[Vision2020] Why Go After Them? NAMBLA

[Michael]

I agree with Joe's point on the difference between consent and non-consent;
however, I like to think of emotion as having a kind of 'rational' component
all on its own as well; much of our moral beliefs are driven by moral
intuition, and not argument, which are informed by our emotions.  I suppose
this brings in the issue of epistemic internalism vs externalism again with
respect to moral beliefs.  Consider what one of the most prolific judges has
to say about emotion and law; Posner writes:

 

".sound judicial decision making may require more emotions that just that
that you need for performing any non-algorithmic task.  In particular, it
may require indignation and empathy. Indignation is the normal reaction to a
violation of the moral code of one's society.  More important, it is often
the mode by which a violation is identified.  As I suggested in discussing
the emotional basis of moral offenses, it is often difficult to give a
persuasive rational account of a moral rule, including a moral rule to which
the law has annexed a sanction for violation.  This is true whether the rule
is against urinating or masturbating in public, against public nudity,
against pederasty, against polygamy, against infanticide, for or against
abortion, against involuntary euthanasia, against intercourse with beasts or
human corpses, against mistreating animals, against gladiatorial combat,
against adult nonprocreative incest, against prostitution and obscenity,
against gambling,  against self-slavery, against public executions, against
mutilation as a form of criminal punishment, or against some forms of
discrimination (but not others). We "know" that urinating in public is bad
because we have a revulsion against it." ("Emotion versus Emotionalism," The
Passions of Law, NYU, 1999)

 

Michael Metzler

 

 

 

Clearly there is a difference between sex with a minor (NAMBLA, Jeffs) and
sex between consenting adults.

 

Tell me, if I thought that the idea of you having sex with another person --
man or woman -- was an "abnormal, twisted, despicable perversion" you would
not consider that to be a good reason for you to restrict your behavior in
any way, would you? 

 

And good for you, for it is no real reason at all! My own feelings about
your own sex acts are irrelevant. When it comes to sex with minors, though,
there is more than mere feelings. There is the matter of consent and choice.

 

--

Joe Campbell

 

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