I thank God that I will never understand most of
what Paul Double says...smiles...but that does not mean I don't consider Paul to
be a friend.
Paul, I was told by my betters never to call you a
windbag again...so I won't...here, anyway. :-)
Paul and I have different viewpoints...and when we
duke it out online, even if we and others like us dominate the conversation,
that is benefecial for all. Lurkers dominate every group...as well as
every rt public meeting or hearing. As long as a variety of viewpoints are
presented...respectfully...that is a fine thing. This is and always has
been a free marketplace of ideas.
To Kathy's point about activists being perceived
as, or labeled, as, an elite. I call that a bogus argument. It is
usually applied to folks with whom we disagree (witness Rush Limbaugh's "Liberal
Elite") as dismissive rhetoric...implying ivory towers and lack of down to earth
thinking. I think it's a cheap shot, nothing more...when you can dismiss
your rival, you need not defend your own position. It is a
canard.
The only real problem with WOD is the expectations
that heralded its founding. It is just another street corner where people
gather to talk...and listen. We need more such spots, not fewer,
regardless of their short-comings.
Bob Sebo
Winona
PS...A thought for you Paul...as a product of
socialized medicine yourself, can you imagine how a single payer
system would work in the US if we kept health care spending at current
levels? It would work very well, I suspect.
Oops...not Winona specific...sorry...but I'm paying
off a Mayo bill so its on my mind :-)
