Re: Dishonest debate (was "cluster bombs")

From: Samantha Atkins (samantha@objectent.com)
Date: Wed Jun 18 2003 - 15:45:02 MDT

  • Next message: Eliezer S. Yudkowsky: "Re: The Future of Secrecy"

    On Sunday 15 June 2003 20:39, Lee Corbin wrote:
    > Ron writes
    >
    > > But what about Patriotism, if you will forgive me the use of
    > > capital letters. Even Eisenhower soldier and fighter that he was knew
    > > that Patriotism is a farce, a studied air put on by folks attempting to
    > > fool us.
    >
    > What I mean by "patriotism" is a love of one's country, but especially
    > in comparison to other countries. The emphasis is on the word "love"
    > which conveys an emotional attachment that colors one's vision somewhat.
    > It is parallel to the love of a woman for her husband, or of a man for
    > his son. One simply does not wish to hear bad things about them, and
    > will be most unlikely to pass on bad news about their character, except
    > to confidants. (A separate question is the degree to which---per
    > individual---this love is blind.)

    I love what this country was supposed to stand for and sometimes does but to
    often does not stand for in practice. Loving those things means that I
    cannot affort to be dishonest about whether or not they are present and cared
    for. Loving a country or a person does not allow the luxury of not seeing
    what is true if one really loves them instead of loving a fantasy rather than
    the reality.

    >
    > I think of Eisenhower as a patriot. But perhaps with your capital
    > letter you meant something else. Or maybe you just know more about
    > him than do I.
    >

    Ike certainly wasn't above telling it like it is to the best of his knowledge
    and ability. His love was not at all blind.

    - samantha



    This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.5 : Wed Jun 18 2003 - 15:53:47 MDT