Re: Phony Populism -- SPEAK UP

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Date Posted: 15:24:05 03/20/03 Thu
Author: Richard
Author Host/IP: cpe-gan-68-101-88-174-cmcpe.ncf.coxexpress.com / 68.101.88.174
Subject:

Re: Phony Populism
In reply to: Arkady 's message, "Phony Populism" on 14:21:37 03/20/03 Thu

Hi Michael,

I don't know how you do it, but you can pump out some postings. I'm just sorry I can't keep up.

I think what you are calling 'phony populism' is what I would call in more general terms as 'pandering'. That would be a minor form of demagoguery. Where demaguoguery is based on class warfare, pandering plays to the base emotions of the target audience. On example of pandering that I can think of is the appeal that "We all must pay our fair share". This is meant to imply that someone is getting a free deal at your expense, but doesn't really say it. If you think about it, the appeal is cleverly crafted. How can you argue against it? How can you say, "no, some of us don't need to pay our fiar share"?

As to Michael Moore, I have to recall Al Franken's comments about Rush Limbaugh. He even titled a book, "Rush Limbaugh is a big fat idiot". I wonder what he would say about Mr. Moore?

Another example that jerks my chain is, 'common sense gun legislation'. Again, a carefully crafted title meant to defuse any argument against it. I sincerely dislike someone trying to pull that type of BS on me. It is insulting. It reminds me a bit of a two-bit hustler trying to pull some kind of con.

The next time I see something along those lines, I'll bring it to your attention.

Richard

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Replies:

Re: Phony Populism -- Arkady, 16:47:49 03/20/03 Thu
- Something you might enjoy -- Richard, 17:04:38 03/20/03 Thu