Victories and defeats for tolerance

[betahat]

This week we had the California Supreme Court strike down Proposition 8 which outlawed gay marriage in the state of California. But we also had a lot of news about continued opposition to the so-called "mosque at Ground Zero," a project by moderate American muslims to build a community center and mosque in lower Manhattan a few blocks from site of the WTC.

So was this week a victory for tolerance or a defeat? What do you think about the proposed mosque/community center? And about having courts make decisions that overturn popular opinions expressed in a ballot initiative?

[Groink]

Well, the people who are proposing the mosque know full well that they would face opposition to it. But in reality, its a lot like building a YMCA. Or a YMMA, as it were. I don't see the big deal. It would make as much sense to vilify Catholicism because Timothy McVeigh bombed the Federal Building in Oklahoma City.

That being said, I understand the bad feelings surrounding it, but people really, really need to get past their feelings on it. I know, easier said than done.

As far as popular opinions go, they aren't always the right ones. Especially in a population where dumbassery abounds. We still new a few learned folk up in those positions.