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Sunday, August 17, 2008 12:00 AM

Barack Obama's purpose-driven gamble

The Democrat wanted to show he could compete for evangelical votes, too. Will he succeed?

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  • Monday, August 18, 2008 09:16 AM

    wychwood

    Very facile response. But hang on, you’re so willing to “refurbish” a term that has deep meaning for a hell of a lot of people because you think its meaning is battered from long use, even though it has ALWAYS meant a state of connection between man and woman. To you it's the kind of term that means whatever you say it means – and why not, because it isn’t your business. But what if it was your business? I don’t know how you define yourself, but let’s say you’re an attorney. You worked hard to become an attorney, pass the bar, etc. You’re proud of your accomplishment. Let’s say a movement arises that lays claim to the words “lawyer” and “attorney.” Reasonable people say it’s an elitist term, that since we all live within the laws like fish in water we should all have the right to call ourselves lawyers. You can still call yourself a lawyer if you like, but so can I. And what business is it of yours?

    That may not be a great example, but I do suspect that if there were a term that defines you strongly – be it “marriage” or something else – you wouldn’t be so blasé, waving the back of your hand at it and treating it like something of no fixed meaning (and thus of little value).

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