[lit-ideas] Re: Text of bin Laden Tape
- From: "Phil Enns" <phil.enns@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <lit-ideas@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2006 07:55:36 -0500
Lawrence Helm wrote:
"A non-sequitur is something which doesn?t logically follow from its
assumptions so assumptions must be present either explicitly or
implicitly."
Not quite. A non sequitur is a conclusion that does not follow from its
premises. In your case, it is drawing the conclusion that 'these
people' don't understand the importance of fighting the enemy from the
fact that they are calling for the withdrawal of U.S. troops. As I have
shown, it is possible to understand the importance of fighting and call
for a withdrawal. Your only response has been that you have different
assumptions, which is fine, but the argument as given remains a non
sequitur.
Lawrence continues:
"Thus if the Americans withdrew and if that withdrawal enhanced the
Islamist posture even temporarily, they would declare it a victory."
Again, if the facts on the ground are those of moving towards a victory
by the U.S., what does it matter what the jihadists say? It would be
like Saddam's Information Minister telling the press how far away U.S.
troops are when they are within earshot. Whatever bin Laden may say,
the jihadists know that their situation is becoming increasingly
untenable because they are the ones experiencing the reality on the
ground. So, again, why does it matter that bin Laden would declare
victory?
Sincerely,
Phil Enns
Toronto, ON
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