--- In [email protected], TurquoiseB <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> --- In [email protected], Bhairitu <noozguru@> wrote:
> >
> > Shemp fancies himself a libertarian but I don't even think 
> > he knows what one is.  He sounds like the Ayn Rand variety 
> > but I'm not even sure of that. I just think he's confused.  :)
> 
> I don't agree. After long experience with Shemp's
> provocative posts both here and on a.m.t., and
> more than a few exchanges in which he succeeded
> in provoking me :-), I think he's pondered many
> of the stances he takes here deeply.
> 
> My only question is about the *input* for this
> pondering. I don't understand how he could have
> seen the same things I've seen in America and
> hold those views. I have to believe that we've
> lived in different places and seen a different
> America. 

Recast a bit, I think Shemp raises some good and reasonable points.
For example:

* Steps to address Global Climate Change should be subject to
cost-benefit analysis and ranked along with competing social
needs/opportunities.

* There are different levels of lack in the world

* The term 'poverty" is relative to its social context.

* There have been many mass(million+)-murdering tyrants and movements
in long and recent history. 
  - We should keep that as some context when looking viewing and
analyzing current autrocities.
  - We should include awareness of those "means" in any ends achieved
by such.

However, IMO, its his polarized polemics, highly-charge with
'power/skunk" words in his exposition of such, and his apparent
superficial study of underlying issues of some of these ares (e.g.,
global climate change),  IMO hugely diminish the effectiveness of his
catalyzing intelligent discussion and/or expaning anyones views on the
topic. 

Probably I see these faults in Shemps expositions, because I have done
or do the same in some areas -- to some degree -- perhaps more,
perhaps less. One focuses on perceived faults in others when, though
perhaps not only, they have or are dealing with that trait within
themselves. Thus, the value I find in Shemps polarizations and
simplistic renditions is as a cautionary tale -- and/or stimulus to
search deep within to see if i do the same in some areas. And to root
it out if I do.

As a reader, I might start to take Shemp seriously if he toned down
the rhetoric and black-and-white analysis, and presented the issues he
raises in more humble, studied and approachable terms.







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