In an interview with La Stampa, Pope Francis responded to a question about Rush Limbaugh's accusation that he was spouting Marxist ideology with this statement:
"Marxist ideology is wrong. But I have met many Marxists in my life who are good people, so I don't feel offended." He added, "There is nothing in the exhortation that cannot be found in the social doctrine of the church."
Now, as a queen of a certain age, I love a good "comeback"--which can escalate into "reading" someone. Here online, it can escalate into a pie fight. But this is more subtle, and more infuriating than taking out the claws and reading someone up one side and down the other. Imagine the many uses for the Pope's gentle response to Limbaugh's asshattery! Suppose someone calls you:
An Asshole
"Assholism is wrong. But I have met many assholes in my life who are otherwise good people, so I don't feel offended."
A Conservative
Conservatism is wrong. But I have met many conservatives in my life who are good people, so I don't feel offended.
A Bad Lover
Being bad in bed is wrong. But I have slept with many people in my life who are bad in bed who are good people, so I don't feel offended.
A Wall Street Shill
Shilling for Wall Street is wrong. But I have met many Wall Streets shills who are otherwise good people, so I don't feel offended.
I could go on and on, but the possibilities are endless. I think it has great promise in Daily Kos comment threads when dealing with people we don't always agree with.
Thanks, Holy Fathah!
2:21 PM PT: UPDATE: I just realized how fun this could be: Please feel free to add your creative uses for the Pope's response in the comments. Let's play!