We see what we want to see

I was at a basketball game last night. The referees were mediocre in their calling of the game. They missed a lot of fouls, and traveling calls. We were sitting in an area with fans of the opposing team surrounding us. They roared their disapproval, pointing out the referee's mistake when calls were made or not made in our team's favor. When the referees missed a call in their team's favor the throng around us was eerily silent.

In continuing my harangue of the religious right's outrage of the heaping of awards and honors on the gay elements in films, I read an intriguing blog from Hollywood Jesus where the writer was appalled that the religious right had not condemned the use of torture by our military and secret service.

I guess in a way it is no different than the game last night. The religious right is vigilant in their self interest. They bellow when calls don't go their way, and silent when there are actions that are tacitly agreed with. Outrage and silence used to their advantage.