Bad Arguments.

[Atheist]

Argument does not mean quarrel, it means rational discussion to arrive at a conclusion. Here are some bad arguments - (1) It's the economy, stupid. (2) Read my lips. (3) Get a life. (4) Project fear. (5) It's in the Bible/Koran so it must be true. The list goes on........

[Atheist]

Theland. I'm truly sorry, but you have lost me. I am not trying to be someone I'm not. Don't presume I'm some kinf of fake. Be straight with me.

[ToraToraTora]

it's all about context, in isolation they have little meaning.

[Old_Geezer]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/It%27s_the_economy,_stupid

It's not so much an argument in itself, it's stating the idea that whatever else is important, the economy trumps it. The "stupid" bit is incidental as it's just part of the meme.

[Atheist]

If I was to simply reply to TTT or OG 'Oh shut up stupid, you're wrong' You would have no respect for that as a sensible argument, and you would take offence. How does context make that sort of language acceptable?

[Atheist]

Friends, I do need to retire. I'm grateful for your interest. It's good to have a civilised discussion. Thank you all, and I'll pick up any flack tomorrow. Best wishes.

[Old_Geezer]

"Oh shut up", offers nothing to advance the discussion, plus it's not an established phrase, so it isn't comparable.

[Atheist]

OG, I'm sad that you consider 'stupid' to be an established phrase. It's even worse than a young lad calling me (an old man) 'mate' at the checkout. I think you're living in a rather discourteous milieu; and you've got used to it.

[Atheist]

Anyway, it's good to discuss the theory and philosophy of disagreement rather than simply indulging in it for the sake of of it.

[Guilbert53]

>>>It's the economy, stupid.

This is not an argument.

It was actually a sign that some US president had on his desk (cant remember which president)

I guess it was reminding him that no matter what else was going on the country the economy was the most important thing.

[Guilbert53]

>>>Read my lips.

This was another phrase from a US President.

Said by George Bush Senior who has just died

When people said he WOULD raise taxes he said "Read my lips, I will not raise taxes"

[Atheist]

George H W Bush used insensitive language. To be called stupid, or to be told 'read my lips' is insulting. I hope you can see that, or perhaps you can't because you're blind! Get it?

[EDDIE51]

^Those are not arguments. They are just remarks intended to justify a dubious statement made by an ignorant person.

[Atheist]

I agree with you,Eddie.

[ToraToraTora]

they are used satirically to make a point. Like in a stand up routine they are not directed at a person but a situation. Such phrases are exaggerations, hyperbole, designed to illicit a reaction.

[Atheist]

Yes.TTT. but shouldn't politicians be trying to bring reason and respect into our national life, rather than being satirical. I would not try to win an argument with you by using exaggeration and hyperbole to gain a reaction from the people. The people deserve more respect than that.

[woofgang]

"its the economy stupid" was not an argument statement. It was a poster on the wall of Bill Clinton's campaign headquarters to remind his staff what the voters thought was their most important concern.

[Tilly2]

Whatever...

[wiltsman]

'Brexit means Brexit;

Whatever does that mean??

[Tilly2]

Thank you, Atheist. :-)

God bless.

[ToraToraTora]

"Yes.TTT. but shouldn't politicians be trying to bring reason and respect into our national life, rather than being satirical" - perhaps, I'm just trying to explain the phrases you are discussing.