Jack’s Winning Words 8/13/15
“Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.”  (Plato)  Rebecca Goldstein’s book, Plato at the Googleplex, takes Plato’s philosophy and applies it to the modern scene…imagining Plato tuning into FoxNews, surfing the internet, going to the movies.  It’s amazing to read how Platonism has relevance.  If you were to sit down with him, how would you begin the conversation?  “What did you think about the debate the other night?”    ;-)  Jack

FROM HONEST JOHN:  Start the conversation with Plato....Any new Ideas?"     Didn't watch the debate.     Sounded like a gaggle of nonsense...avoiding all the real issues...."How is the economy?     How about the environment?     Is Peace a good thing?====JACK:  You and Plato would have a ball.  Since the present world and its views would be new to him, I wonder what questions he would ask of you?

FROM HAWKEYE GEORGE:  Do you know that women on average speak normally about 230 words per minute and men about 80?====JACK:  Are you speaking generally or from personal experience?

FROM RJP IN FLORIDA:  Love this WW. The debate showed a varied group of qualified candidates. I thought the best field in years. Certainly the best woman candidate ever in Carly Fiorina  and I can tell you personally after speaking to him directly and spending some time with him that Marco Rubio is the real deal. Watch what happens in the Democrat debate. I predict that dark horse Jim Webb will become their leader of the pack. I hope so because I would love to see some really good quality people challenge each other in this next election. We need a real leader that will not polarize the country but bring us together.  That's my opinion and I am sticking to it. Ta Da........
 After reading the WW again it reminded me of Dr. Ben Carson.... A wise man indeed.====JACK:  Have you ever read Plato's Republic?  I think that he might be disappointed in how we choose our leaders today.  Do you remember the song that the Scarecrow sang in the Wizard of Oz?====RJP:  I read Plato's Republic 51 years ago so for some reason I do not remember, but I have it in my library and I will check it out again. Is Carson the scarecrow with the brain in the race?

FROM TARMART REV:  ... a little early in the contest ... interesting hearing the slant from the various "in the know" groups ... "the pots calling the kettle black" might be my take at this time. ====JACK:  In political races, as in track meets, I prefer the mile over the marathon.

FROM TARMART REV:  I like that, Jack!! Well stated.====JACK:  I like the shorter stock car races, too.  More exciting!====REV:  100% with you on the stock car races-- 20 feature laps max for me.

FROM MICHIZONA RAY:  Plato's comment can find corroboration in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. I like Plato, and I like how well he learned from Socrates and how loyal he was to him. Debates? These television broadcasts have not been debates since Nixon and Kennedy. These are nothing more than "presentations". A debate would require one to delve into the basic structure of one's own philosophy. Instead, we hear about what people do or will do, give away or take away, to whom and from whom, or other promises designed to control and manipulate the blinded sheep. Then, how one might disagree with the other. Where is Plato or Socrates when we need them? We forget ourselves much too often. Jesus was right to point out what needs to be our first attention.====JACK:  You're right.  The use of "debate" is a dumbing-down of the word.  I would venture to say that most of the participants would fail miserably if the rules of debate were used.  In my remarks I was using the human Plato rather than the iconic one.  I laugh to myself as I envision him sitting in front of a big screen TV, glued to the "debates," munching on popcorn.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  As we age, some of us learn (often the hard way) it's much more wise to just listen and keep thought and remarks to ourselves.  Dr. Carson was the wise one.  He didn't comment on things he didn't know.  He has a lot to learn but a quick wit and the smarts to know when to keep silent.  Our political system is definitely not the best as it allows unqualified persons run our country.  We suffer with those we choose sometimes.====JACK:  Our method may not be the best, but it sure beats some of the alternatives.  Before most church elections, prayers are offered for God to guide the process.  It amazes me that some are so disappointed when the results are announced.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  THAT SOUNDS LIKE A NEAT BOOK, AND INTERESTING CONCEPT!  THE "DEBATES " WERE MORE "NOTICE ME, HERE'S WHAT I'D DO!" TYPE TALK, BUT IN THE TIME ALLOWED WITH THAT MANY CANDIDATES REAL DEBATE WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE ON ANY ISSUE.  IT WAS AN INTERESTING INTRODUCTION TO THE FIELD, I GUESS.  DR CARSON WAS ESP. NOTABLE WITH HIS SENSE  OF HUMOR!
 IT'S  TOO BAD THAT SUCH HUGE AMOUNTS OF MONEY HAS TO DEFINE WHO BECOMES A CANDIDATE AND LEADER IN OUR COUNTRY TODAY. OFTEN NOT THE BEST MINDS!!  OUR COUNTRY IS SUFFERING BECAUSE OF IT.====JACK:  We learned in Civics class the importance of the 3 branches of government...checks and balances.  In elections, there will always be winners and losers.  Some of my best friends are on "the other" side.  I'll let them win once in a while, so long as it's not too often.

FROM SBP IN FLORIDA:  Back in my Title V11 days I invited Dr. Carson to speak at one of the teacher training sessions. He and his thoughts were more than well received by everyone, as were some of the details of his life until that time. I liked his thoughts and demeanor at the "debate" but I do wish the journeys on the way the way to candidacy and presidency , much the less the presidency on him or his neurological domain.====JACK:  What is that makes a person wise?  Education?  Age?  Life experience?  Humility?  I don't know that wisdom is valued much in the choice of a leader.  Wisdom doesn't seem to come across in a sound-bite.

FROM FM IN WISCONSIN:  How this applies during the pre-presidential campaign!====JACK:  How about having Plato as one of those on the platform?  If you were to ask him a question, what would it be?

FROM DC IN KANSAS:  "Don’t speak to me about your religion; first show it to me in how you treat other people.  Don't tell me how much you love your God; show me in how much you love all His children.  Don't preach to me your passion for your faith; teach me through your compassion for your neighbors.  In the end, I'm not as interested in what you have to tell or sell as in how you choose to live and give.  (Cory Booker)====JACK:  Tell this to the debaters.