RE: [Marxism] a few thoughts on flaming and so forth

["Walter Lippmann" <walterlx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

AVOIDING MISPORTRAYALS WHEN DISCUSSING POLITICS
by Walter Lippmann, December 5, 2004

Just as is done here, providing accurate quotations
from others when discussing what they write, is the
best way to avoid misportraying specific viewpoints.
It's best not to speculate about the motives behind 
actions of individuals or groups with whom one does
not politically agree, or at least when doing that
it's best to label any specualtion as just that.

When THE MILITANT is quoted, invariably providing
the link to the article cited so readers can see
for themselves the entire article and its context,
is a good way to avoid any kinds of misportrayals.

For example, when THE MILITANT writes of Venezuela:
"Chávez tried to reassure the capitalist class that 
it faces no new danger to its property rights and its 
hold on Venezuela?s economy following the defeat of 
the August 15 referendum," the link is then given:
http://www.themilitant.com/2004/6832/683203.html 

Or when writing that THE MILITANT argued that the rescue
of Elian Gonzalez was a violation of democratic rights,
the link was given so readers can check it themselves:
http://www.themilitant.com/2000/6418/641801.html 

Just because THE MILITANT holds some positions which in
my opinion are politically ridiculous, there's still 
no reason to try to read THE MILITANT out of the left
and progressive movements, as some on the Marxmail list
continue to do. I continue to find information which is 
of value in its pages, and don't hesitate to say so both
openly and explicitly, whenever that seems appropriate.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CubaNews/message/32932 


Walter Lippmann, CubaNews
http://www.walterlippmann.com 
======================================================

STEVE GABOSCH writes (excerpts):
On misportraying positions of others on Marxmail: I prefer
that people not do this. I am perfectly fine with sharp
criticisms of actual positions of the SWP or anyone else -
I learn much from such criticisms.
--------
I am totally OK with a sharp criticism of any actual
position, whether I agree with the criticism or not. It is
the misportrayal of a position as a way to argue with it
that I object to on principle.

Thanking all again for the privilege of posting to Marxmail,
~ Steve Gabosch




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