[extropy-chat] Help! I'm not ready for reality! (was the 7 cents thread)

[Jack Parkinson]

> From: Rafal Smigrodzki <rafal.smigrodzki at gmail.com> said:

>> http://laborcenter.berkeley.edu/lowwage/walmart.pdf
>
> ### I don't read propaganda from the Socialist Republic of Berkeley

I guess this statement says it all. Reasonable people form their viewpoints 
after an intelligent appraisal of the pros and cons of the debate. You 
don't - and I think John C is of similar mind.

I have been aware for some time that yours and John's viewpoints are highly 
emotive in tone. You both present opinions that appear to be shaped by 
ideology in defiance of reason, and you both rely on ridicule and diversion 
where well-crafted debate is the accepted - and the expected - mode of 
communication. Oh well - your loss! I think all the points regarding Wal 
Mart have been well and truly made now anyway.

I just want to say this: People who are prepared to self-censor - to make 
sure that their precious beliefs remain unchallenged by reason and logic - 
accomplish this by isolating themselves deliberately from opposing 
viewpoints. These people must appear as a gift from heaven to the 
unscrupulous business people and politicians who use and manipulate them so 
easily. Quite probably, they are a large part of the reason there is now 
such an incestuous relationship between big corporations and government this 
kind of debate becomes possible.

A mind that is resolutely closed to new ideas is already a good way along 
the road to fossilization.
If you are not prepared to listen and consider, there's not much left for 
you to do except to hang onto that belief system and hope that it serves you 
well.

Good luck!

Jack Parkinson