Some people say it's foolish to worry about soulless creatures overtaking the earth and devouring our brains. I say they've already won.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Your Wednesday Morning Takedown
This is about a week old, but entirely worth it.
http://www.tnr.com/blog/jonathan-chait/80140/nick-gillespie-responds-and-his-point-i-have-no-idea
Jon Chait is perhaps the only semblance of credibility The New Republic has left. He is very bright, astute in his observations and a good writer.
Nick Gillespie is a libertardian who wears a leather jacket. Someone (John Cole) dubbed him the "Fonzie of Freedom."
Gillespie wrote a piece of libertardian drivel about balancing the budget with magical arithmetic. Chair pointed out that it was magical arithmetic. Gillespie responded.
And then Chait hit him upside the head with a 2x4 of facts.
To dissect the takedown, I should note that Chait never "raises his voice" or employs any histrionical devices. He uses facts and knowledge as a cudgel to beat Gillespie about his head and neck.
A really good rhetorical takedown usually is reserved and calm. To keep your head when all about you lose theirs is the sign of a good takedown artist.
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