Advanced Moral Relativism
Claire Berlinski, Ed. ·
Jan 28, 2011 at 2:47am
If you doubt that our government is having some trouble taking a clear stand on anything happening in this region, just read this sentence over and over until it sinks in:
After calling Israel’s probe into a deadly raid on Gaza-bound aid ships “credible, impartial and transparent,” U.S. State Department Spokesman Philip Crowley has described Turkey’s Gaza flotilla report as “independent and credible,” too.
They cannot both be credible. They contradict each other completely. They cannot both be credible. It is logically impossible. There is being diplomatic--an admirable thing--and asserting blithely that two plus two equals six.
This is the latter.
- Comment (9)
- · Quote
- · UnfollowFollow (1)
Comments :
Jul '10
Re: Advanced Moral Relativism
A reality in which words mean nothing. My late acting teacher used to warn us that relativist thinking was going to trouble the world sooner or later. He said it in the early 1990's.
I just wonder to what extent such relativism exists in China, Russia, among the Islamists and/or any of the dictators of the world. Or does it merely exist for the West to destroy itself?
Sep '10
Re: Advanced Moral Relativism
If a report from the local elementary school stated that the moon was made of green cheese and unicorn tears and Buzz Aldrin said it was not, the State Dept would no doubt also say that both were, "independent and credible."
Why isn't the WH Press Secretary being asked about this every day?
Aug '10
Re: Advanced Moral Relativism
Perhaps they mean that those who wished for the actual outcome of one or the other of the reports believe the contents of the report that fulfils their wishes.Or to put it another way,each report is subjectively credible, if not objectively so. I believe the Turkel Report is in fact objectively credible by virtue of the quality of the individuals involved,but then as a firm supporter of Israel, I would say that,wouldn't I?
May '10
Re: Advanced Moral Relativism
The State Department make it their business to be credulous about two contradictory things before breakfast. They are your worst enemy in situations like this. Never, ever trust career diplomats. See the Baroness Thatcher's favourite programme Yes, Prime Minister for queasily amusing examples.
May '10
Re: Advanced Moral Relativism
Seen here, in what I hope is not a misplaced bit of levity. Sometimes it's all I got. Yes, Prime Minister on foreign crises: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgLg9zQH3vU
Jul '10
Re: Advanced Moral Relativism
Now we're talking! This is Smart Diplomacy (TM) in action.
Re: Advanced Moral Relativism
Claire: So refreshing to see you highlight a glaring example of moral relativism and expose futile efforts to defy the law of non-contradiction. Good for you.
Jul '10
Re: Advanced Moral Relativism
If I read that sentence again I'm pretty sure an aneurysm will follow.
Jun '10
Re: Advanced Moral Relativism
"Phillip" Crowley is, I believe, more commonly known as P. J. Crowley. Can we really expect logic from a man whose name--the one he's used most of his adult life--is an abbreviation for "jammies?" [Note: I admit that the foregoing is an ad hominem attack on Mr. Crowley]
But you'd think he'd have done something about his nickname before he became spokesman for the State Department of the United States, the most powerful country in the world.
Caveat: I mean no disrespect to the inimitable P. J. O'Rourke (a man whom I honor to the very depths)--he at least intends to be funny.
Edited on Jan 28, 2011 at 8:09am