Bill's Notes

I've been fisked by Mark Shea.

Utterly surprised by the number of straw men Shea hauls out. It's also difficult to argue when your being fisked both generally and specifically at the same time.

Apparently, Shea doesn't understand the difference between defining terms, and attacking language and truth. We stick up for language and truth on this blog.

Here's what I posted over there in response:

That was quite a rant.

Love ya, Mark. Really. Enjoy yer blog.

But defining terms is not a "gambit" to attack the magisterium of the church. Where did you get that idea? Do you NOT have a definition of torture? Or do you just think yours is right and that's all there is to it? Is the definition up for debate, even if certified elsewhere by the Army? (BTW, I know waterboarding was just made illegal, and it's too bad. We apparently got a lot of good, life-saving info from KSM. So I disagree.)

Don't you realize there's a difference between recognizing a lot of terms are pretty subjective in definitions and being a full-fledged postmodernist?

That said, since you're interested in "gambits" so much, you should know that you've used one of the most manipulative there is -- and that's to confuse general and particular categories when criticizing someone.

If you disagree with my comment, comment in those terms, but don't lump me in with another group of commentators and then criticize the whole at one point, and me at other points. Say, "That's what these dimwits do 'cuz they don't want to admit the truth to themselves."

One thing you might want to do is explain why defining torture is a gambit, without trying to read my mind or determine the state of my soul or make assumptions that I'm trying to get around magisterial teaching, which you can't, you shouldn't and I'm not. Defining terms is an essential part of any discussion. Applying general principles isn't easy. That's not a cop-out, it's reality. Making fun of that is silly. Would you use no techniques whatsoever to pressure suspects during interrogation? Would you use some pressure, depending on what it is? What you use a lot, depending on the circumstances?

This is not a "24" gambit, it's reality. And posting a picture isn't reality, either. Reality's what happens when you get up from your computer.

Next time you criticize me, I'd suggest you don't be so snide. It doesn't make me want to agree with you.

Perhaps I set you off. Seems like I got under your skin. Sorry about that.
IB Bill | Homepage | 09.29.06 - 4:25 pm | #