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Comment on: Heartland Patriot

Robin Hood - Hero or Criminal?

61 Comments
Tuesday, December, 05, 2006 11:15 AM Jimmy Carter writes:

Scottie...

...the original "Robin Hood" took money back from the government in order to return it to the people from which it came, because it was the King's exorbitant taxes that made the citizens poor.
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Tuesday, December, 05, 2006 6:26 PM Scottie writes:

Jimmy

Oh my God, Robin Hood was a libertarian! Or maybe he was a Reaganite! He surely wasn't a Democrat though. Kind of blows my opening all to he11, but I think the point being made will still withstand scrutiny. Good point my friend, I stand corrected.
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Tuesday, December, 05, 2006 6:41 PM Jimmy Carter writes:

Scottie...

...that's why characters like Robin Hood become legends and figures kids enjoy emulating, whereas Marx and Stalin are not.

Your point will withstand any scrutiny, like they all have, and is just as thought provoking.
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Tuesday, December, 05, 2006 8:54 PM Scottie writes:

I feel like Gimli the Dwarf

bragging about how keen I am at spotting a poor argument and walking into that one!

I'm mulling the idea of an article on the word Hero or maybe how some words have been usurped to convey new meanings.

You've got a lot of new stuff on your blog. I'm heading back over to read some more of it.
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Tuesday, December, 05, 2006 10:35 PM Cynewulf writes:

You're thinking of writing

an article about a sandwich?

I was going to say something about Robin Hood, but Jimmy beat me to it (as usual).

Great post, especially about theology. "Because the Bible says so" is an ok reason to do or believe something personally, but is not so good for convincing others of the rightness or wrongness of something. I have no problem with bringing the Bible into an argument. It's just that it's better to say "The Bible says this, and here's why I think it's right." This is not to say that the Bible needs me to defend it or is dependent on me to make it true, it's just that when you'r talking with someone who doesn't believe it in the first place, you're going to need a little more than "the Bible says so." Now that I've rambled on a bit, I think I'll follow you over to Jimmy's.
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Tuesday, December, 05, 2006 10:47 PM Jimmy Carter writes:

Hey Cynewulf..

..that was fantastic! I hear alot about the abuse BLTs endure and that it may no longer refer to: Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato.

Some suggestions about certain words losing not only their meaning, but their strength as well: first and foremost is "bigot", any "phobe", rape, courage and/or courageous (everytime I hear a sports commentator say that was a courageous play or decision, it makes me pi$$ed) and especially respect.

Excellent idea. Good luck with it.
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Tuesday, December, 05, 2006 11:09 PM Scottie writes:

Cynewolf

Cyne the deli commedian. The bible tells you what is right, but doesn't prove it. You are not defending the bible to believe the position it takes. But since the bible has been followed for millenia, there are ample arguments and examples to support the ideas it promulgates. To simply cite the bible as the "reason" you are right is as unconvincing as a liberal calling you a bigot. It conveys the same thing: you are a bad person for not believing as I do and as such, no further discussion is required. It just stops conversation without changing any minds. Good arguments should be based on facts, not beliefs. Beliefs will guide you to the facts you need.
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Tuesday, December, 05, 2006 11:14 PM Scatbug writes:

Great post

I liked how you approached this topic. The subject matter isn't new, but the way you framed it was very creative and a good way to get some comments back and forth (even if they are rude ones that point out the Robin Hood thing).

The one little thing that grabbed me was, "What is missing, particularly from those on the Left, is the intellectual curiosity to search for the answers..." That is a HUGE pet peeve of mine with lefties. Constantly we hear from them "we're just asking the tough questions". They never seem to shut up long enough to hear the answers.

Oh...and so as not to leave out the libs on the sandwich thing, perhaps you should do something on the Poor Boy. (Seriously...I'm with Jimmy. The distortion of words is infuriating at times. I think the Hero article's a great idea.)
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Tuesday, December, 05, 2006 11:21 PM Scottie writes:

Note to All

Words that used to mean something but have been coopted or twisted to the point they are virtually meaningless or have a totally different meaning than they originally did.

courage, hero, bigot, rape, gay, progressive, racist, ****phobe, child abuse, poverty,

Open to suggestions for the list.
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Tuesday, December, 05, 2006 11:22 PM Scottie writes:

Jimmy

give me your take on respect, I don't follow that one. The rest fit in or were already on my list.
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Tuesday, December, 05, 2006 11:37 PM Scatbug writes:

How 'bout...

