Reply #67: Let's look at

[H2O Man]

another example that may be easier to understand, in case there is some actual confusion about the distinction between comparing and equating two individuals.

No thinking person would equate Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X. The two have far too many obvious distinctions.

However, there are similarities that make a comparison worthwhile. Both grew up black in an openly racist society. Both were influenced significantly by their fathers: Martin's was a minister in the same church, Malcolm's was a follower of Garvey. Both were ministers by trade. Both were very active in the area of civil/human rights. Both viewed the US's role in Vietnam in the context of race. Both were confronted with the jealousies of those who were supposed to be co-workers, but who were upset by their rise within the groups they worked with. Both were top level examples of charismatic leaders, who led organizations that were taken over (after their deathes) by assistants who were bureaucratic leaders, lacking in charismatic authority. Both were gunned down in public executions that the "official" story didn't resolve.

There are very real similarities in both circumstance and personal abilities, which are worthy of comparison. Yet no thinking person would equate the two .... the only ones who might do so would be those who ignorantly believe(d) them to be threats to the system, and who only see that both were black.

DU should be a place where we can engage in thoughtful discussions which are not weighted down by concrete thinking.