General Discussion

beerandjesus

(1,301 posts)

39. I see your point...

Thu Sep 5, 2013, 09:33 AM

Sep 2013

...but the problem with invoking Hitler is that you immediately make a powerful emotional argument by doing that. The emotional impact of saying "Hitler" overpowers anything else you're saying.

Kerry knows this--and hence has no excuse. There are plenty of other ways he could have made the same point--Menendez did that when he talked about told that probably-apocryphal story of the bully in his schoolyard. But Kerry chose the metaphor that would maximize the emotional wallop; and given that the substance of the argument, while coherent, is not very strong or compelling, it's hard to imagine that he chose the "Hitler" argument for any other reason than to draw in the less critically-minded.

Therefore, I think the "proper perspective" with which to evaluate the statement is the gut-level response he was going for. I suppose the Munich metaphor wasn't stupid per se, but it was definitely manipulative, and deliberately so.

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Alan Grayson: Munich Metaphor ‘STUPID’ [View all] Segami Sep 2013 OP

Maybe Alan Grayson could start a People's Party - Lord knows, we need... polichick Sep 2013 #1

Shhh,... Segami Sep 2013 #2

And a party that doesn't represent the banks too. Enthusiast Sep 2013 #8

Not the Banks?...Ok now, thats it! Segami Sep 2013 #14

Or the fossil fuel industry or private health insurance companies or private prisons Jack Rabbit Sep 2013 #24

Yup. Indefensible. nt Enthusiast Sep 2013 #29

and the political spectrum needs to have the other 70-90% of us represented MisterP Sep 2013 #10

Agreed, and someone will start a true people's party eventually... polichick Sep 2013 #15

It would be a nice change....nt Enthusiast Sep 2013 #30

Or maybe more people like him could take over the Democrats eridani Sep 2013 #16

Was Grayson in the room when Kerry allegedly made the comment? ProSense Sep 2013 #3

So the new standard is you have to have been in the room when a statement was made? truebrit71 Sep 2013 #6

No, it's about claiming people are too young or stupid to understand historical references n/t ProSense Sep 2013 #11

I have no idea what you mean MynameisBlarney Sep 2013 #12

Historical references should have some basis in fact. Enthusiast Sep 2013 #31

So you believe calling him Hitler is accurate in any way what-so-ever? Bandit Sep 2013 #32

He said it in a conference call to House Democrats. rug Sep 2013 #35

With Hitler's plans to invade Eastern Europe and kill the inhabitants to ensure hedgehog Sep 2013 #4

So that's the reference to Munich! Capt. Obvious Sep 2013 #5

Sic 'em Grayson! LuvNewcastle Sep 2013 #7

By that standard, US can't interfere in ANY country where chemical weapons blm Sep 2013 #9

Exactly, which is why ProSense Sep 2013 #13

If there was evidence that Russia or China used chemical weapons would you still be Bandit Sep 2013 #33

That's inaccurate. There is CURRENTLY tons of evidence reSyria and 2million refugees. blm Sep 2013 #34

Go get them warmongers Alan!!! DeSwiss Sep 2013 #17

Grayson is bang on. The money should be used to aid the massive surge in refugees. snagglepuss Sep 2013 #18

THE POWER OF SIMILE: I had a horrible hamburger the other day---It was just like Hitler! nikto Sep 2013 #19

Hahaha! beerandjesus Sep 2013 #25

I think... nikto Sep 2013 #37

K&R Ocelot Sep 2013 #20

Was Grayson ever in the military? nt mimi85 Sep 2013 #21

No, but I was. What's your question? Scuba Sep 2013 #27

Neither mimi85 Sep 2013 #28

I don't know but... nikto Sep 2013 #38

Thank you Congressman Grayson swilton Sep 2013 #22

Amen! It IS stupid, and doubly infuritating... beerandjesus Sep 2013 #23

Where's the rest of our Party "leaders"? Are they all corrupt? Scuba Sep 2013 #26

Actually, the "Munich Metaphor" is not stupid... malthaussen Sep 2013 #36

I see your point... beerandjesus Sep 2013 #39