One obnoxious noisy neighbor can ruin a block. One jerk on the roads can tie up traffic for thousands of people. One idiot in a 12-step meeting, either in person or over the phone, can ruin a meeting. One toxic person in a shul can wreak havoc.
Freedom of association is vital otherwise we are all held hostage to the jerks.
It humbles me to think how often I have been the jerk that has ruined things for everyone. I have something in my psyche that wants to be the big shot in every group I join. In class, I’ve often felt a yearning to show off how smart I am and many teachers found me disruptive. In my blogging, I’ve often been a bully, picking on people more than they deserved. In my dating life, I’ve zeroed in on women who want to give because I want to take.
