George,

It seems to me that a reasonable test for an individual is advocacy. You should not be expected to advocate something that is abhorrent to you. Dispensing prescription medication or taking cash at a register is not advocacy.

In the story, the cashier refused to serve the student because she was offended by the message on a tee shirt.

If she was asked to sign a petition supporting the group represented on the student's tee shirt, it is clear that she could easily refuse. But if she was asked to sign a petition to support the student's right to wear the tee shirt, I would hope she would see the necessity.

There is a moral dimension beyond advocacy, and there are consequences to pursuing it. Al Weed's blacksmith should refuse - and leave town to set up business elsewhere. The pharmacist and the cashier may still refuse, and should be fired for it.

The pipefitter at Auschwitz should refuse, and accept his execution ....

Dave Sagarin (May 30, 2007)