Daniel Peterson wrote:My son needn't hide nor be ashamed of his name.
No, probably not. "Peterson" is a very common surname, after all. As for being ashamed of his father's 30 year Mopologetic career? Well, that's something else. I sincerely hope everything works out for him. As I've said, I feel sorry for what he's likely going to endure thanks to you.
(Your valiant and continuous attempts notwithstanding, my name hasn't been rendered toxic.)
Nor can I protect him against attacks.
Is that what you're telling yourself? I guess it's easier than admitting you're wrong, so in that sense it's understandable---even if I disagree with it and find it rather repugnant.
Incidentally and parenthetically, I recently listened to a podcast of Radiolab on the topic of "deception." Apparently, researchers have discovered that scrupulously honest people tend to be more depressed and unhappy. Admitting to your flaws, acknowledging when you've done wrong, never trying to gloss over your faults: this can often amount to some unpleasant self-analysis. Lying to yourself, on the other hand, as these scientists observed, helps many people to feel happy.
