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October 25, 2004
Speaking of irony....
The following image appears on a T-shirt offered for sale by a noted commentator on fascism, David Neiwert.
(Image here.) I should hasten to add that T-shirts displaying the above (which may be ordered here) are described as "all for fun," which may mean that their designer is in fact engaged in satire. It must be noted that Mr. Neiwert is always very careful never to call anyone a fascist or a racist unless it is deserved: Let me be clear: One of the things I frequently charge liberals with is hurling terms like "racist" and "fascist" willy nilly, which not only undermines their case, it seriously dilutes the ability of those of us who deal with genuine racists and fascists to do so effectively. The terms have lost their weight because of their absurd overuse, and liberals, as I've said often, are among the worst offenders.I'm certainly glad to hear that. UPDATE: I know it's old news, but it occurred to me that some readers might want to read the details of the "Who cares what you think? quote attributed to President Bush. Leading debunker Snopes discusses the evolution of the quote, and while unable to determine its accuracy, concludes: Our opinion? There are plenty of traditional outlets for expressing dissatisfaction with the policies and actions of elected representatives, but walking up to the President at a public function and telling him he's doing a lousy job isn't one of them. Such behavior demonstrates a lack of respect for the office of President of the United States, an honor that should be maintained whether or not one respects the man who currently holds the office -- just as the well-mannered citizen doesn't express his disagreement with the political views of a American-flag-carrying protester by spitting on the flag he bears, because that act displays a contempt for everything Old Glory symbolizes, not merely for the person carrying it. The President isn't above criticism, but freedom of speech isn't an excuse for ignoring the ordinary civilities of choosing an appropriate time, place, and manner for the expression of that criticism.Snopes does not discuss whether the president's reply, if true, constitutes fascism. (I can't imagine why.) posted by Eric on 10.25.04 at 11:33 AM
Comments
Steven, that comment was one of the nicest things anyone ever said about me. You and Dean are making me blush again. Thanks. Eric Scheie · October 25, 2004 05:22 PM |
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Dear Eric:
Here's what Dean Esmay said about you:
http://www.deanesmay.com/posts/1098690671.shtml
"I would like to come to Eric's defense, though. Eric is as big a fascist-loather as I am, and he runs a terrific weblog, which everyone should read more often: Classical Values, which should also be on your blogroll if you have one."
Absolutely!