If you disagree with what somebody says, say it and explain why. Don't just dismiss them by slapping a pejorative label on them and their opinion.
I have not dismissed anyone. rather, I have engaged them (and I now have a feeling I'm going to be the top poster of the month again!) as a witness--observing, identifying, and examining others' visions and ideas. this is not personally adversarial; there are no hard feelings between brian and myself (he's called me "dearest"!), no hard feelings between tony and myself (he's dubbed me "chair of a new Ad Hoc FoCP Committee to Fix Problems With the City in Other Ways, Without Parties"!)
true, those who observe, identify, or examine the prevailing visions and ideas that form the basis of enacted policies are seldom so embraced. often they are vilified or marginalized as (to borrow from your language*) "foolish" or "a bunch of dopes" who "bitch and moan" and have "an ax to grind" with no "real legitimate reason." but as judith rodin points out:
"Ideas can be comforting things--especially so when we
are absolutely certain in our belief; powerful in our
rhetoric; steadfast in our commitment to action on their
behalf. But it is precisely then that ideas are most
dangerous, when we are least likely to think through the
powerful connections between rhetoric, behavior and
ideas."**
anyway, looks like a beautiful day today -- enjoy the weekend!
......... laserbeam [aka ray]
*
Jonathan A. Cass wrote:
The neighborhood response documented in the article just proves why South Philadelphians have reputation for being a bunch of dopes (see Rocky -- South Jersey deserves 'em.
Special Service Districts have been a postive force for change in Philadelphia -- see CCD, UCD, and the one in Manayunk for example. Tax dollars spent to fund these districts yield tangible, positive results. To suggest otherwise is simply foolish.
Sure, you can bitch and moan that the City should be providing these services without the need for higher taxes to support a separate entity, but that's like complaining about the Pope being Catholic. UC is lucky to have the UCD and those that oppose it do so, in my opinion, b/c they have an ax to grind with Penn, rather than for any real legitimate reason.
** <http://www.upenn.edu/pennnews/current/2004/051304/excerpts.html>
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