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Looks like Orson Scott Card (notably, the author of Ender's Game) wants to pull the right of revolution (the right and duty to "throw off" government) card from the Declaration of Independence. Usually, it's cited in liberal texts, but in a conservative op-ed in the Mormon Times has him ready to take direct action if Prop 8, which seeks to eliminate gay marriage, fails:
How long before married people answer the dictators thus: Regardless of law, marriage has only one definition, and any government that attempts to change it is my mortal enemy. I will act to destroy that government and bring it down, so it can be replaced with a government that will respect and support marriage, and help me raise my children in a society where they will expect to marry in their turn.
Box Turtle Bulletin notes that he is, at least, consistent in thought. In 2004, he wrote a lengthy manifesto on the subject, which was similar to his 1990 rant.
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I think same-sex marriage is OK. Same-sex couples are just as committed in their romantic relationships as heterosexual couples, say researchers who have studied the quality of adult relationships and healthy development. I'm the one with same-sex marriage finding my couple from BiLoves.
FWIW, his latest rant is here:
http://mormontimes.com/ME_blogs.php?id=1586
Wacky as ever.
Good. Maybe his threat to "destroy that government and bring it down" will get him an expense paid cruise on a prison ship in the mid-Atlantic.
I'm a big fan of Card's books, but after reading his column I don't think I'll be buying any more of his books.
Could someone help me see how literal interpretation (after hearing arguments from representatives on either side of the issue) of our state's constitution and a ballot proposition to the people can de considered dictatorial?
Seeing as how the "right of revolution" is, as you say, usually associated with a liberal point-of-view, it might be surprising that generally conservative and government-loving Mormons might embrace the idea. Many church members, however, hold somewhat (and even not so "somewhat") libertarian views as a holdover from the Brigham Young vs. the US government period. There's even the somewhat mythic prophecy of Joseph Smith's that pops up from time to time that one day the Constitution will "hang by a thread" and the church would be called upon to save it. Politically? By use of force? Who knows.
All this to say it's not so surprising that Card, even being a pretty enlightened and talented writer ("Ender's Game" and "Lost Boys" are pretty damn great), as a devoted Mormon (and Mormon leader) could get caught up in it all, given the theatrics of his day-gig.
Still, I'm pretty damn disappointed, annoyed, and as a former Mormon, embarrassed in and by him. Scott, I loved your books, but this is bullshit.
This is the ugly face of the reactionary. Threaten to take down a democracy while accusing it of being dictatorial.
Certainly "overthrowing the government" to prevent equal representation would be a step toward dictatorship itself. How that does not occur to the likes of Card baffles me. But it's nothing new. In fact it seems to be S.O.P. for these people.
I like Card's works. I don't like his attitude. And, frankly, his writings are equally denigrating toward women.