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Pastimes : The Boxing Ring Revived -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?


To: Lane3 who wrote (5493)3/12/2003 4:04:21 PM
From: one_less  Read Replies (2) | Respond to of 7720
 
"As an experienced pol, though, he should have known better."

The safe thing would have been to address all major religions at the start. It would have been politically correct. Obviously the Islamic spokespersons are mixed and probably more anti-war than pro, depending on the regions of origin. The Christian sects are also mixed probably along right-wing or left-wing regions of the country more than along the religious positions. The exception might be Catholics since the pope came out speaking against us. I think that had some influence, even though I don't think of his group as a major stake holder in the region. If they were, I think his comments would be devestating to our current efforts. Eastern Asian religions are typically anti-war and seem to be in this case also. It might be different if we were threatening to use force against Muslims to support an Indian government in Cashmere.

In his apology he tried to cover this but it was really pointless since his target was correct in the first place. Apparently he was not ready to stand behind what he says even when it is obviously based on the truth. There are times when you should stay tactfully quiet. I wouldn't vote for him.

Last weekend my (Physics II straight A's)daughter brought a friend home for the weekend. So along the physics line, I suggested she invent something. I asked two questions: 1) what is the greatest health problem in the US, and 2) what is the greatest economic crisis in the US. Her answers were Obesity and Energy. So I suggested she invent an office/car chair that you could peddle like an exercise chair. The peddles are hooked up to a mini-generator, which pumps electricity back into the system. People at work could exercise as often as they want and corporations get tax incentives and kick backs from public utilities for participation. So, her friend who is about 150 lbs over weight looked at me and said, "do you think I am fat?"

I pause trying to think of a tactful response...Well, I just answered, "yes" using my most honest but friendly tone.

To which she said, "now that really hurts." Did I apologize? ....



To: Lane3 who wrote (5493)3/12/2003 4:06:24 PM
From: The Philosopher  Respond to of 7720
 
Right on both counts.



To: Lane3 who wrote (5493)3/12/2003 4:42:22 PM
From: The Philosopher  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 7720
 
What a shame it is that certain groups prevent politicians from saying what they believe and what may well have some germ of truth in it.

Goes along with what I said earlier about stifling talk show hosts.

Just what Hentoff talked about in his book. Everybody wants free speech for the speech they agree with. Many people want to prevent free speech for those who say things they don't agree with.