[MD] Using Intellect against Intellectuals

[plattholden at gmail.com]

Hey John,

I wouldn't hesitate to put the likes of Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Castro and 
other mass murderers up against the wall. But, that's just me. As for 
campus speech codes, most colleges require students to sign a "shut 
your mouth" pledge. Typically the pledge goes like this:

"I will not engage in any behaviors that compromise or demean the 
dignity of individuals or groups, including intimidation, stalking, 
harassment, discrimination, taunting, ridiculing, insulting, or acts of 
violence."

Notice the typical rhetorical trick of lumping "acts of violence" with 
"taunting, ridiculing, insulting," as if decapitating someone with a 
scimitar is the equivalent of calling him an idiot. 

Also note that some academics observe their own campus speech 
codes more in the breach than in compliance when engaged in internet 
debates with those with whom they disagree. But, be not surprised. 
Hypocrisy has always been the mark of self-appointed superior 
intellects. 

Regards,
Platt   


On 6 Aug 2009 at 21:46, John Carl wrote:

> Well Platt, I wouldn't put anyone up against the wall myself, but I'm just
> saying that if the worms DID happen to munch on 'em, I wouldn't cry.
> I'm familiar with Pol. Corr., but what's a campus speech code?
> 
> 
> 
> On Thu, Aug 6, 2009 at 12:45 PM, Platt Holden <plattholden at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> > On Thu, Aug 6, 2009 at 12:54 PM, John Carl <ridgecoyote at gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > >
> > > An active thinking intellect might be dynamic, but if that intellect is
> > in
> > > the service of a repressive governmental organization whose goal is to
> > > stomp
> > > or stamp any deviation from strict, static, social norms, then that
> > > intellect is anti-dynamic and thus immoral, and oughta get et by the
> > worms.
> > >
> > > Hey John,
> >
> > Does this mean you're against political correctness and campus speech
> > codes?
> > If so, I'm with you.
> >
> > Regards,
> > Platt