Jim Devine writes: >> Note that my phrase is "_one_ of the worst" (emphasis added). Why >> should I be careful with my prose if people jump to misinterpret it? >> "One of the worst" is NOT the same as "the worst."
Timmy: Mommy, Tommy called me the worst skateboarder ever! Mommy: Tommy, did you call Timmy that? Tommy: Absolutely not! Timmy: He did too! Tommy: He is lying! I said he is ONE of the worst skateboarders ever. That is totally different. Mommy: Timmy, I think you should apologize to Tommy. There is a big difference between being the worst at something and being one of the worst. Timmy: WAAAAHHHHH!!!! >> But, as is "commonly" said, turnabout is fair play. What if I assert >> that it "common" for libertarian lawyers to believe that it was >> absolutely wrong for the FDA to put strict restrictions on the use of >> Thalidomide, since market forces would have solved the problem (as if >> an Invisible Hand were at work). Would that perspective automatically >> apply to David Shemano? I think not. Would it automatically apply? No. Would it be reasonable for you to assume? Yes. >> BTW, no apologies are needed. I don't feel insulted at all. Then let me keep trying. David Shemano
