Fundamental mistakes of the GOP

Fundamental mistakes that Republicans make are that they don't understand their opponent nor do they understand their fellow man.

Obama and party are not stupid, they know what they are doing.  And they are doing it well while Republicans, ignorant of Democrats true motives, chase shadows and smoke.  Until they realize what is really happening then they, Republicans, will never be able to undo the negative change this country has endured nor simply defeat their opponent.

Descartes - First Meditation

Everytime I re-read this short but powerful work, I get stuck on two phrases.

The first... "there is not one of my former beliefs about which a doubt may not be properly raised...".

The second...  "I will suppose therefore that not God, who is supremely good and the source of truth, but rather some demon of the utmost power and cunning has employed all his energies in order to deceive me."

Quote of the Day

In a republic this rule ought to be observed: that the majority should not have the predominant power.

Cicero

Quote of the Day

Capitalism is the only moral political system because it is the only system dedicated to the protection of rights, which is a requirement for human survival and flourishing.

http://www.importanceofphilosophy.com/Politics_Capitalism.html

Away in Europe

If I can find internet access again I will leave my thoughts on my travels through Europe for the next two weeks, otherwise, will begin blogging about my Philosophy readings and other things when I get back.

Montaigne- First thoughts or a knee jerk reaction

Reading "The Consolations of Philosophy".  Current chapter- Montaigne on Inadequacy.

It seems that his best argument is that since everyone farts and has sex, that, we are all equal.

My first reaction is that how is this superior to Christianity?  I ask, since this book is supposed to show how Philosophy can "console, inspire, and motivate us" in lieu, presumably, of other belief systems.

Yet, why is believing that you are a created being in the image of a "Maker" inferior to proof of everyone's bodily functions equalizing the herd?  That arguments about farting or sex trump morality stories in the Bible seem almost childish.   My six year old niece does love a good fart joke as much as Montaigne seemingly.

One debases the Human to crude explosions of toxic fumes and the other gives dignity and purpose with a really good set of tools to overcome all of life's challenges.

That was my knee jerk reaction.  Now, I must figure out my award winning version that will pass my exam with honors.

Caroline Heldman's bad argument on Hannity

My greatest pet peeve with Fox is the inability or unwillingness to challenge their guests and then give their, the host's, viewpoint and why its the correct way to think about the subject at hand.

Tonight's big debate was on the Birth Certificate.  The Liberal defending the President came up with two of the weakest arguments that I have ever heard in defense of this issue.  This leads me to believe that this person is nowhere near as smart as they think they are or they are outright lying and grasping for straws.  Either way, loss of respect almost immediately after she began speaking.

First defensive argument was that no one else has been asked to show their birth certificates.  To his credit, Hannity did challenge that and proved her incorrect but the two arguments that followed could have been challenged and settled.

Quote of the Day

rickhenk wrote:

I read that smoking was bad, so I quit smoking.

I read that drinking was bad, so I quit drinking.

I read that sex was bad, so I quit reading.