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“Your circular arguments …”
AndDontCallMeShirley,
You assert as you do because you’re confused over how I’ve used evidence within my argumentation.
Your confusion is thinking my statement that Costner had a political motive is somehow linked to my reference to John Eby’s remark reported by CNN. They are not.
I supplied the CNN reference to evidence your claim is false that Costner was only prohibited from prayer. According to John Eby, the school system prohibits pray and religious expression. If what John Eby said is true, then your premise is false.
On the other hand, whether Costner’s act during the graduation ceremony was an instance of political speech is not something I referenced the article for in my argumentation, and in that reference Costner didn’t say one way or another. But Costner’s father certainly saw the political speech element of what his son was considering. Otherwise he’d not have said to his son “if you're doing this for political reasons, don't.”
The question of whether Costner’s action during the graduation ceremony was political speech is something to be determined based on what led up to the act and the actual act itself.
A big part of what led up to the Costner’s act was political in nature. According to reports he felt there was an inappropriate intrusion into activities that should be decided locally, which ultimately was decided locally in a split decision. This was a political process, and he felt it was handled badly and the result was wrong. Then, after deceiving school authorities, during his speech Costner quoted a well-known religious figure and said “Amen”.
In this discussion I have shared an my opinion that Costner’s action during the ceremony was, ultimately, a political act. This is why I’ve termed Costner's act as civil disobedience. Civil disobedience is a peaceful form of an inherently political protest.
Along with sharing my opinion I’ve also shared extensively why I hold that opinion. And, to be clear, I’m not trying to convince anyone here to accept my opinion. What’s important to me is not having people agree with me but, rather, having the discussion. This is important to me because discussions are a big part of how I learn, and learning is dear.
“Are you being serious right now, Marvin?”
Yes.
I’ve been serious throughout this discussion. I’ve tried to use words precisely for that very reason, and where my expressions have caused confusion or led to questions I’ve been happy to answer or explain in each instance I can think of.
What do you find suspect in my thought you question?
Marvin Shilmer
