Ok, maybe I can explain it to you. You know as well as anyone that 'not actually engaging in honest debate' does not mean the same thing as saying things that are not true. So what you have just asked is an attempt to re-direct (or mis-direct) Little John's point, and this is itself an excellent example of 'not actually engaging in honest debate'.johnhemming2 wrote:What have I said that was not true?Little John wrote:Given Hemming's politician's instinct for not actually engaging in honest debate,
Claiming that it is the readers fault for not understanding what you write, by the way (e.g. "What is it about what I said that confuses you? "), is simply insulting, possibly arrogant, or alternatively the sign of a poor communicator. And not at all helpful.
You have a history of making comments on Powerswitch that are sometimes unclear, sometimes 'cryptic', or worse still, open to various interpretations. Maybe that is deliberate, or maybe, again, you are a poor communicator. Given your history as a politician, my guess is that it's just part of your training; i.e. never say something clearly, or that can be shown to be wrong, or you might do badly at the next opinion polls. And certainly never admit that you're wrong... something other people here, myself and Little John included, are not afraid to do. if you are aware that you do it, then you might want to think about why you bring that attitude/approach to your comments here... there aren't any good reasons that come to my mind.
But for whatever reason, I think it's a pity, because sometimes your input can be very interesting. You have experience and knowledge that we don't all share, and your perspective can be helpful. We don't all have to agree with your views, of course, but that is exactly why they are worth hearing; as you yourself have suggested - "... a good idea to work out what the truth is rather than just read things that don't challenge your world view". I don't want you to go away or be banned, I just want you to be honest, and clear.
No doubt you'll take this post as an attack, but it's not meant that way (not everything is, y'know). I believe in cooperation, and growth through debate; and I offer it in that spirit. Just have a think about it.
