Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!caip!im4u!ut-sally!seismo!nbires!hao!noao!hsi!licsak
From: licsak@hsi.UUCP (Don Licsak)
Newsgroups: net.misc,net.sci
Subject: Re: Needless
Message-ID: <381@hsi.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 21-Jul-86 07:23:17 EDT
Article-I.D.: hsi.381
Posted: Mon Jul 21 07:23:17 1986
Date-Received: Wed, 23-Jul-86 19:14:15 EDT
References: <1023@mmm.UUCP>
Organization: Health Systems Int., New Haven, CT.
Lines: 40
Xref: watmath net.misc:9921 net.sci:1337

> 
> Frequently, in "debate-type" postings, I see these phrases, and
> variations on them:
> 
> 	Needless to say...
> 	Of course...
> 	As everybody knows...
> 	As any fool knows...	   (my personal favorite)
> 	Naturally...
> 	Obviously...
> 
> These phrases are usually followed by a preposturous lie.  These
> phrases mean _nothing_ (after all, if it's really obvious why say it at
> all?).  They are used primarily to keep people from challenging the
> statement that follows, by implying that anyone who doesn't agree is
> stupid or unreasonable.
> 
> I encourage everybody to keep an eye out for these and similar phrases.
> What follows is the weak point of the poster's argument, in case you
> want to refute it.     

Is the net for discussion or are we being graded on formal debate? As 
eveybody knows, it's a place for discussion. Naturally, no one expects
to be critized for their choice of phrases. Needless to say you are
entitled to voice your opinion. Of course, everyone else can voice 
their own.

Obviously, you have your axe to grind about this subject. However, as
any fool knows, an axe honed too fine dulls too soon.


-- 


         Don Licsak                      ihnp4!hsi!licsak
         Health Systems International
         New Haven, CT  06511


  "I'm the person your mother warned you about"