Reader, you ask, "How can there be any humor in that topic?" Well, please just bear with us a moment longer, and see if we cannot rouse some tragi-humor in you.
Allow us to ask some questions:
Do you agree that, in general, both liberals and conservatives support intentional termination of life under select conditions?
Do you agree that, in general, both liberals and conservatives oppose intentional termination of life under select conditions?
You say, "That may be so, but give us some examples, Doug."
OK!
Example 1: In general, liberals oppose capital punishment, and conservatives oppose abortion.
Example 2: In general, conservatives support capital punishment, and liberals support abortion.
Classically dichotomous, eh? Or is it? Are we describing two positions on two topics? Or are we describing two conflicting positions on one huge topic? Or two positions both standing on both sides of one fence? Or...? Is a glimmer of humor arising, now, reader?
Pièce de résistance:
Let's use slightly revised metaphors for our old terms capital punishment and abortion:
Let's call capital punishment, 'later term abortion,' and
Let's call abortion, 'earlier term capital punishment.'
Now let's rewrite our examples like this:
Example 1: In general, liberals oppose later term abortions, and conservatives oppose 'earlier term capital punishment.'
Example 2: In general, conservatives support later term abortions, and liberals support 'earlier term capital punishment.'
We find it incredibly (and tragically) hilarious that:
And then we fight, politically and other ways, about what we either 'oppose' or 'support.'
Aren't we both acting like classical jackasses? See our 16Apr99 Letter to Washington Times for a relevant perspective.
Best,
Doug.
J
PDR - 22Jun2000