Hanlon's razor is a special case of this general rule. It state that "you should never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." I think that's a good principle to follow in everyday life, whether in politics, interpersonal relationships, or the world of work. For example, recently a Tennessee legislator, Rep. Andy Holt (R - Dresden) said that he would give away an AR - 15 at his fundraiser on June 25th. Note to Bilbo: A possible nominee for Left Cheek Ass Clown for June.
The fact is, there's a lot of stupidity around. I don't have to enumerate examples; you can come up with a slew of them yourself. And it's true; whether the action that results in trouble is due to malice or stupidity, the result is often the same.
So, for your own peace of mind, say, "Bless her or his heart, and just assume that the offender is just a few bricks shy of a load! Chances are, you're as right as rain on a tin roof without getting your panties in a bunch. Self-inflicted wedgies are no fun!
I'm not doing a Battle of the Bands today; however, I should have one by July 15!
11 comments:
I've never owned a gun in my life (except for toy ones) and wouldn't know what to do with one if it were put in my hands. I am a strong advocate of 2nd Amendment gun rights and all for responsible gun ownership. The government should never be able to outgun the citizens (though it always will).
I do question the legality of giving away guns in this manner. Hopefully the winner will be screen properly.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
I second Angel's nomination.
I also agree that stupid is often the cause of such things and to assume malicious intent give more intellectual credit than they are capable of having!
Twisted and funny. I'll be back for your next BOTB!
I assume there will be a background check before the handing over of the AR-15. HA!
I find myself asking, "What in the world was he/she thinking?" far too often. Or hearing it asked. And the answer is almost always..
"He/she wasn't."
So, I'd say Hanlon's rule applies. Stupidity rather than malice is usually the culprit.
interesting viewpoint. could run away with that...
Always a fun visit and more, Angel. Do check out my post tomorrow as it may be of historical interest to you. Aloha!
Stupidity seems to rule far too often!
Giving away an AR-15 is just insane! They better do superior background checks and fingerprints. So much gun violence today, it's just scary. And I'm a gun owner. I have a Smith & Wesson .357. Here in Texas they just passed the Carry law which I thought was radically stupid. I'm all for gun ownership -- RESPONSIBLE gun ownership -- but there are too many trigger-happy people out there with short fuses...and now many of them are going to be carrying guns. There has already been incidents of people being shot and killed due to this new law. Let's just say: I don't flip people off anymore when on the road...
Will miss you in the next few BOTBs but will look forward to your next one. Hope you have time to stop by mine to vote though...
Great quote, btw.
Michele at Angels Bark
A lot of crazy folks out there, will look forward to your next battle
One can never run out of stupidity..we see it every day on TV never mind in our own little worlds. I do like that saying and I am one who says.....gun control is needed. That amendment was written when muskets were the main weapon of choice. Oops sounding a bit political...I shall leave now
Post a Comment