what-I'm-seeing!" sort of way. But ultimately a failure. And, despite the noise generated by a small number of DUers, I think it remains clear that excusing or outright sanctioning discrimination is not a progressive value.

:hi: