Hi Bethany. I’ve got to say that I think you’re being very generous. Either that or you found a subtext or nuance in the original bit which I didn’t spot.

This could be a cultural thing but I don’t know anyone who protests about hobbies. The very word ‘protest’ is inextricably tied to objection and disapproval. And this is the root of our disagreement — you feel that ‘protest’ should be read to mean trying to convince someone to like the same books as you. Or me trying to convince you that I’m right (ha!). Whereas I don’t recognize that meaning and nor do I see it expressed in Isaac’s words.

Furthermore, Isaac uses the word ‘proclivities’ rather than ‘hobbies’. It’s a curious choice of words, no? Don’t you think it makes him sound like he’s hinting at something a little deeper than taste in movies?

Do you agree with Isaac when he says “Markets>Democracy. Former generated untold wealth and health for all. Latter generated dictators and worse.”? (Source: https://twitter.com/isaacmorehouse/status/691749294785892357). Perhaps it’s a little unfair to spring that tweet on you, but I feel like it lends my reading of his comments a little more weight. I mean, the guy thinks democracy is a bad thing.

Do you still agree with him?