...rich, conservative, liberal, progressive, Nazi, education (okay...that one's sort of a joke)
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Tuesday, December, 05, 2006 11:38 PM Cynewulf writes:

How about

"lie," as in "Bush lied, people died."

By the way, the second slogan didn't get as much airplay (too wordy I guess): "When Bush doesn't lie, people still die." That evil Bush! He wants everyone dead!
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Tuesday, December, 05, 2006 11:40 PM Cynewulf writes:

Hold on

did I say "lie"? I meant rhye. Sorry for the confusion.
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Tuesday, December, 05, 2006 11:40 PM Jimmy Carter writes:

Glad you asked....

...this current crop of a generation's (Gen Y)nauseating influence of rap "music" thinks everybody, regardless of appearance or actions, Demands respect when they fail to understand it is something earned and not freely given like welfare.

I think it is part of the rising acceptance of debauchery and sin and clouds one's ability to differentiate between good and bad.

Thugs and gangs and recalcitrant juveniles almost always say, "Respect me" or "Yo, I respect you" never even knowing what it means.

Next time you hear someone say respect, just ask them what it means. I bet less than one out of ten can.

I hope I was clear enough.
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Wednesday, December, 06, 2006 8:30 AM Scottie writes:

Jimmy

Awesome idea. This is one I would have overlooked. He dis'd me as in dis(respected). Definitely belongs in there. Good call.
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Wednesday, December, 06, 2006 8:31 AM Scottie writes:

Cynewolf

Lied makes the list.
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Wednesday, December, 06, 2006 8:32 AM Scottie writes:

Scatbug

Nazi and rich definitely make the list.
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Wednesday, December, 06, 2006 8:37 AM Scottie writes:

Another Word

hypenated Americans might make it in. Probably will be an article on its own tho.
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Wednesday, December, 06, 2006 1:46 PM Scatbug writes:

Scottie

Thanks...But I'll still lobby for progressive, as in how libs define themselves. There is nothing progressive with wanting to perpetuate a 70 year-old government pension plan, or pining for a return to '60s radicalism, or repeatedly trying a failed economic system, etc. American liberals haven't had an original idea in nearly 40 years, yet somehow they are still the "progressives." He11, even their protest chants haven't changed. In fact you can read leftist literature from the 1920s and only know it's not current because the pages are yellow. Okay...time for my medication. I'm done.
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Wednesday, December, 06, 2006 3:06 PM Jimmy Carter writes:

"hyphenated" Americans...

...would be best put as a seperate feature.

Can't wait to see how this turns out.
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Wednesday, December, 06, 2006 3:36 PM Jimmy Carter writes:

One more idea..

..."rights" has been "abused" too. Why are there now so many different group "rights": gay rights, passenger rights, guest worker rights,...?

Isn't a Right universal and not seperated? Just like "American" should not be seperated as well.

Also, in a Nation who supposedly celebrates free speech, how on Earth is there such a idea as "verbal abuse"? Will this lead to "written abuse"? "Thought abuse"?

You struck a nerve Scottie.
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Wednesday, December, 06, 2006 6:41 PM Scottie writes:

Jimmy & Scatbug

Rights makes the list.

Another article: Thought (i.e. hate) Crimes

Progressive has had a long checkered history bro. In the era of Upton Sinclair, progressives were the ones pushing for better working conditions and food standards (The Jungle, and awesome read). And they are progressing, but in my opinion toward the European model. Besides, the argument is about semantics and word twisting. Liberal and progressive both share the same thrust. Think of them as progressively growing the government's intrusion into our lives and pocketbooks.
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Wednesday, December, 06, 2006 7:19 PM Edamon50 writes:

Scottie, hate to interrupt..

But I need some reinforcements. I have a running battle going on Kathleen Parkers column with jdw, DavidMac, and buck who are telling me that slavery was a good thing. I need some intellectual backup on this one!
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Wednesday, December, 06, 2006 7:26 PM Edamon50 writes:

A few other words

Pedophile, victory, liberty. All have been changed to suit the needs of those that need them. For example, any homosexual priest molesting a post adolescent boy is a pedophile...the decision to run from the battlefield is called victory...and liberty means a blanket dispensation to do whatever you want.
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Wednesday, December, 06, 2006 7:28 PM Edamon50 writes:

Oh Yeah!

Tolerance now means "you will accept me, regardless of any objection you may have".
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Wednesday, December, 06, 2006 7:36 PM Jimmy Carter writes:

Tolerance..excellent example...

.
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Wednesday, December, 06, 2006 7:37 PM Douglas V. Gibbs writes:

Robin Hood

Fascinating analogy, and a correct assumption at that.
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Wednesday, December, 06, 2006 7:38 PM Jimmy Carter writes:

Don't forget victim...

