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Originally Posted by aberkok
I also think it's really bad form to make points by asking a bunch of questions, as Stein did in the update to the original letter.
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It's a highly effective method of teaching--let the student form the answers. Socrates and Jesus both used it effectively.
Let's try to answer the questions:
Q. Why is it that the snipers who shot at emergency rescuers trying to save people in hospitals and shelters are never mentioned except in passing, and Mr. Bush, who is turning over heaven and earth to rescue the victims of the storm, is endlessly vilified?
A. Because not much is known about the snipers--no photographs or video, no interviews. Because there is no "pro-sniper" pundits there, as there are some looking for any reason to criticize Bush for drawing breath, just as there are to defend him for breaking wind.
Q. What church does Rev. Al Sharpton belong to that believes in passing blame and singling out people by race for opprobrium and hate?
A. I don't know for certain that the congregation and/or denomination believes that; many people stray from the reservation when it comes to the official teachings of the church. However, since Sharpton is given a pulpit by the group, it is reasonable to conclude that the members of that group DO share his views, and it is a demonstrably unChristian position to take.
Q. What special abilities does the media have for deciding how much blame goes to the federal government as opposed to the city government of New Orleans for the aftereffects of Katrina?
A. The same ability you have to criticize them for making the decision--life experience, common sense, and the ability to process all sorts of information into a conclusion.
Q. If able-bodied people refuse to obey a mandatory evacuation order for a city, have they not assumed the risk that ill effects will happen to them?
A. Yes, they have. However, we are not in a position to have each of them fill out a questionaire to determine why they didn't leave before extending a helping hand to get them OUT now. We also have to remember that many of these people--especially in Biloxi/Gulfport heard that Katrina was like Camille in 1969, and having lived through Camille, they decided they could make it this time. False sense of security to be sure, but hardly a reason to pass them over for help.
Q. When the city government simply ignores its own sick and hospitalized and elderly people in its evacuation order, is Mr. Bush to blame for that?
A. No. We ae in a system where politicians like to try to take credit for things beyond their control, such as the sun coming up each day or the economy turning good. The flip side of that is that all blame tends to go up to the top, even when it is not deserved. As a nation, we need to get clearly in our mind just what a president is supposed to do, and then judge if it is being done well. Our system puts responsibility on the locals for a reason--they can best deal with local issues.
Q. Is there any problem in the world that is not Mr. Bush's fault, or have we reverted to a belief in a sort of witchcraft where we credit a mortal man with the ability to create terrifying storms and every other kind of ill wind?
A. I haven't. As one that is a lukewarm Bush supporter, I know the storm wasn't his fault. As a Clinton detractor, I know it wasn't his.
Q. Where did the idea come from that salvation comes from hatred and criticism and mockery instead of love and co-operation?
A. Some are incapbable of viewing the world through the filter of love and cooperation in any circumstances; the present situation only highlights their character flaws.