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

[Samantha Atkins]

On Nov 17, 2005, at 8:30 PM, Jack Parkinson wrote:

>> 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.
>

After watching this "debate" for some time I don't think you have a  
lot of high ground to preach from, Jack.

> 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.

I really haven't see you being particularly open-minded or willing to  
question your own views.  So why are you lecturing others?

>
> 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!

Good luck to you too.

- samantha