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"Don't bother trying" -- great advice.

by pdenya 12y ago

cookingrobot 12y ago
"Don't waste your time on this approach" isn't defeatist, it's saying you'll get a better outcome with another approach. There are lots of worthless activities that will change nothing, and a very few that are effective. It's important to think about how to invest. That said.. It's more helpful to hear alternate ideas than just "this won't work".
- talkingquickly 12y ago
  I see your point but I think it's still fair comment when the parent isn't suggesting a better approach, they're just saying "don't use this one".
- nitrogen 12y ago
  Maybe, every now and then, someone has to try an apparently futile approach just to remind everybody that the system is still broken.
retrogradeorbit 12y ago
The parent didn't say "don't bother trying". They said it's not going to work. Definitely do it. But don't be shocked and surprised when it gets swept under the rug. Edit: In fact it's important to do it, just so everyone can watch the system wrap it all up and dispose of it in full view. And then there will be less of the false choice inherent in "See how great our system is, you're allowed to criticise! Not like those Russians!"
- logfromblammo 12y ago
  Knowing in advance that your reasonable request will be denied allows you to use that knowledge to your advantage. Instead of waiting for the results, you simply plan another step ahead, and you show the farce, as it unfolds, to the legislative branch overseers and directly to the public. Rather than "Why are you breaking transparency laws?", the question then becomes, "If it is so obvious the executive is breaking the laws you wrote, and the judiciary is letting them get away with it, why do you keep signing their paychecks?" After it is clear that there is a problem, and absolutely no one entrusted with the power to fix it is willing to do so, then the peaceful demonstrations and violent riots can start, as appropriate. But it is always wise to explore all diplomatic options before putting lives, liberty, and property at risk.

"Don't bother trying" -- great advice.

by pdenya 12y ago

"Don't bother trying" -- great advice.

"Don't waste your time on this approach" isn't defeatist, it's saying you'll get a better outcome with another approach. There are lots of worthless activities that will change nothing, and a very few that are effective. It's important to think about how to invest. That said.. It's more helpful to hear alternate ideas than just "this won't work".

talkingquickly 12y ago
I see your point but I think it's still fair comment when the parent isn't suggesting a better approach, they're just saying "don't use this one".
nitrogen 12y ago
Maybe, every now and then, someone has to try an apparently futile approach just to remind everybody that the system is still broken.

retrogradeorbit 12y ago

The parent didn't say "don't bother trying". They said it's not going to work. Definitely do it. But don't be shocked and surprised when it gets swept under the rug. Edit: In fact it's important to do it, just so everyone can watch the system wrap it all up and dispose of it in full view. And then there will be less of the false choice inherent in "See how great our system is, you're allowed to criticise! Not like those Russians!"

logfromblammo 12y ago
Knowing in advance that your reasonable request will be denied allows you to use that knowledge to your advantage. Instead of waiting for the results, you simply plan another step ahead, and you show the farce, as it unfolds, to the legislative branch overseers and directly to the public. Rather than "Why are you breaking transparency laws?", the question then becomes, "If it is so obvious the executive is breaking the laws you wrote, and the judiciary is letting them get away with it, why do you keep signing their paychecks?" After it is clear that there is a problem, and absolutely no one entrusted with the power to fix it is willing to do so, then the peaceful demonstrations and violent riots can start, as appropriate. But it is always wise to explore all diplomatic options before putting lives, liberty, and property at risk.