Quote:
Originally Posted by Villages Kahuna
Why might Alibnsky's rules be so popular? Appealing to our emotions moreso than our intellect, do you think? It's sure easier to get a response that way. There's no doubt that the Rules work. No one has to even think.
For one, I'm trying as hard as I can to resist being manipulated.
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Sometimes its hard to engage in debate when the premise of the argument keeps shifting. Your first argument seemed to suggest that we "passively" disengage from confrontation and debate and,
spend "our time trying to understand what those folks who were elected are planning to do re: healthcare than crafting zingers against some of the "electeds" as well as ourselves?" The second argument suggests resistance to manipulation. Alinsky was the master of manipulation. Further, I don't believe emotion, passion and intellect are mutually exclusive.
The rules you seem to embrace may have worked well at another time in history. It is my opinion that quantum advances in communications technology will alter the dynamics. In time, those rules will be viewed as nothing more than shadows in history and but a footnote in the metamorphosis of governing. I am hopeful that the masses, by actively engaging in the debate and not sitting on the sidelines, will help our country get it right.
The "passive, non-challenging" tone of the post is further affirmed by, [I
]"The 435 are there and they're going to do what they're going to do, at least until January, 2011. Wouldn't we all be better off trying to figure out what they're doing and why?" [/I] These words seem to reveal an acceptance of defeat and what destiny, Congress and Obama have in store for us. In the words of my favorite Roosevelt, please don't count me with "
those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” I'm for victory.
The difference between us is that I'm not ready to throw in the towel and passively let ideologues from either side of the aisle use Alinskyesque manipulation including the perpetuation of lies, to achieve political reform. I'm not ready to abdicate the decision making process for my right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness to the government. I'm not ready to accept what the government has planned for me and my family by being polite, politically correct and passive. You cannot resist manipulation and distraction with passive acceptance and hope for change. But.....that's just me.
Yes, I've written letters to more than a few of the 435.
Thanks for the exercise.