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Culture War Roundup for the week of May 22, 2023

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What are some examples of condemnations being issued, non-fervently? Tepidly, even? Of someone saying this behavior should not be tolerated?

I have repeatedly said that the kids were in the wrong. I haven't explicitly said it, but I'll explicitly say now that their behavior shouldn't be tolerated. Like I've said, I don't think that the woman's behavior makes theirs ok.

But then what consequences do you think they should face, if you think rudeness is excessive?

It's not a question of how extreme the consequences should be, so much as them coming from the proper place. I think it would be totally reasonable for the city to fine the kids, or to revoke their accounts on the bike ride system. They certainly seem to be breaking the rules of the bike ride system and would deservedly be punished for it.

But, if you know that none of those things will actually happen, as everyone does, how can you condemn even the mildest of social consequences? You seem to be taking the position that only governmentally imposed consequences are morally acceptable, which seems both ridiculous and naive.

But, if you know that none of those things will actually happen, as everyone does, how can you condemn even the mildest of social consequences?

The theme running through my whole series of posts is "just because they don't act right doesn't mean you get to act v badly too". Why would that change when it's the government not acting right?

You seem to be taking the position that only governmentally impress consequences are morally acceptable

In this specific instance, yes because it's a government provided service so they need to enforce those rules. That is not a general principle I'm arguing for.

The theme running through my whole series of posts is "just because they don't act right doesn't mean you get to act v badly too". Why would that change when it's the government not acting right?

The point is that enforcing order when no one else will is not "acting badly".

We're a long way off from anarchy in which it's either private citizens enforcing order or nobody at all.

Disagree