[extropy-chat] Re: A view of what politics is

[Samantha Atkins]

On Oct 16, 2005, at 6:35 PM, Jack Parkinson wrote:

> From: Rafal Smigrodzki <rafal.smigrodzki at gmail.com>
>
>
>> ### Let's assume that it involves two farmers, peers in all  
>> respects. One
>> has an apple, and intends to feed it to his hogs. The other  
>> desires the
>> apple with all his soul, dreaming of the juicy, crisp, flavory  
>> crunch.
>> Obviously, there is a conflict between their desires as to the  
>> preferred
>> fate of the apple.
>>
>
>
>> Being honest people, and utterly respectful of each other, they  
>> would never
>> threaten violence (unless threatened). After some friendly  
>> negotiations,
>> where violence is not even a dark unsaid shadow, they exchange the  
>> apple for
>> some corn. Both farmers, and the hogs, are better off.
>>
>
>
>> Is this politics?
>> Rafal
>>
>
> Nope! This is commerce (and interpersonal relations)! Politics is  
> still between groups...

What, by your acclamation?

>
> And I can't see a logical inconsistency with any objection that  
> Rafal has raised so far - in fact I would go so far as to say:  
> there isn't one!

Then you are missing the point.

- s