Berrigan bros.

[Kenneth Campbell <kkc@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Michael brought the Berrigans up in the Thread-That-Will-Not-Be-Named.

I'd like to underline that point, even though it was only originally
mentioned in the context of Catholics and that dogma (and all its
facets, liberation theology, etc.). Raised a Catholic, I appreciate
reading about what they did, specifically, in terms of their own group
conflict (with other members of their community).

The ability to understand where the Berrigans were coming from, or
anyone else offering to ally, it's at the heart of everything.

We are enormously complex beings, and we speak to different
"constituencies" all the time. We change things more by interacting with
others, finding common ground -- and creating numbers -- than pointing
out, loudly, where we differ.

Doesn't mean you conform to their opinions, it just means you shut the
fuck up sometimes. :) These are social behavior rules. I know there are
differences in local cultures, so maybe we "differ"... but I have never,
in my wildest moments of defiance, "gotten in someone's face" --
offending them directly in their self-respect, dignity. (And I don't
mean email lists, I mean life.)

But the preachers who offend directly are invariably non-social beings.
Sitting alone and writing ideological arguments. Not tempered by
interaction.

We are all grown-ups, self-controlled, and we can ally with anything we
want without feeling we sell out ourselves in the process.

The "party line" was a tool in an era of poor communications. When you
have the pony express, you need to have strongly stated guidelines,
because the news never comes. Today, the news never stops.

I can see an army of influences in history who have made positive
contributions to our world. I appreciate 'em all. None were pure. Nor
are any of you.

Ken.

P.S. I am, though.

--
I would have it written of me on my stone:
"I had a lover's quarrel with the world."
          -- Robert Frost