Hollow Arguments

I'm going to start out by saying I'm probably as bad about this as everyone else. But I'm going to try and get better.

I'm talking about the so-called "sources" we all use to bolster our arguments in these forums. We all have some pre-conceived positions when it comes to our philosophical/political arguments. And the sources we tend to use to back up our positions tend to be slanted. The sources support our position. It's all very circular.

I'm not opposed to looking at the other side of things. But please give me a reason to do so. The link should be to a site or publication that is fairly neutral and presents facts without bias. You can win me over easier by presenting an unbiased authority and letting me figure it out than presenting me with one that screams in the Banner that it's purpose is to debunk the liberal media.

First of all, not all media is liberal. Ever hear of William F. Buckley? What about Rupert Murdoch?

Second, and honestly, if I know the publication (web site, etc.) is already biased, then I'm going to discount its validity.

All I'm asking for is unbiased support for your positions. Is that really too much to ask? If you want to persuade me that your position is a correct one, state it, and then provide unbiased support for it.

[I know, this is a SHMB, but we do drift.]

So Chuck, who will you cite?

BTW, this is why I've been ignoring WTF links (kinda sounds like wilkilinks) for years

Oh shit CT, I almost pissed myself when I read that.

You really had me goin' there for a . . . .

Wait . . . .

ARE YOU SERIOUS?????? FROM THIS GROUP??????

ROTFLMAO!

Cheers!
Mazo.

So Chuck, who will you cite? Originally Posted by atlcomedy

I've been trying to figure that one out.

I've tried Wikipedia...and been slammed (by others who use it, BTW).

I've tried legal citations...no deal there. Lawyers, it seems fall somewhere below the scum of the earth.

I've tried university studies and papers...the methodology is attacked, not with a salient argument. But with a sneer that "graduate students" probably did it.

Some of the members of this board think CNN, the NYT fall into the "liberal media" category, so anything by them is out.

I tried the WSJ. Even that was considered too liberal.

And anything from an Ivy League school since they're all so liberal. Guess I should ask: is Stanford OK? Now that Rice is there?

I don't read or view conservative sites/journals/publications. I just don't have time.

Guess I'll have to start citing Sarah Palin, Christine ODonnell, and Michelle Bachmann. Maybe they'll swing some weight around here.

why do you feel the need to cite anyone...aren't you intelligent enough to make your own points?

Guess you could cite the ladies on here that likes to debate. Wonder who those are? LOL

I've been trying to figure that one out.

I've tried Wikipedia...and been slammed (by others who use it, BTW).

I've tried legal citations...no deal there. Lawyers, it seems fall somewhere below the scum of the earth.

I've tried university studies and papers...the methodology is attacked, not with a salient argument. But with a sneer that "graduate students" probably did it.

Some of the members of this board think CNN, the NYT fall into the "liberal media" category, so anything by them is out.

I tried the WSJ. Even that was considered too liberal.

And anything from an Ivy League school since they're all so liberal. Guess I should ask: is Stanford OK? Now that Rice is there?

I don't read or view conservative sites/journals/publications. I just don't have time.

Guess I'll have to start citing Sarah Palin, Christine ODonnell, and Michelle Bachmann. Maybe they'll swing some weight around here. Originally Posted by charlestudor2005

Like I said - you were serious?!?!?!?!?!?

Cheers,
Mazo.

why do you feel the need to cite anyone...aren't you intelligent enough to make your own points? Originally Posted by atlcomedy

Guess not. I'm going to bed. Probly ask this thread be closed tomorrow. Waste of everyone's time.

Waste of everyone's time. Originally Posted by charlestudor2005

It's never a waste of time to point out hypocrisy and hyperbole.

Asking for a change, tho, . . . .

Cheers,
Mazo.

I don't know, I'm just glad you changed your avatar Charles.

Sounds like a another vouching issue Charles.

why do you feel the need to cite anyone...aren't you intelligent enough to make your own points? Originally Posted by atlcomedy

That is the problem here...half think they are 'intelligent enough' to make a point while the other half laughs at them.

That is a musical game we all play.

btw atl. my link is for the ladies.

I'm sure they all appreciate the tinyurl links...less wear & tear for the dollar

I think that unbiased is, unfortunately these days, very much in the eye of the beholder. There is so much junk information intentionally passed off as good information in our society, not to mention that is there because of laziness and stupidity, that good information is harder than ever to come by.

Cite me... I'm always right! JK