The Politician’s Paradox
Appropriately, the name of this logic puzzle is actually called “The Liar’s Paradox” – so the world “politician” seemed to fit right in. The question first came up in the 9th century and it has been debated across culture ever since. I thought about it today listening to the ridiculous GOP Sunday morning debate. I think Newt wins the prize for the most statements that are both true and false at the same time. For example: He said several days African-Americans should seek a paycheck instead of a Welfare check. When the NAACP calls him racist, he says that is not true and they should be excited someone like him wants to help them to do better as a race (which of course, is entirely racist). When he was questioned at yesterday’s debate – he still said he was irritated that people couldn’t get he was trying to help them.
The other illogical entry was Rick Santorum talking about Iran and why they shouldn’t be allowed to have nuclear weapons. Good old Saintly Santorum said Iran is a theocracy, who bases their government principles on religion and whose religion is dangerous because it believes the afterlife is better than life on earth, and treats people accordingly. For that reason alone we should strip their weaponry. Now – that’s quite the indictment coming from a professed “Jesus candidate” who wants to tailor his government policies (about gays, family, social systems) to meet his religious ideas, and who -as a Catholic – believes in Heaven — which by all accounts – will be better than earth.
The whole debate was like that:
- Huntsman wants to aggressively take on Iran, and the economy, with the most passive campaign in history.
- Romney claims he isn’t interested in political power, but he’s been running for President for 6 years.
- Newt says Romney’s negative super PAC ads calling him a liar are lies, then when he can’t say why they are inaccurate calls Romney a liar.
- Santorum says if his son was gay he would love him, and strip him of any form of equality the US has to offer. Lovingly, of course.
- Paul thinks our government is a complete waste and terribly messed up, so he’s asking to be made the leader of it.
- Perry is prepared and ready to lead…um…whatever we are talking about at the moment.
This statement is false.
This cracked me up:
Romney claims he isn’t interested in political power, but he’s been running for President for 6 years.
Thanks! You’d think after all this time – he’d put his foot in his mouth less — but it seems to have just made him better at it!