Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Insane McCain
I've figured out exactly what's so weird about McCain's approach to torture, Geneva, etc.
There are two normal and rational responses when a parent or an older generation has endured significant hardship. Let's take the most stereotypical example.
Hardship: "Son, I had to walk 10 miles to school every day through snow, rain, mud and tornados."
Consequence 1: "So I'm not going to change anything. I want you to have the same experience so you can toughen up like I did."
Consequence 2: "So I'm going to let you ride the bus to school. I want you to have a better life than I did."
Neither of these responses is automatically better; either one could be the best for the son, depending on personalities and circumstances.
Is McCain taking either of these paths? No. He is saying:
"I had to endure terrible hardships as a prisoner. So I'm not going to change anything, because I want you [young soldiers] to have a better life than I did."
This is hopelessly nonsensical. ¶ 12:40 PM
There are two normal and rational responses when a parent or an older generation has endured significant hardship. Let's take the most stereotypical example.
Hardship: "Son, I had to walk 10 miles to school every day through snow, rain, mud and tornados."
Consequence 1: "So I'm not going to change anything. I want you to have the same experience so you can toughen up like I did."
Consequence 2: "So I'm going to let you ride the bus to school. I want you to have a better life than I did."
Neither of these responses is automatically better; either one could be the best for the son, depending on personalities and circumstances.
Is McCain taking either of these paths? No. He is saying:
"I had to endure terrible hardships as a prisoner. So I'm not going to change anything, because I want you [young soldiers] to have a better life than I did."
This is hopelessly nonsensical. ¶ 12:40 PM
