Not too much time right now, but I'll reply to John P. who asked me:

"Aren't you glad folks didn't settle down about civil rights for black folks in the 60s, or for women in the 70s?"

Of course. I'm very glad of it. I'm also glad that gays can now openly be who they are in this society without fear. I am not suggesting for a moment that people should not fight for the rights of others who are discriminated against. I am not suggesting being aloof or standing apart from social issues. My greatest heroes are among those who did not stand aloof and apart. Joan Baez and Gandhi, for instance. They didn't stir up negative energy, however, by name-calling and insulting their opposition.

I suggest you listen to Barack Obama's entire address at Notre Dame, note how he conducts himself (specially when someone heckles him from the crowd), note what he advises people in any cultural or political debate to do in order to keep that debate productive, and take a few pointers from it. Accusing other people of being perverts and bigots is no useful contribution to a discussion.

And that's all I have time for right now. I'll get back to the rest later.