How Not to Debate Occupiers

October, 2011

I rode to Cesar Chavez Park looking for photogenic freaks occupying Sacramento. There were none to speak of, so I crept in to listen. A Ron Paul supporter waded into the Occupy Sacramento tar pit and was holding his own. When he commented on military
spending as a percentage of the budget, I couldn’t help saying, “but that’s the one thing the federal government is supposed to do.” And just like that I was alone in the tar pit and struggling to spit out coherent
arguments.

I am not articulate, and soon discovered my
debating style to be that of your average three year old, “how (repeat)?” For instance, my rebuttal to “free (or maybe it was affordable) education, healthcare, housing, food” for all the children of the world, was “how are you going to pay for it?” Once I realized I had a viable formula, I threw out “who’s going to administer it?” And, “give me a practical example?” Followed by mantras of “how are you going to pay for it?” I lost, of course. But then again it was
about 20 to one against me, and they kept substituting in fresh voices, all experts in navigating Wonderland’s elaborate warrens. Details later, maybe.

 

                                           Occupy LA.

                           Occupy LA drum section.

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