Bob Hockett and Paul Krugman

I just read Paul Krugman's column in today's NYT, and its has a striking affinity with Rob Hockett's post, which I referenced, and to which I linked, earlier today.  On reflection, I think that Bob and Krugman are definitely on to something.

Now, Rick, let me hasten to add that I do not read either Rob or Krugman to suggest that, as you put it, "social-conservatives in the American political arena can be helpfully, non-insultingly analogized to the 'theocratic militant[s]' who throw acid on girls in Afghanistan."

There are many social conservatives--some of them my good friends--whose concerns are easily understandable, whose disagreements with those in the center or left-of-center of American politics are entirely reasonable, and whose style of political participation is surely commendable.  But as I read Rob and Krugman, they are not writing about such social conservatives--and I'm curious why Rick thought Rob was.  Rather, they are writing about a much more extreme group whose style of political participation is, well, frightening.