Sometimes the content is so lacking in substance that there is nothing to say about it. Other times, the form is the content and the lack in form indicates the weakness of the content. For example, the point that initial media reports are often erroneous does not support the statement that the media is "very liberal." My point, if you claim to be among the 1% of the best educated then the form and content of the argument should reflect that fact. NB -----Original Message----- From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Eugene Dillenburg Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2003 11:49 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Iraqis, looting and the press Criticizing the form of an argument is often taken as a sign that one has nothing substantive to say about its content. Deb's point, as usual, is spot on: initial media reports are frequently erroneous. The urge to communicate something - anything - means unverified reports are repeated until they achieve a patina of credibility. The lack of information is filled by speculation, rumor, and - yes - bias. And we fall for it time and again, jumping to conclusions and often assuming the worst. This is good to bear in mind. Next week the annual AAM convention will meet in Portland, and no doubt the hallways will be teeming with stories of budget cuts and layoffs. Truth will mix with half-truth and un-truth, opinion, cynicism, and second-, third- and eighth-hand reports. Make no mistake, many museums are facing tough times, including those in my state. But when you hear that the sky is falling, remember those 170,000 "looted" artifacts, and keep a grain of salt always at hand. As for all the political discussion, the 20-20 hindsight of a group of armchair generals is just all so very. But over on ASTC-L, they are actually discussing museum issues. Definitely worth stopping by. Eugene Dillenburg Exhibit Developer Science Museum of Minnesota ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).