Encouraging citizens to sue (basically inform on and punish) one another is a totalitarian mode of governance. And there is no telling where that would end in terms of other disagreements. You are defending someone with "Everyone has a right to their views" when that person would happily persecute others whose views run counter to his. You should also consider that Roe v. Wade protects not only abortion, but citizens' rights to privacy. That is where the matter does and should end, according to that ruling.
You really think this is about the Texas law? The "progressive" activists have basically bullied every single person out of the industry who expresses any non-progressive opinions in the last 5 years. I bet you can't name 3 people in the industry who are openly conservative or libertarian and remain in their jobs at big developers. Daniel Vavra is maybe the only one I can think of, and I bet when they release Kingdom Come 2, the activists will make another attempt to get him kicked out (especially now that it's part of THQ, a different owner)
Hmm, I don't know... I found myself getting a little annoyed reading this - I really wanted you to take a harder line against the pro-lifers / against the proponents of this law... But maybe I need to read it again and stop and think about what you have said.. I do agree we need to consider others and the reasons for their beliefs. I just find it really hard with this issue.
Agree that the Texas law is bad law; terrible law.
But we got here because nobody compromises.
I don't like abortion, but believe that women should have the right to abortion, up to some point in time.
I have no idea what that point is, but reasonable people should be able to agree.
What we got was one side demanding abortions at any point up to (and maybe past) fetus viability.
And the other side saying no abortions under any circumstances.
So we have lawfare.
Less controversial topic to illustrate.
Remember when smokers were everywhere?
Filthy habit, so reasonable restrictions were imposed. No smoking on flights under two hours, etc.
Then the restrictions got tighter and tighter. People who didn't like smoking wouldn't tolerate any inconvenience.
Now no smoking within 30 feet of a doorway, etc. Smokers are a despised minority with few smoking rights. Smokers wish that they had fought harder.
Ignore the rights and wrongs of this issue. Americans have learned that compromise is a sucker's game.
The absolutists have taught us to be unreasonable. So people stake out unfair positions and fight to the death.
No idea how to change that dynamic.
Encouraging citizens to sue (basically inform on and punish) one another is a totalitarian mode of governance. And there is no telling where that would end in terms of other disagreements. You are defending someone with "Everyone has a right to their views" when that person would happily persecute others whose views run counter to his. You should also consider that Roe v. Wade protects not only abortion, but citizens' rights to privacy. That is where the matter does and should end, according to that ruling.
Fantastic article Erik. I myself am pro-life but would never ever hinder the right to express of people I disagree with.
That's how a dialogue occurs - when you engage with people you don't agree with. I love how you level-headed about this and not knee-jerking.
I just hope people won't come at you now and categorize you as their enemy just because you aren't 100 percent on their side.
This such a terrific post, summed up exactly what I was thinking with your elegant prose that I could never do.
So happy to have a contrarian opinion to the mob.
You really think this is about the Texas law? The "progressive" activists have basically bullied every single person out of the industry who expresses any non-progressive opinions in the last 5 years. I bet you can't name 3 people in the industry who are openly conservative or libertarian and remain in their jobs at big developers. Daniel Vavra is maybe the only one I can think of, and I bet when they release Kingdom Come 2, the activists will make another attempt to get him kicked out (especially now that it's part of THQ, a different owner)
Hmm, I don't know... I found myself getting a little annoyed reading this - I really wanted you to take a harder line against the pro-lifers / against the proponents of this law... But maybe I need to read it again and stop and think about what you have said.. I do agree we need to consider others and the reasons for their beliefs. I just find it really hard with this issue.