Sunday, February 15, 2015

IT DEPENDS

With most of the controversies we have going on, the missing element in the arguments is, in the trite phrase, "Where I'm coming from".

I read a very true description of why sometimes politicians, and even real people, seem to flip-flop on some issues.The story goes something like this.  I don't remember it verbatim.

A voter once asked a politician what his position was on alcohol.  He paused, blew his nose, to have time to think, and began, "Madam, If you are speaking of that elixir that warms men's hearts and bodies on a cold winter day and encourages friendly conversation and joviality, then I'm for it.  But, on the other hand, if you are talking about that devil's potion which causes a man to brawl and cuss, to stumble home in a stupor and abuse his wife and children, then I'm against it".

That is the world of politics.  So, if you hear a politician who seems to flip-flop on an issue, it is because the premise depends on the questioner and the answer must be framed on that premise.

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