[MD] Barbarian attack

[Platt Holden]

SA:

>     Platt said:  "I suggest you read what Pirsig had
> to say about the benefits of static latching."  
 
>      Well, that would be too easy, and I am reading
> Lila, but reading about it is not doing anything, but
> I will certainly finish the book.  You are dismissing
> a dynamic discussion in which all sides are not
> perfect and need sharpened.  The U.S. is not perfect
> on this issue.

What would be too easy is quoting long passages of Pirsig so you 
wouldn't have to make the effort to find out what he says about Dynamic 
and static Quality. As for Dynamic discussion, I hope you don't define 
it as everyone agreeing on everything. 

>      Platt said:  "A return to a hunter-gatherer
> society is not what I would call an intellectual
> ideal."
 
>      Sure it wouldn't for you, but with me the
> intellect is in the mind, the use of wits to live as
> we may.  The combination of modern advances (solar
> power for instance) and a bow and arrow would be fine
> for me. 

What in the world are you going to do with a bow and arrow?   

>You are looking at the society at face value
> and dismiss the hearts and minds of free-thinking
> individuals who find all that they need to be at the
> end of an arrow, picked from a bush, felt with a loved
> one, and thoughtfully discussed around the fire, face
> to face might I add.

What about free-thinking individuals who love the benefits afforded by 
science and technology (solar power for instance) and all the choices 
it permits one to have? Are you dismissing them?

> I am not stuck in thinking the
> U.S. is best right now as it is.

Do you know of a better place? Let me know and I'll go with you.

> I am creatively the
> one who would try to spur this culture into changing
> ideas and not staying with what has repeatedly not
> worked, such as war begetting another war, begetting
> another war, because issues are not faced and dealt
> with in a civilized manner.

What "civilized manner" would you suggest in dealing with terrorists?

>      Platt said:  "When you get Bin Laden and his
> followers to sit down and listen to you, let me know.
> I'll be rooting for you."
> 
>      I would be rooting for me, too, but its' not
> going to happen because people like him and you want
> to fight and kill to solve any disputes and problems.

Not "any" disputes and problems, just those where my opponent wants to 
kill me. I gather you either don't believe Bin Laden when he says he 
wants to destroy you and me, or else your don't care. I haven't figured 
out yet which it is.

Platt