Joe said he is not a preacher or a teacher because he does not want to manipulate people, and he reminded me to be aware of that pitfall.
Then I talked about Objectivists calling me a “thug.”
But there is a giant, chasmic difference here, THE difference.
Joe was expressing HIS OPINION.
Joe’s says that IN HIS OPINION, what I am advocating is manipulative. In JOE’s OPINION, he can only avoid being manipulative by taking the position he takes.
When Objectivists used the word “thug” or liberals and respectable cosnervatives use words like “racist” or “anaziwhowantstokillsixmillionjews,” they are trying to SCARE ME OFF by using a label.
Hell will be skating rink before Joe is scared off by a label. Hell will be equally frigid before Joe expects ME to be frightened by a label.
When Joe uses a label, he is expressing an opinion. When others use a label they are using a weapon.
In short, when someone uses a label in the ordinary way they are being manipulative.
Joe has a point. Others are trying to bully.
#1 by joe rorke on 01/28/2006 - 10:38 pm
Absolutely untrue! Joe said he was not a teacher and he was not a preacher but he did not say that that this status was because he did not want to manipulate people. It is true that Joe does not want to manipulate people but it was Bob who put this qualification in. Bob does that sort of thing. I’m beginning to think he does it intentionally. He just can’t be that dense. He surely can read a sentence and make sense of it. Misquoting seems to be a way of life with Bob for whatever reason. Could it be all that time in active political action? I didn’t say anything about manipulating people! As a matter of course, I don’t do it.
Bob says, “Joe was expressing his opinion.” Of course. That’s all Joe does is express his opinion. He’s just one big bag of opinions and he doesn’t mind sharing them. I know Joe personally. He loves to give his opinion on this and that. He particularly likes to give his opinion if he thinks he can rile you. I know him personally. He likes to get peoples blood boiling and then run for the hills. He’s that kind of guy. He likes to make you think. He tries to wake you up. Then he runs like hell after you wake up. Keep your eye on this guy.
Bob is right. Joe doesn’t care what label you puit on him, what you call him. None of this stuff bothers Joe. Call him what you will, he laughs if off. Wanna know why? ‘Cause Joe knows that that’s just your OPINION. And Joe gives you the ritht to your opinion. Believe me. I know him personally.
Bob is right. Joe is just expressing his opinion. But I know Joe well enough to know that he tries to make his opinions EDUCATED opinions. These opinions don’t just come out of nowhere. That would be sheer arrogance. For Joe there has to be some kind of foundation for his opinion. Remember, I know him personally. Would I lie to you? No, I wouldn’t. Joe would never dare utter an opinion without there being some kind of foundation under it. That way everybody gets a fair deal. Nobody gets ripped off. Joe cares about people. I know him personally. He doesn’t like to hurt people.
#2 by Peter on 01/29/2006 - 2:43 pm
What’s all this talking in the third person like Gollum? Peter doesn’t do that.
My preciousss.