..and "victim's rights".
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Wednesday, December, 06, 2006 8:01 PM Scottie writes:

Flagwaver

Tolerance makes the list; it now means blind approval.
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Wednesday, December, 06, 2006 8:03 PM Scottie writes:

Doug Gibbs

Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. Come back and see us again, you are welcome here.
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Wednesday, December, 06, 2006 8:05 PM Scottie writes:

Jimmy

Victim and Victims rights could be an article on its own, but I put it on a file card and see if I can work a piece of it in, and maybe segue into a followup article.

Wow, I seem to have hit a nerve with this idea. I'll have to put something good together with all this.

Keep 'em comming folks.
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Wednesday, December, 06, 2006 9:47 PM Scatbug writes:

Scottie

Yeah...I'm familiar with the history of 'progressive' as a political term. I always took it to mean moving to a better future by trying new social and economic theories, etc. So why can liberals still be called progressive when...well...they're not? But I do get your larger point that this is outside the scope what you're trying to do. So consider it dropped

How about 'evil'?
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Wednesday, December, 06, 2006 10:06 PM Scottie writes:

Scatbug

Evil has potential, as when Klinton referred to Pubs as "Evil".

Wow what a bunch of material to sort out. This article should get some traffic once it's written.

Thanks for your contributions Scatbug, I really appreciate it.
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Wednesday, December, 06, 2006 10:47 PM Scatbug writes:

Scottie

This was a really cool idea...Can't wait to see what you do.

RE: Evil...You could also think of it as a term that has lost meaning because no one believes in it anymore.
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Wednesday, December, 06, 2006 11:34 PM buck writes:

Who Said

...I can't remember exactly but something like, "insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.."

Like the Democrat's tax proposals, maybe?
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Wednesday, December, 06, 2006 11:51 PM buck writes:

Scottie

When was the last column on TH about Illegal Immigration????

This should be as important as Iraq yet it is being ignored.
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Thursday, December, 07, 2006 3:11 AM Scottie writes:

Buck

You missed the war?? Go to Brian's Blog. I think everyone's laying low on immigration for awhile.

http://viewfromtheisland.townhall.com
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Thursday, December, 07, 2006 12:06 PM Rich Wright writes:

New Post

I would be honored if you would join me for another round.
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Thursday, December, 07, 2006 3:43 PM Scottie writes:

HatesGOPers

I'm sorry, I know you're trying to tell me something, I can feel the vibe. Unfortunately your post is nothing more than a rambling diatribe. Did you have a point to make? I seem to have missed it.
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Thursday, December, 07, 2006 3:56 PM JDComments writes:

HateGOPers

Your paranoid leftist streak is showing, the same that the caused Stalin to order all his doctors killed as he laid dying. As a recent article explained, Liberalism is a mental disorder and so I guess we shouldn't pick on you. Sorry.
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Thursday, December, 07, 2006 4:43 PM Scottie writes:

JD Comments

Thank you for stopping by. Be nice to hatesGOPers, he seems to under an awful strain. Maybe something I wrote got his brain jump started and he's having trouble dealing with it. Come back often and leave your thoughts. You are welcome here.
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Thursday, December, 07, 2006 4:55 PM Jimmy Carter writes:

What happened...

...to "hatesGOP"'s comments? What did he/she state?
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Thursday, December, 07, 2006 5:07 PM Scottie writes:

Jimmy

It was a pretty disorganized rant about just about everything. I certainly didn't want the post removed. I thought it was pretty ironic to have a sterling example of the kind of argument you get if all you resort to is feelings. It made my csse better than I could have myself. I guess he crossed the line somewhere at TH and got booted to Siberia.

Any word on Gunny. He seems to have been booted.
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Thursday, December, 07, 2006 5:19 PM Jimmy Carter writes:

Gunny appears to be back..

...at least his "home" is anyway.
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Thursday, December, 07, 2006 5:53 PM Savage99 writes:

Suggest decimated and

comprise for your list. The classical definition of comprise is best expressed as" the whole comprises the parts". Example: The United States comprises 50 states. The parts compose the whole. People think comprise sounds cool, so th3ey substitute it for compose, exposing their lack of education and precision. Decimate means reduce by one tenth. It does not mean devastate or demolish. Obscene is commonly mis-used to express general revulsion. It is more properly and narrowly defined as revolting sexual practices. GunnyG and Pistol(me) seem to be on and off again. I'll use my alter ego until something happens to this one. I wonder what i'm doing wrong.
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Thursday, December, 07, 2006 7:26 PM Scottie writes:

Well Pistol

I hate to bust your bubble, but the dictionary agrees with common usage. I don't dispute you were once correct, but if the usage changes, the definition follows the usage.

