PROPHETS OF DOOM: Maggie Gallagher replies to Max Boot and Cal Thomas

Two prominent conservatives--Max Boot and Cal Thomas--have issued, within days of each other, proclamations: the debate is now over. Huh? A one-judge majority in Massachussetts closes the debate over the future of marriage? When 60 percent of Americans, including a majority of Republicans and Democrats oppose same-sex marriage? And 49 states still have laws defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman?

Expect to hear more voices making "the argument from despair." It avoids the messy work of having to actually think about whether gay marriage is a good idea or not. If you are Cal Thomas, you can express thundering moral self-righteousness while urging retreat, surrender, despair.

For me, this is nothing new. The assertion that trends towards the disintegration of marriage are irresistible has been the core argument of the family diversity crowd since the beginning (which for me was back in the late 80s). Nothing we can do, might as well stop thinking about it.

But for Americans who care to think, this is a distraction from the really important question: Is same-sex marriage a good idea? Will it strengthen or weaken marriage as a social institution? Is marriage worth the fight?

I think so. I can respect those who disagree with me about any or all of the above. But not people who simply announce the time for thinking is past.
posted by Eve at 3:11 PM | link

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