There is a kind of selfishness that all the muggles understand. We want to be known for who we are, we don't want to keep a big secret, and we don't want to be hated. That's ordinary selfishness, if you will. It lies behind muggle sympathy with any group with a disability, or any ethnic group, or any sexual orientation or interest. A significant segment of the muggle world is open to hearing that from us as a community, gathered online anonymously. In our case the hatred is so extreme that immediate goals are the ability to come out to one's closest family and friends, or to mental health counselors. These reasonably sympathetic people are willing to listen to what we have to say about our lives and what it's like to be us.

There is a big difference between understanding from afar the plight of a minority, and having that minority inside your own close circle.

The truth is that if any of us pedophiles simply say what it's like to be us day-to-day, it leaves an elephant-sized unanswered question: do we think adult-child sex is OK, or should be OK? Those of us in VP are able to say "no" and retain the basic goodwill sympathetic muggles have with any minority group. Those of you who say "yes" raise alarm bells that undermine -- obliterate -- that goodwill.

And how do they know you are not doing taqiyya?

Do you think it would help or hurt to form an organization of people on death row, called say, "Death Row Inmates Against the Death Penalty"?

Very funny. I know of NO appeal against capital punishment that is being conducted without the very explicit consent, endorsement and participation of the death row inmate themselves. Care to show me one?

And it doesn't seem to be hurting their movement. Even in America, death penalty is receding. Internationally, more countries are abolishing than introducing it. And not just NGOs are making noize against it, but is officially looked at negatively by the UN.

The motivation these people have to accept us if we came out is that they already know us and like us as ordinary people.

Whether or not they like you as ordinary people, the burden you are placing on their sholders is new and not something they signed for before. And yes, they know they will also be both smeared by association and probably investigated themselves if you (the pedo) ever are. It is not simply "oh I liked you before why wouldn't I like you now"? as much as you like to pretend it is.

It's true that some people suspect that, but large numbers do not.

Where is your poll?

Yes, you need a poll for statements which are positive-leaning too, not just for the ones which are negative-leaning.

Yes, you cannot put words in others' mouths.

No argument I make has been designed to silence anyone.

lolwut?

See above?

Those of you who say "yes" raise alarm bells that undermine -- obliterate -- that goodwill […] If there is one area where recusal is politically important, it is here.

If that is not just a politically correct way to say "STFU" what is it?

to convince people that not all pedophiles molest children.

But the Good Book said that whoever has adultery in their heart is like they already committed adultery physically. Therefore, all pedophiles molest children, Ethan.