Thread:Blue in the Red Zone/@comment-681745-20150504042642/@comment-71.94.164.238-20150505174842

I'm still pondering the situation with the Bill Higgins article. I've read it several times now, and still haven't decided how to approach it. There are a few points that seem apparent to me.

The focus of the article seems to be attack of perceived hypocrisy of Mr. Higgins. The attack is both personal and extreme. We Liberals are generally quick to point out hypocrisy. We're also pretty quick to point out rhetorical devices used by our opponents, especially ad hominem attacks.

There seems to be little understanding of the difference between Mr. Higgins the man and D. A. Higgins, the County official. There's little information in the article to indicate whether Mr. Higgins is able to put his personal prejudices aside and act in the community interest as DA. Is there actual hypocrisy, or is it only the appearance of hypocrisy. Does Mr. Higgins unseemly sexual behavior actually impact on his performance of his duty?

There's also a lack of definition of the underlying problems in this case. Is there a conflict between the community's duty to teach young people respect for religious and/or moral standards and the government's duty to not enforce faith. Is it ever proper to use the power of government to enforce behavioral standards when faith is involved?

This situation is old news now. Like much news, it was pretty controversial when it was first reported, but has faded from view. We may have a chance, if we can find good sources, to reach some conclusion on how effective this particular prosecution was. Was it purely political, and harm the young man for no reason other than to get Higgins reelected, or did it serve the community and the long-term interests of the young man? I'd sure like to see some follow-up reporting of the effect on the young man, the community, and Mr. Higgins.

Even if we can't find new information, it may be wise to rewrite the entire article. It's lack of reasoned discussion, and reliance on emotional manipulation reflect badly on our community.