RE: Let Them Eat GNP! Re: *DO* we share a civilization?

[Baardwijk, J. van DTO/SLBD/BGM/SVM/SGM]

> -----Oorspronkelijk bericht-----
> Van: Dean Forster [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
> Verzonden: Saturday, July 28, 2001 8:24 PM
> Aan: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Onderwerp: Re: Let Them Eat GNP! Re: *DO* we share a civilization?

> > > >You can't EAT the Gross National Product. And less and less of it
> > > >is basic necessities. Ruin the planet and we weill all starve in
> > > >the name of GNP. We'll have to munch on our toxic computer chips.
> > >
> > >You can't eat *without* the Gross National Product either!
> > 
> > Yes you can. Half an hour ago I had two slices of bread with a fried
> > egg between them for lunch. Didn't see anything in the kitchen
> > labeled "Gross National Product".   <grin>
> > 
> > 
> > >If we had no GNP, we'd all starve too.
> > 
> > Puh-lease! GNP is only an convenient term, made up by economists,
> > nothing else. If we'd all starve without a GNP, how did humanity
> > survive between the moment we started walking upright and the moment
> > someone invented the term "GNP"?
> > 
> > 
> 
> I wonder if you realize Jeroen, that by being such a vocal dolt you
> actually hurt the causes/institutions you support?  Do yourself and the
> mid to far left wing a favor and use reason instead of ignorant ranting
> as your tool to spread your thoughts.

<stunned, baffled, mouth falling open in amazement>

Vocal dolt? Ignorant ranting? Why am I a "vocal dolt" and engaging in
"ignorant ranting" when I criticize something? Exactly what part of my post
is "ignorant ranting", and why?

Why do you (and some others on this list) feel the need to counter criticism
with insults? What happened to "attack the argument, not the person"? (As
stated in the Etiquette Guidelines, see below.)

Note: these are NOT rethorical questions -- I expect an answer. Preferably
*without* further personal attacks.

>From the Etiquette Guidelines:
> Personal attacks, whether direct or indirect are not welcome. These
> should be handled off list, and if you disagree with some controversial
> point, direct the attack at the argument, not the person.

Source: Brin-L Etiquette Guidelines, recently posted, and on-line at
http://www.geocities.com/jeroenvb.geo/guidelines.html.


Jeroen

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