I keep going back and forth on whether or not I support the ACLU. I don’t agree with their efforts to legally end discrimination in the workplace (individuals should have the right to discriminate on their property or in their business). I also have a hard time accepting their advocacy on behalf of people with mental disabilities, namely that they shouldn't have any extra barriers to purchasing firearms. That could get people killed.
I do support their defense of freedom of speech and their efforts to prevent deportation though.
I really enjoyed your article! I too find solace at Calaveras.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment. I get it. I don't always agree with every policy/decision/action made by the organizations I support. (I could say the same about political candidates!).
In debate we talk about "criteria" (the thing used to judge a debate round) and one type of criteria is a cost-benefit analysis. This came to mind when I read your message.
When it comes to the ACLU and other organizations that fight for change, which outweighs? The costs? Or the benefits? And to what degree do each of those continuums slide one way and the other? The answers are usually complicated since individuals are diverse. A weakness to me might be a dealbreaker for you, but I find this evaluative framework is helpful in life (as well as when I'm judging a debate round!).
Thanks for reading my essay! I hope your semester break is going well. I'm back in PR so I won't be heading to Calaveras any time soon. I hope you get up there in the Spring!
Love picturing you two walking among the giants-breathing in their depth and joining their connectedness! I enjoyed reading this piece, George!!
Ahhhh...thanks Brenna! I hope we are walking in nature and catching up soon, my friend.
I keep going back and forth on whether or not I support the ACLU. I don’t agree with their efforts to legally end discrimination in the workplace (individuals should have the right to discriminate on their property or in their business). I also have a hard time accepting their advocacy on behalf of people with mental disabilities, namely that they shouldn't have any extra barriers to purchasing firearms. That could get people killed.
I do support their defense of freedom of speech and their efforts to prevent deportation though.
I really enjoyed your article! I too find solace at Calaveras.
Hi Garrett,
Thanks for your thoughtful comment. I get it. I don't always agree with every policy/decision/action made by the organizations I support. (I could say the same about political candidates!).
In debate we talk about "criteria" (the thing used to judge a debate round) and one type of criteria is a cost-benefit analysis. This came to mind when I read your message.
When it comes to the ACLU and other organizations that fight for change, which outweighs? The costs? Or the benefits? And to what degree do each of those continuums slide one way and the other? The answers are usually complicated since individuals are diverse. A weakness to me might be a dealbreaker for you, but I find this evaluative framework is helpful in life (as well as when I'm judging a debate round!).
Thanks for reading my essay! I hope your semester break is going well. I'm back in PR so I won't be heading to Calaveras any time soon. I hope you get up there in the Spring!
Great take, it encouraged me! So well written too, thanks G!!!!!⭐️
Thanks Sandi! Hope you are feeling ready for the semester to start after your big adventure in Mexico City!