The War on Intellectualism

[Guynemer]

The key problem is that "intellectual" has been turned into an epithet, thrown around by the right-wing against liberals. It means "***".

Of course, it is utterly cynical, as the right-wing has intellectuals too; they just know how to play the game better.

[Q Classic]

Guy's right, I suppose. I guess 'liberal' lost its sting long ago.

[Kidlicious]

Originally posted by Victor Galis
Yes, there's government spending to stimulate the economy. You know... kinda like New Deal programs.

Raising taxes during a recession is the opposite of Keynesian. Furthermore FDR never pledged to create deficits, just teh opposite, he pledged to balance the budget throughout all 3 terms. He was definitely not a Keynesian. Again, just increasing spending is not Keynesian.

[Kidlicious]

Originally posted by Sirotnikov

you know I made an effort and called your statement idiotic, and not you. I sort of expect the same from you.
If not out of common courtesy, at least follow the "discuss the statement not the poster" rule.

Anyway, Mrs. Snuggles already made the ad-absurdum arguments for me. I hope his posts illustrates why your statement was dumb.

If you call what you did courteous then I'd hate to see you when you think you are rude. Why do you think I called you an idiot? Usually I don't start such things.

[Imran Siddiqui]

he pledged to balance the budget throughout all 3 terms

And how did he do on that?

[Jon Miller]

Well, he did raise taxes to over 90% for the wealthiest Americans.

JM
(for their income at the highest bracket)

[Kidlicious]

Originally posted by Imran Siddiqui

he pledged to balance the budget throughout all 3 terms

And how did he do on that?

So you think that every president who didn't balance the budget is a Keynesian?

[Arrian]

Originally posted by Guynemer
The key problem is that "intellectual" has been turned into an epithet, thrown around by the right-wing against liberals. It means "***".

Of course, it is utterly cynical, as the right-wing has intellectuals too; they just know how to play the game better.

I don't think it means "***." It means snob. Everlasting Know It All. Yogurt.

Actually, thinking about it some more, it means more than just snob. It means out of touch. The ideal (odd use of the word, I suppose) is some arrogant college professor who has never done anything "useful" in the world but who thinks he can tell regular folk how to live. Agathon.

After all, right-wingers will accept their experts, some of whom are intellectual. It's not like they have much problem with authority.

-Arrian

[Imran Siddiqui]

Originally posted by Kidicious
So you think that every president who didn't balance the budget is a Keynesian?

That's quite a leap (though tame for you).

Just saying pledging to do something doesn't mean you actually undertake actions to do it. GW Bush pledged to be a "compassionate conservative" and you see where that ended up.

[Guynemer]

Originally posted by Arrian


I don't think it means "***."

You're right; I meant more that it is equivalent to "***", in the way that they use it is the same way that teens and 20-somethings use the word "***".

[Arrian]

That's gay.

-Arrian

[Guynemer]

Quite.

[Agathon]

Originally posted by Arrian

Actually, thinking about it some more, it means more than just snob. It means out of touch. The ideal (odd use of the word, I suppose) is some arrogant college professor who has never done anything "useful" in the world but who thinks he can tell regular folk how to live. Agathon.

You'd be better off if you listened to me. You and all the other stupid peons who post here.

[Kidlicious]

Originally posted by Imran Siddiqui
Just saying pledging to do something doesn't mean you actually undertake actions to do it.

No, but it's a historical fact that he took steps to balance the budget. He kept raising taxes though out the depression. He even cut spending during part of it.

[Imran Siddiqui]

Yes, which led to the Recession of '38, which led him to restore his Keynesian policies.