When I wrote the post Blackballed, I intended to point to the hypocrisy and intolerance of those who so often appeal for tolerance and “inclusiveness”. Over 600 comments on that post are quite a testament to the vigor of the debate on this subject, but I was not prepared to see what I read yesterday in Slate, reminding me of how vicious and callous people can be when they decide that they are righteous enough to dispense with humility and basic decency. The author of this post: Purge the Bigots, appears to have decided that it is appropriate to encourage others to punish those whose have dared to oppose current politically correct dogma about same-sex “marriage”. He proceeds to detail exactly how to find them – these “bigots” – and their employers, from readily available public sources.

Referring to the 35,000 people who donated to Proposition 8 ,he writes: “Why do these bigots still have jobs? Let’s go get them.”

When I read this post, I thought that surely this must be satire, and looked at other writings of the same author, but my hopes were in vain. As far as I can tell, he is quite serious.

It is not often that I read something that shocks me. This qualifies. Slate is not in a fringe wacko publication that advocates bombings and  anarchy. This is in Slate. Does this represent the views of progressives and liberals who read Slate? I hope not.

Are any of my readers willing to stand up and condemn this post as outrageous? Please comment.

Even in jest, this should give anyone who values political freedom pause. Have we really sunk so low that we don’t want to just disagree, but deprive our political opponents of their livelihoods? This is not yet government thuggery, but it is thuggery, and we should all find it abhorrent.

When coupled with the controversy over Donald Sterling, this should be downright frightening. Mr. Eich’s donation was at least in the political arena. He probably knew the risk that his donation, and his sentiment might be revealed. Mr Sterling’s words were strictly private, and were revealed without his consent. Are we really to the point where we lionize those who “out” people for politically incorrect words and thoughts, and then strip them of their jobs and posessions? Do we cheer those who use immoral or illegal methods to reveal people’s private thoughts and pump our fists in triumph as a parade of “leaders” competes for the most strident condemnation? Isn’t that what the Nazis did when they coached children to snitch on their parents? Does Sterling’s wealth make a difference? Is it OK when we do this to rich people (them), but not to others (us)?

Two books that should be on everyone’s reading list are Animal Farm, and 1984. I have news for you. The thought police are not a threat. They may already be here.

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