General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Yes, I like Pope Francis. Sue me [View all]JoeyT
(6,785 posts)I keep seeing people say they disagree with him about his views on women and LGBT people, but those same people predictably have a shit fit when those things are brought up. It's almost like they don't give a damn one way or the other what his positions on those issues are. Given the massive overlap in that group and those that defended the last pope for his right wing stances, I suspect most don't actually give a damn what the pope supports, they just want to silence criticism of him. While continuing to post five OPs a day in GD (Which isn't a protected group) about how awesome he is, of course.
Yes it's progressive (Or at least isn't not progressive. Progressively neutral?) to discount the pope, because women and LGBT people MATTER. And they matter for more than a hammer to bludgeon political opponents with, only to be cast aside when they're inconvenient.
If you supported Wendy Davis and you support the pope, that's hypocrisy. Either a woman's right to choose matters, or it doesn't. Love the Sinner nonsense aside, either LGBT people are real people with real people rights, or they aren't. Being dicks about LGBT people and women are what makes the Southern Baptist church suck, it's part of what makes the Republican party suck, and it's what makes the pope suck. The SBC are real big on talking up Love The Sinner and Care for the Poor too, and they're pretty much the Republican base.
Yes, I'm completely rigid on those issues. Two groups that are traditionally sold out the fastest to get some minor concession? You're damned right I'm rigid on them. Especially when liberals and progressives demand other liberals and progressives stop criticizing someone with a terrible record on those issues. That's a bad road to go down. When it was done for economic issues we ended up with Free Trade and Welfare Deform. I'm not sure what it would get us for social issues, and I don't think I want to find out.
Do I think it makes you less progressive? No. Not even a qualified no, just no it does not. I just think it's a blind spot. We all have them. I'm sure I have lots. Two of the most hardcore defenders of the pope (And Christianity in general) on DU I agree with on literally every single other issue I've ever seen them post on that didn't involve religion. So I certainly don't think it makes me more progressive than thou. I just really wanted to use "thou".
Edited to change overly combative reply title.