Re: [UUPoly-L] Fwd: Google Alert - polyamory

[JasmineGld@aol.com]

In a message dated 2/12/06 3:14:12 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
jsu627@earthlink.net writes:

> Instead of upset, I feel the best way to deal with Kurtz is with 
> derisive humor. ... The best thing we can do is point 
> out how silly he is. Perhaps call him "Chicken Little" Kurtz....
> so maybe Kurtz is just projecting his own perverse desires. 

I find this approach quite worrisome.  Last June, the General Assembly 
adopted "Moral Values for a Pluralistic Society" as our 2005-2007 Study Action 
Issue.  The very heart of morality, it seems to me, is evaluating our own behavior 
to see if we live up to our own standards.  Our OWN behavior, not Stanley 
Kurtz's behavior.  

The first UU Principle is to affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every 
person, including Stanley Kurtz.  I am as tempted as anyone else to use 
name-calling when I have been attacked or offended.  But name-calling does not affirm 
anyone's dignity, especially that of the person DOING the name-calling.  It 
does nothing to correct misinformation or improve UUPA's image.  

My hope is that everyone who chooses to respond remembers that our first and 
most important task is to live up to our own principles and standards to the 
best of our ability.  Before you send your response, evaluate it against our UU 
Principles, and against your personal moral values.

Remember that every response contributes to the portrait of UUPA in the 
public image, and of the UUA as well.  Contribute to portraits of which we can all 
be proud.  

Jasmine