Our culture loves love. We hold it above all other values. "Love" can never be wrong. It must not be questioned or squelched. It is sacrosanct. To act against this, to allude that maybe there are other things that are more important or sometimes should take precedence instantly translates into the alluder being labeled as hate filled racist/bigot/scum/etc.
However, the warm fuzzies, the star struck lovers, the puppies and rainbows of love are not all there is. There is a less comfortable side of love that seems to get lost in the mass euphoria that our culture gets swept away in. This is the side of love that our parents and we as parents get to exercise on a regular basis. The love that brings us to punish and restrict in order to protect. It is not fun for anyone. It is not pleasant.
It reflects the fact that there is a larger reality beyond the emotions and whims of the fuzzy side of love and desire. It would be nice of we could all give and love and play and run with no care for consequences. But there are unhealthy loves, dangerous games, scissors to trip on and consequences for even the most well intentioned ignorance and stupidity.
Like I said, it is hard and unpleasant to say no. To speak truth when everyone seems to be having so much fun. It is unpopular. It makes you a killjoy and a party pooper, a prude and a hate filled racist/bigot/scum/etc. There aren't a lot of people thanking you for taking a stand. Especially in the moment. But it is needed.
We need leaders who will risk the tantrums and name calling. Who will step in and say "this is for your own good". Someday we will thank them. Someday we will look back and appreciate the hurts we avoided because they stood up and protected their kids, their employees, their constituents. Let's just hope we don't lynch them all before they have a chance to protect us from ourselves.
"Love" is great, but it's often very very stupid.
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