Dagger in hand

A man of prodigious fortune, coming to add his opinion to some light discussion that was going on casually at his table, began precisely thus: "It can only be a liar or an ignoramus who will say otherwise than," and so on. Pursue that philosophical point, dagger in hand.

--Michel de Montaigne, Of the art of discussion.



Stab back: cmnewman99-at-yahoo.com


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Wednesday, November 24, 2004
 
Don't worry, things were always this bad.

So you're depressed that our democracy is going to hell in a handbasket? We've become hopelessly polarized and partisan? Media is scurrilous and manipulative? Politicians are engaged in character assassination, dredging up their opponents' war records, playing underhanded games with matters of state, and using prospects of war for personal and party advantage? Urban and rural voters don't see eye to eye? The electoral college system is a crisis waiting to happen? People are trying to use legal maneuvers to steal the election, which is in any case too close to call? If only we could go back to the days of high-minded statesmen like the founders, wouldn't it be great?

Well, read this. Welcome to democracy. Remember, it's not a good system, just better than the alternatives.

It's an excellent book. And it's available on audible for podheads.




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