DEAR EDITOR:
A newspaper’s opinion page is provided as a free speech forum
for its readers.
DEAR EDITOR:
A newspaper’s opinion page is provided as a free speech forum for its readers. Few newspapers have allowed the degree of free speech interaction between readers as well as columnists that has been permitted by the editors of the Gilroy Dispatch.
It is for this reason that the readership is often subjected to “facts” or even a dialogue concerning issues that have first been subjected to a process of reinterpretation, intended to support the authors subjective bias.
To this end, some authors make little attempt to hide their biases, even boldly declaring that if readers are not locked into their way of thinking, then they are not thinking at all.
These “Thinkers” would have us believe that if everyone just embrace their grand doctrines, which includes the free speech paradox, this will bring about harmony. However history is filled with great experiments based on grand doctrines that mislead untold numbers into believing that by closing their minds and their eyes was the only true way to find and understand Utopia.
(It should not be suggested that I might be, in any small way, implying that those whom I refer to be the “thinkers,” have any connection, real or imagined, to historical figure or their doctrines.)
Next is the “Sophist.” This is an intellectual illusionist, who makes use a form of fallacious sleight of hand, cleverly disguised as a reasoned argument with the intent to deceive.
Ironically, neither the Sophist or the Thinker consider their self to be liars, but enlightened.
The common liar, (not to be confused with a professional) if they are to accomplish their goal, has a few points they must remember. Avoid personal contact with the target, this reduces the guilt. It is also best to have some feeling of contempt or at least no concern for the intended target. But if the target can be classified as an enemy, then guilt can be transformed into a justifiable action taken under the pretext of protecting one’s intellectual, political, or religious believes.
In the next few weeks and months the Sophist and the Thinkers will attempt to wine and dine the readership, even whisper sweet words in their ears regarding their issues. The intended targets should always remember “…There must be a morning after.”
Harold D. Williams, San Jose
Submitted Wednesday, Oct. 1
