Monday, April 21, 2003

misc holier-than-thou Takings of words from the mouths of others

These are apropos of local property rights personalities&reporting in general -

from SARS Watch Apr. 20:
Peking Duck [in China] writes about what a jaw dropping and unprecedented experience it was to see the government hold a two-hour, live press conference broadcast on national television, with international reporters hammering them with tough questions. [Rare editorial note: Heck, that doesn't happen in the United States any more.]

Poynter article on SacBee columnist Diana Griego Erwin:
Treat other points of view with respect.
"Try not to attack others in order to make a point. There are so many ways to make your point without being ugly and mean about things. Never resort to name-calling. Call people on where they are incorrect -- factually incorrect. Call them on their behavior, not on who they are."

Patrick DiJusto on emotions over intellect: (btw the article is excellent)
Our emotions are too powerful to be placed in the hands of politicians. Adolescents are a firestorm of 100% emotion with very little thought attached to anything they do, God bless 'em. An adult, on the other hand, is supposed to have the self-control NOT to act on every emotion she has.

and an excerpt from updated Dr Seuss, via email:
...
For although our story pits Grinches 'gainst Whos,
The true battle lies in what we daily choose.
For inside each Grinch is a tiny small Who,
And inside each Who is a tiny Grinch too.
One thrives on love and one thrives on greed.
Who will win out? It depends who you feed!

(the sentiment's nice, but i suspect the "Mean people need Prozac" bumpersticker approach is more effective - when you're in Grinch mode it is not easy to climb out.)

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