Hi David B., Rick, All:
Since I'm a believer in lifelong learning and always look to my betters
for counsel and advice, I see now that I was mistaken to assume that
when one makes an assertion of fact that a source for that assertion
should be cited. Further I've learned from these same self-proclaimed
intellectuals that the rules of what counts as a good argument changes
at will, depending on the point you are trying to make. Finally I've
learned it always helps to toss in a couple of personal insults to add a
touch of meanness to the proceedings.
Thus, from David B. I've learned I can put words into the mouth of
anyone I choose and generally make whatever assertions that come to
mind without attribution. For example:
Asked when and where Kristol made a remark, David said, "Give us a
break."
Asked what laws the U.S. was violating in detaining terrorists, David
replied, "You can look it up."
Asked to cite where Pirsig said there was a relationship between
social level values and right-wing political views, David answered, "I've
been trying to get the political discussion going . . .", i.e., he changed
the subject. Then he added, "You have already proven that you are
impervious to such quotes," and tossed in an insult for good measure:
"your anti-intellectual, reactionary views."
An example of switching the rules to suit one's purpose was given by
Rick when in one instance he insisted we pay attention to what Pirsig
said EXPLICITLY (yes, he used caps) and in another instance to what
Pirsig IMPLIED (my caps) with "beautifully subtle rhetoric." (Looking for
a citation of where and when Rick made those remarks? Not
necessary.) Finally, like David, Rick spices up his arguments with ad
hominems, such as "Platt's childish semantic games."
Oh, I almost forget the final lesson. When all else fails, claim victim
status. For example:
> DMB ends with...
> That's right. All intellectual ideologies have been systematically
> demonized by the right. So much that people are afraid to use the word
> "liberal". This demonization began even before McCarthyism and continues to
> this day.
Note, too, that David says "all intellectual ideologies" are being
demonized, implying of course that all other ideologies are the work of
numskulls. And here I was led to believe that liberal intellectuals are
models of tolerance. God knows they preach about it enough.
Oh well, live and learn. (-:
Platt
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