Poor Heinlein. He could be so good, and he could be so bad. He was a great story teller, especially in the 1950s, but he seems to have encouraged some people to think in simple slogans.
It’s a combination of the old Chinese water torture, updated with our water boarding technique, but other than that, I’m not sure what the point is. Perhaps the waiting for China to cash in all those dollars they hold is a slow, agonizing torture?
Bruce – I’m sure slogans have a use. Here’s one of mine: social problems should have social solutions. But even though I like this slogan, I understand that it only begins the discussion. What counts as a social problem? It’s not hard to get agreement on the slogan, but it’s much harder to get agreement on the followup question. In this instance, sure, I agree that there’s no such thing as a free lunch, hey, I’ve even said it from time to time, but the question is Did anybody say there was a free lunch? If someone is offering “free”, then TANSTAAFL, but if no one is making the claim, the slogan has no point. My problem with Heinlein, who is (at times) one of my favorite writers, is that he sometimes promotes (intentionally or not) the idea that a slogan does the work of thinking. All too often people hear the slogan and they think that the thinking done, they don’t need to do more.
There ain’t no such thing as a slogan sufficient to the situation.
Yes, Bush and the GOP increased our national debt greatly. Can we also agree that spending another few trillion isn’t helping the situation?
AND, understanding TANSTAAFL, who’s bright idea was it to borrow money from China, anyway?
kennethcwarren64 about 14 years ago
When you watch the Chinese economy you can feel the pride of ‘Your tax dollars at work!”
1.6 million in interest each day – But Hey, thanks to Bush & the GOP, you’re taxes didn’t go up, just your National Debt.
I have a geat idea, lets put them back in power and see what they can do – China (and the terrrorist) would love it.
leipsicbob about 14 years ago
TANSTAAFL!
woodwork about 14 years ago
AH! Another Heinlein afficianado!
lonecat about 14 years ago
Poor Heinlein. He could be so good, and he could be so bad. He was a great story teller, especially in the 1950s, but he seems to have encouraged some people to think in simple slogans.
luckyjean22 about 14 years ago
I don’t get it.
alan.gurka about 14 years ago
It’s a combination of the old Chinese water torture, updated with our water boarding technique, but other than that, I’m not sure what the point is. Perhaps the waiting for China to cash in all those dollars they hold is a slow, agonizing torture?
lonecat about 14 years ago
Bruce – I’m sure slogans have a use. Here’s one of mine: social problems should have social solutions. But even though I like this slogan, I understand that it only begins the discussion. What counts as a social problem? It’s not hard to get agreement on the slogan, but it’s much harder to get agreement on the followup question. In this instance, sure, I agree that there’s no such thing as a free lunch, hey, I’ve even said it from time to time, but the question is Did anybody say there was a free lunch? If someone is offering “free”, then TANSTAAFL, but if no one is making the claim, the slogan has no point. My problem with Heinlein, who is (at times) one of my favorite writers, is that he sometimes promotes (intentionally or not) the idea that a slogan does the work of thinking. All too often people hear the slogan and they think that the thinking done, they don’t need to do more.
There ain’t no such thing as a slogan sufficient to the situation.
POPPA1956 about 14 years ago
Yes, Bush and the GOP increased our national debt greatly. Can we also agree that spending another few trillion isn’t helping the situation? AND, understanding TANSTAAFL, who’s bright idea was it to borrow money from China, anyway?