A GIANT DISTINCTION | 2006-01-28
Joe said he is not a preacher or a teacher because he does not want to manipulate people, and he reminded me to be aware of that pitfall.
Then I talked about Objectivists calling me a "thug."
But there is a giant, chasmic difference here, THE difference.
Joe was expressing HIS OPINION.
Joe's says that IN HIS OPINION, what I am advocating is manipulative. In JOE's OPINION, he can only avoid being manipulative by taking the position he takes.
When Objectivists used the word "thug" or liberals and respectable cosnervatives use words like "racist" or "anaziwhowantstokillsixmillionjews," they are trying to SCARE ME OFF by using a label.
Hell will be skating rink before Joe is scared off by a label. Hell will be equally frigid before Joe expects ME to be frightened by a label.
When Joe uses a label, he is expressing an opinion. When others use a label they are using a weapon.
In short, when someone uses a label in the ordinary way they are being manipulative.
Joe has a point. Others are trying to bully.