But in the vein you started, we don't eat healthy food, we eat healthful food. If it's healthy, it's alive.

Sorry you got to the party late, as I've already finished my essay on redefining words. It's pretty good, check it out.
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Thursday, December, 07, 2006 8:30 PM SLW writes:

Great discussion and

interesting read.
It's hard to keep emotion out of the equation, but we are in a war on terror and feelings for the enemy's rights will lead to our defeat. The enemy is counting on our "fairness" and our "laws." They have neither.
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Thursday, December, 07, 2006 9:38 PM Scottie writes:

Sandra Wise

Welcome to the Heartland, Ms. Wise. I've read over your blog; it appears we are kindred souls. You should find some interesting conversations and articles here. Please be my guest anytime.
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Thursday, December, 07, 2006 10:47 PM JustCurious writes:

oppose the ideas with better arguments

Scottie,

Nice blog you got here. First time visiting. I like your ending; "I celebrate the diverse opinions and debate available to us here at Townhall." Not enough of that, seems to me, on both sides of the spectrum.

About Robin, he was a criminal "Small-government" compasionate conservative? I don't know. The poor are poor, in that story, as a result of the corrupt government. So, maybe he is a right-wing revolutionary. He's not a capitalist, because at the core of real capitalistic philosophy is the moral imperative to do what is right...golden rule and all that.

To much...thats enough for now.
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Thursday, December, 07, 2006 11:02 PM Sheila writes:

Hey Scottie

I'm too emotional to make a comment...
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Thursday, December, 07, 2006 11:22 PM Scottie writes:

Just Curious

you and your ideas are welcome here any time. I love the give and take of a good debate. See my first entry "Here Goes Nuthin'" for a nutshell mission statement for the blog. Come back often and participate.
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Thursday, December, 07, 2006 11:24 PM Scottie writes:

Sheila

Why are you too emotional? Is it something I said?
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Friday, December, 08, 2006 9:07 AM Savage99 writes:

Ah Scottie

Its true, dictionaries follow usage, that's why i said "classical definition" of comprise. Distorting the meaning of words irks me, communication is difficult enough without moving the rules. Survey led to surveillance, which then was reverse engineered to surveil. Same thing with orient. the verb led to the noun orientation, which unlettered people converted into the noun orientate. Bah, and a pox on all their houses.
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Friday, December, 08, 2006 10:18 AM Scottie writes:

Pistol

You are hereby appointed the Heartland's lexicographer in chief. Don't abuse your authority.
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Friday, December, 08, 2006 8:00 PM Publius writes:

Power

Scottie, I think it all comes down to how one gets power. Does one seek power through reason or by taking advantage of those that are unable to reason or reject reason. To gain power I must convince others to follow me or support me and to do so I can use logic. For instance I could argue that freedom and lower taxes will grow the economy and I have plenty of proof to back it up. If on the other hand I am an eloquent silver tongued devil I can use rhetoric that pits one class against the other and not use any facts or logic. I think most people are hard wired one way or the other and respond to one or the other.

Now we both know which way is best. Logic and reason are what keep us alive, allow us to build bridges, fly airplanes, sail ships, perform surgery, and make most of our day to day decisions. Those that are hard wired to reject reason and logic take these items for granted or embrace them because they are science based but reject them in politics depite mountains of evidence that politics is a science with predictable results. The Federalist Papers can be used as Eshbach of Political Science formulas.
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Friday, December, 08, 2006 8:13 PM Scottie writes:

Publius

Very well stated comment. Please don't be a stranger here. Your intellect is most welcome. Thank you for stopping by.
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Friday, December, 08, 2006 8:14 PM Scottie writes:

Mac Zed

Thanks for stopping by. As soon as I answer the current posts here, I'm on my way over.
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Saturday, December, 09, 2006 10:04 AM buck writes:

If you asked me if Robin Hood was a Hero

or a Criminal....

I would say Both.

That would make me a politician???
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Saturday, December, 09, 2006 10:35 AM Scottie writes:

Well Buck

At the risk of p*ssing you off, yes, you are ready to be a politician.
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Monday, December, 11, 2006 4:34 PM Viktor Lincoln writes:

Well said.

Yes, many have little use for reason. I am so glad there are still some who use it.
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Monday, December, 11, 2006 7:09 PM Scottie writes:

Something for Something

Thank you for stopping by and commenting. Come back often and share your thoughts.
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