The complicated feelings everyone has about the American Civil Liberties Union often extends to those who work at the American Civil Liberties Union.
This is the organization whose name was used as a slur by George H. W. Bush against Michael Dukakis — “a card-carrying member of the ACLU!” he would deride in speeches.
For others, that was a badge of honor. But the truth is, it could be both. The ACLU vigorously defends the First Amendment … even when it is trying to be exercised by Nazi, the Westboro Baptist Church and provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos.
But it also represents immigrant kids in cages, women seeking to avail themselves of legal access to abortions, gays trying to marry and countless other liberal causes.