DY,
1. I think that the whole article is pertinent. One of the questions we will be asked after 120 years is whether we understood devar betoch devar.
2. I have no idea what establishments exist in Boro Park nor do I particularly care. I was indeed referring to Moses Mendelssohn. I was using his quote (now now) to point out the obvious conclusion from your statement “the halachic discussion within really has nothing to do with current events”. Whether you embrace or reject his hashkafa is up to you.