Please Allow Me to Introduce Myself…
Just wanted to let you all know that I had lunch yesterday with Austin Ruse of the Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute. As you might know, some of us on Vox Nova got into a little back-and-forth with him not so long ago. As often happens in the blogosphere, it became testy. I am therefore delighted to report that we had a very pleasant lunch together. We still have fundamental disagreements – we did not paper over these differences, and we tried to better explain ourselves in certain areas. But facing a person is far better than facing an anonymous devil behind a keyboard. It is so much more instructive to see a person, not a computer, to assume the best rather than the worst in somebody. There’s something about this medium, perhaps related to the anonymity, that leads all too readily to a tempestuous tone. I’m saying nothing new here – this has been as issue in the blogosphere from day one. It seems all-too-obvious for Catholics whose faith revolves around the Word of God embodied in a person to embrace this kind of human interaction, to address the very real person and not the false computer identity – but how often do we do it? I admit, I am often more comfortable composing words on a computer screen…
Austin is keen on working together on areas we have in common, and there are many. He’s thinking a lot about the role of big corporations in propping up the pornography industry. See here. I don’t necessarily agree with the tone of his criticism, especially the title, but the issues are important. As I told him, it relates to arguments I have been making about big business and big insurance companies getting into bed with the abortion industry, and facing very little pushback. If we can all agree to take on the vices of big business, and not just government, then this will be a worthwhile endeavor.
Anyway, it was a nice lunch, we had a great chat, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Hope to do it again! He’s not the devil, and I hope he now also feels the same about me!
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Who picked up the check?
Good to hear MM!
Porn is definitely something we can work together against. When I was a undergrad, porn was the one thing that the Christian groups and feminist groups agreed on. I am afraid of what our culture will look like in 20 years when all of our teachers, coaches and clergy will have been basically raised on porn. The problem is epidemic.
I had a “conversation” with Austin. I say “conversation” because he did all the talking; I did not complete a single sentence. I thought it was astounding. Best quote: “If we eliminated the tax on corporations, everybody would have a good job at a just wage.” Everything is simple to the glibertarians.
Thanks, Minion. I enjoyed myself thoroughly. I hope to do it again one day, perhaps soon, and map out some common efforts. And perhaps we can draw more of us, left-right-center, into the great face-to-face adventure!
To anyone interested, there is a strong Catholic connection to porn investing.
Best,
Austin
Good for you! Internet flame wars are a poor substitute for face-to-face discourse.
One of these days when I’m visiting D.C. I’d like to buy you a beer.
And I agree, it was you and me who killed the Kennedys.
Any time, Jay!
I’ll always think of you as a devil, MM. ;-)
I’ll bring the bourbon. :)
I will let anyone from the Catholic Right buy me drinks at any time.
Michael,
But…at the Army and Navy Club?
Austin
I am going to hold you to that, Michael. :)
I don’t care where they are from, anyone interested in buying me some booze is always welcome to!