>The problem with just about any somewhat systematic or rational
>terminology, is that if its internal logic can be manipulated, then it
>avails itself to propaganda, and be used by any side. Part of what I
>consider fascism, is exactly this kind of destruction or subversion of
>discourse. This idea is of course from Hannah Arendt. While everybody
>is familiar with the idea that truth is the first casuality of war,
>many are less familiar with precisely how that casuality is
>achieved. There is lying of course. But another, and more effective
>way is to turn all discursive forms into means that obscure
>intelligibility.
One might say that logic is the first casualty of war. For instance, false dilemmas abound in the discourse for war & "homeland security": "America: love it or leave it"; "Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists. (Applause.)" (at <http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/09/20010920-8.html>); etc.
-- Yoshie
* Calendar of Anti-War Events in Columbus: <http://www.osu.edu/students/sif/calendar.html> * Anti-War Activist Resources: <http://www.osu.edu/students/sif/activist.html> * Anti-War Organizing in Columbus Covered by the Media: <http://www.osu.edu/students/sif/media.html>