From: Platt Holden (pholden@sc.rr.com)
Date: Fri Jan 07 2005 - 15:48:25 GMT
Hi Mark,
Talk about talking quotes out of context! But, that aside, the credibility
of sources is always a legitimate point to make in a debate, especially
when those sources are widely known for their political agendas. If I were
to cite Rush Limbaugh or The Wall Street Journal as my authority, you
would rightly point out that they can hardly be characterized as
politically neutral observers and that their supporting "facts" can well
be viewed with suspicion. Likewise, I have little trust in Chomsky, the
New York Times or CNN. Awhile back I cited an article in a British
newspaper reporting on the sad state of their National Health System only
to be told by someone (Anthony McWatt as I recall) that the newspaper I
drew the information from was totally unreliable. Well, as I've pointed
out several times, you can take any position on any subject and find
supporting documentation for your view because rationalizing is what we're
really good at. As Ben Franklin is reported to have observed (don't ask me
for the source): "So convenient it is to be rational creatures, since it
enables us to find or make reason for everything we have in mind to do."
Of course, the other side of that coin says if we we ignore identity and
logic, we won't survive for long. Burying rocks won't feed the baby.
Always a pleasure to hear from you, and I pledge that if you refrain from
talking politics this year, so will I. But I reserve the right to respond
to others who may propose an anti-free market, pro-socialistic panacea for
the world's ills.
Best,
Platt
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