A Great Quote By a Great Writer

If you have never read anything by Mark Steyn, then you need to start reading his stuff. He is a very good writer, with some great thoughts, and always adds in some humor. Here is a quote from a recent article he wrote that I found to be great!

"I'm something of a phobiaphobe. I don't subscribe to the concepts of "homophobia" and "Islamophobia." They're a lame rhetorical sleight to end the argument by denying it's an argument at all: you don't have a political disagreement with me over gay marriage or sharia, you have a mental illness. But don't worry, we can give you counselling and medication and your "phobia" will eventually go away."

Along the same lines, I was watching a talk by Dr. Frank Beckwith where he addressed this issue of "phobias". His example was in relation to when someone called him a "homophobe" during one of his speeches. He responded to that person by saying (paraphrasing), "You know, that's interesting that you would call me that name. If you really look at the word, then it would really mean I have a fear of homosexuals. Thus, if I have a fear of something, I essentially have a handicap. Why would you make fun of me for having a handicap such as my fear of something? Shouldn't you not make fun of me or put me down for my handicap in this area?"

I found this response to be right on target and hilarious. The idea of name-calling is so ridiculous and intellectually weak. If you can't offer a defense of your position, you take the easy way out and just call someone a name. You try and cower someone into your position by calling them a name that is supposed to be the worst thing ever. This tactic is usually implored by most liberals on any issue. If you oppose gay marriage, you are a "homophobe". If you oppose illegal immigration, you are a "xenophobe". If you say anything that has to do with race, you are a "racist". Do anything that might support the male species, you are a "sexist". Oppose anything liberal and you are a right-wing, fundamentalist. Unfortunately, this type of name-calling has infiltrated the church and continued the diminishing of the evangelical mind.