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Old 09-10-2015, 08:55 AM   #520
JoeRedskin
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Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Second Star On The Right
Age: 62
Posts: 10,401
Re: Cousins to start 2015 Season

Well, that's just the thing. He does, at times, raise legitimate, interesting points that could form the basis for a good discussion. [Yes, I disagree that, at this stage, for where this team is going, RGIII is a legitimate fall back option. However, I get the "let's keep him in case the JG/KC experiment fails" argument. I actually bought into it until his latest off-the-field drama, injury and apparent on-field issues.]

It's just that, in order to set the boundaries of a discussion, he generally asks a loaded question which requires anyone replying to it to accept his premise in order to respond to it. Thus, rather than a real discussion, it becomes an exercise in "See how right my unassailable premise is." Those who disagree with the premise and phrase a response that incorporates the disagreement are simply dismissed as "unresponsive." It really is just a rhetorical gadget play because, technically, those who disagree with the premise can't respond to the specific question.

It's a cross-examination technique that can be a very persuasive rhetorical technique IF you lay the proper foundation such that you get everyone to agree with the question's underlying premise [b/c then there is only one "right" answer]. He never does that, and, in fact, I suspect knows folks don't agree with the premise so he skips the first part intentionally and then claims the rhetorical high ground by asserting others are unresponsive. It's just intellectually lazy and insulting to those trying to actually discuss competing viewpoints and opinions.

It's the damn internet - not a scholarly debate. A little recognition that most responses are relatively stream of conscience so slack needs to be cut and an open mind needs to be kept. Otherwise its all mental masturbation and Big Man On Internet bull crap.

If he spent less time being pedantic and dismissive of others and more time actually looking for and acknowledging points of agreement, he actually could add to the discussion rather than just attempt to prove himself correct through rhetorical sleight of hand.

He isn't quite at Goat levels of obnoxiousness yet (Still the only guy I have ever put on ignore). Getting there, but not yet. There is still hope.

Hey, if punch could come around, anyone can -
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