> Jeffrey Fisher wrote:
>
>> It just seemed like standard US political stuff to me. JT
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>> it seemed like standard classical rhetoric to me.
>>
>
> The notable difference between the two is...?
>
the latter is a larger and older category of stuff, of which the former is perhaps a part and on which it may draw? my main point is that rhetoric cannot be reduced to fakery. it's like complaining about augustine apologizing so beautifully for what a horrible writer he is. there are these sort of obligatory commonplaces (thus, topos), which i like to compare to things like people sitting down to play chess, and at least one of them has to say, "well, i haven't played in a really long time." sometimes both have to say this. it might even be true. they are conventions of the discourse.
but i wasn't even disagreeing with you. i am actually in the "not it is no more inane" camp. or anyway close enough. think of this one as an extension of your point rather than disagreement?
maybe?
another round of drinks, anyone?