Somehow, the first image that came to mind when reading this passage was not one of a loving, inclusive community, but instead of a group seeking vengeance for the misdeeds of the past. Perhaps I have overstated his view, but only to point out that, rather than bring together historically divided groups, such high-minded condemnation only furthers the divide for which Shipman purports to seek a bridge. Shipman goes on to stereotype any number of groups who are not, the reader is left no choice but to assume, as enlightened as his ideological compatriots. Clearly, his exhaustive research of the gated community phenomenon entitles Shipman to smear anyone living in such an arrangement with an enormous, at best classist, at worst, racist brush. Pressed to do so, however, I would direct my colleague to the words of a man we all can agree did more for the unification of this nation across both geographic and racial lines than virtually any in our history, President Abraham Lincoln.
Property is the fruit of labor property is desirable is a positive good in the world.
Doug s final target is a safer one, particularly behind the walls of the Kennedy School. The point I am laboring to make is that appeals for a cohesive community will inherently fail when coupled with disparaging remarks about anyone whose ideology does not conform with the views of those making the appeal. The most extreme example is the collapse of communism in the twentieth century. Instead, they stamped out personal freedoms, self-determination and dissent, condemning hundreds of millions to economic and personal misery in the process. I do not think Shipman advocates either communism or silencing of opposing views.