File spoon-archives/habermas.archive/habermas_2001/habermas.0109, message 53


Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2001 16:54:28 -0500 (Central Daylight Time)
From: Stephen Chilton <schilton-AT-d.umn.edu>
Subject: Re: Re[2]: HAB: Re: September 11 and the demise of the Habermasian


On Tue, 18 Sep 2001 Vunch-AT-aol.com wrote:

> ...  But, if you are going to claim that the US should not pursue the
> perpetrators of this terrorist act, which implies that we should position
> ourselves as the Isrealis have done and expect more of the same, then you are
> obviously anti-american.  With such a bias, why should anyone listen to you?


Dear Fred,

The term "anti-American" in this context has no content beyond the
bare indication, "I think you're wrong".  It is not an argument,
since people disagree about what they think U.S. policy ought to
be.  Using the term only serves as a weapon silence people who
disagree with you, not engage them.  I think all of us on this
list (and everyone else, for that matter) ought to be careful
to keep our discourse open, not close it off.  Times like these
are precisely the time we need most to listen.

Sincerely,

Steve



     --- from list habermas-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu ---

   

Driftline Main Page

 

Display software: ArchTracker © Malgosia Askanas, 2000-2005