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Politics : PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: rich4eagle who wrote (127371)	2/16/2001 11:16:26 AM
From: Thomas A Watson	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 769667

Dear Richie, facts and data make not one stupid. Understanding or not understanding is what being stupid is about. In your case I'd suggest you consider your statement about me that I should be eliminated as I am a hateful person. I consider only a stupid person would say such a thing. Now I use the word stupid as it is efficient in it's meaning. stu·pid Slow to learn or understand; obtuse. If you speak and I think what you say is stupid then the only honest thing for me to do is to state that what you say is stupid. In the scheme of things what I think and what you think matters not. But If a person attacks the character of another who disagrees with words then that person is at level 1 stupid. Individuals at level one stupedity are their because the don'e think about what they say. So from Clarence Thomas some thoughts. Much emphasis these days is placed on who has the quickest tongue, and who looks best on television. There seems to be an obsession with how one looks to others; hence, a proliferation of public relations professionals and spin doctors. As I was counseled some years ago, perceptions are more important than reality. But this is madness. No car has ever crashed into a mirage. No imaginary army has ever invaded a country. It is sometimes thought that we must all have some great insight into life and the intellect of the great philosophers. Obviously, it is quite important that we have people of ideas and intellect. It is awe inspiring to read the works of Gertrude Himmelfarb, Michael Novak, Michael Ledeen, Judge Bork, and others in this audience. But as much as great works of genius are necessary, they are insufficient. This is particularly so when the responses are not of the intellect. It does no good to argue ideas with those who will respond as brutes. Works of genius have often been smashed and burned, and geniuses have sometimes been treated no better. But, there is much wisdom that requires no genius. It takes no education and no great intellect to know that it is best for children to be raised in two parent families. Yet, those who dare say this are often accused of trying to impose their values on others. This condemnation does not rest on some great body of counterevidence; it is purely and simply an in-your-face response. It is, in short, intimidation. For brutes, the most effective tactic is to intimidate an opponent into the silence of self-censorship. In September of 1975, the Wall Street Journal published a book review by Michael Novak of Thomas Sowell s book, Race and Economics. The opening paragraph changed my life. It reads: Honesty on questions of race is rare in the United States. So many and unrecognized have been the injustices committed against blacks that no one wishes to be unkind, or subject himself to intimidating charges. Hence, even simple truths are commonly evaded. Hence, even simple truths are commonly evaded. This goes for many discussions. the complete speech. Message 15359804 Tom Watson tosiwmee