Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 14:23:20 +1000
From: hbone <hbone-AT-optonline.net>
Subject: Re: We have always been cyborgs


Eric/All,

Notes at **
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Eric wrote:

> hugh:
>
> you are not alone if you don't like Badiou. Both Diane and Shawn have
> sent posts stating their own reservations. (I am also merely presently
> his argument, but not necessarily as a disciple.)
>
> So, yes, I would like to hear you expand on what you are reacting to so
> negatively in Badiou.  Is it similar to what Diane and Shawn have
> expressed or is it something different for you? \\
**I thought I had some Badiou quotes, but was unable to find them. A brief
search of the Internet.was unsuccessful.  I checked messages of Diane and
Shawn, and, as I understand them, they haven't read much of Badiou.  So I'll
depend on you for enlightenment.  Maybe a dozen or so of his most important
statements accompanied by your personal opnion, without reference to ANY
other philosopher.  As you know, I think cultism when I read the names,
codewords and endless abstractions of Badiou and those other guys.

> The whole reason I have outlining this book is to provoke discussion.
> If no one speaks, what good does it do?
**I'm more interested in what you think (or others on the List) than
anything I've read of what Badiou thinks.

> Also, I recognize that individuals and even states can each sometimes
> act ethically, but that wasn't my point.  Do you really not see the
> extent to which US actions often show a disconnect between realizing its
> strategic interests and the need for the media and politicians to
> idealize this in the name of liberty and justice.
**As I've said before, we are the "Empire".  If your're gonna be an empire
you gotta act like one.

> In the past, you have often argued yourself precisely along these lines.
**Noted disconnects, inconsistencies - sure.

> Have the recent events changed you that much? Are you now feeling more
> sentimental about these purple mountain majesties, these amber waves of
> grain? These ABMs with nuke warheads above the fruited plain?
**We natives, (assuming you are one) are involuntary citizens).  Have you
ever explored the possibility of renouncing your citizenship?  There is no
nation of Bin Laden to flee to.  If Germany and Japan had won WWII one or
both would have been THE Empire.  I guess we could still love the mountains
and the fields of grain
through which I've traveled with great enjoyment many times. True, the
A-bomb might never have been perfected - we would miss it.

> eric
>
> ps I mentioned the connection with Dewey because I think it is a
> interesting connection to make. Call it my own sense of patriotism.
>