Greg F says: Well, Joe, how about we blame the several groups for not abjuring and/or condemning the extremists?

I think that's an unfair and unwise expectation, Greg. People on the "lunatic fringe" crave attention, and even negative attention gives an air of legitimacy. I really shouldn't be expected to "abjure and/or condemn" every idiot that comes down the pike. There are times when condemnation is effective - but there are many times when silence is far more effective and appropriate.

I certainly feel an obligation to show respect for homosexuals, but I feel no need to condemn the anti-homosexual activities of the Westboro Baptist Church. They're a group of forty bigots who are very good at calling attention to themselves. Why should I give them any attention at all?

Now, if there were some sort of Central Baptist Authority, I think they might be morally bound to expel the Westboro folks, but I don't think the Baptists have a central authority that is able to do that. And if there were expelled, then they'd get even more publicity by being martyrs for their cause.

Does that make sense to you, Greg? I think it is dangerously close to bigotry to condemn an entire group the the actions of its lunatic fringe, or to expect that larger group to condemn what is obviously reprehensible conduct on the part of the fringe group. If I'm a Christian and an anti-homosexual group also calls itself Christian, that doesn't give you cause to condemn me as anti-homosexual unless I have done something myself to deserve that title.

-Joe-