Disgrace

There is no conduct more essentially immoral than denying to others the happiness that one enjoys oneself. And taking satisfaction in practicing and promoting such conduct is the sign of the worst of character flaws: failure of sympathy, appetite for cruelty.

It makes no difference which 'venerable' authority one cites to justify such conduct and privilege: "faith", "Good Book", "in God's name", "deregulation", "the natural order of things", "community standards" . . .

No book is good that licenses undue privilege or any other cruelty; any faith that does so is bad faith. Human history is, to a great degree, the appalling chronicle of self-serving aggression promoted, organized, and perpetrated in God's name.

And any economic, political, or social system that establishes and defends exploitation of some by others is immoral: inhumane and subject to periodic, catastrophic upheaval.

"The natural order of things" and "community standards" are no more than euphemisms for the status quo, which perpetuates custom without specific regard to morality or immorality: corruption, privilege, and prejudice alike as honesty, fairness, and tolerance.

Indeed, those who so sin and justify their sin in the name of morality are among the worst of sinners. Republicans beware!