[MD] Taking Words Seriously

[Matt Kundert]

Strange, but I thought I tried for quite a while to act like a 
responsible adult (as, I thought, I often did these days).  And I didn't 
get it. I didn't understand how you thought I'd gutted, or violated or 
whatever, Pirsig's philosophy.  My fault, I guess, but I don't see it as 
all my fault (also a responsible attitude by adults, I think).  However, 
talking to you, Dave, always leaves me with the impression that you 
think it's all my fault.  So, sometimes because I'm bored, I do start 
acting like a child (also known as adults having some fun because 
they are bored and like making jokes sometimes--something they 
do at bars, which if I'm not mistaken, is the atmosphere you've 
before said is the one in the sweetspot of your style).

Think of it this way: if I was at a bar with you for four hours, and 
we'd been drinking and talking this over as we have, eventually the 
frustration and the liquor would boil over.  It happens, Dave.  Chill 
out.  Where's your vaunted cool?

Matt


> Hypothetical objection by analogy: "You're gutting the MOQ worse than Bush gutted the Bill of Rights."
> 
> Hypothetical response by a responsible adult: "Really? Sounds like you think it's serious. How have I gutted it?"
> 
> Hypothetical response by an irresponsible child: "No I haven't. You're mean. I don't like your style."
> 
> Hypothetical response by an irrelevant right-winger: "You're with the terrorists, you commie fag."
> 
> I ask you in all seriousness, MOQers. Which sort of response is best?