Obama's Demagoguery

The American Thinker ^ | July 06, 2009 | Vel Nirtist

[Scanian]

"Suddenly another voice spoke, low and melodious, its very sound an enchantment. Those who listened unwarily to that voice could seldom report the words that they heard; and if they did, they wondered, for little power remained in them. Mostly they remembered only that it was a delight to hear the voice speaking, all that it said seemed wise and reasonable, and desire awoke in them by swift agreement to seem wise themselves. When others spoke they seemed harsh and uncouth by contrast; and if they gainsaid the voice, anger was kindled in the hearts of those under the spell. For some the spell lasted only while the voice spoke to them, and when it spoke to another they smiled, as men do who see through a juggler's trick while others gape at it. For many the sound of the voice alone was enough to hold them enthralled; but for those whom it conquered the spell endured when they were far away, and ever they heard that soft voice whispering and urging them. But none were unmoved; none rejected its pleas and its commands without an effort of mind and will..."

- J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Book Tree, Chapter X, "The Voice of Saruman" It has always been assumed that we humans are rational creatures, and can therefore be swayed only by a rational argument -- that is, an argument firmly rooted in facts, utilizing solid logic to link those facts to the conclusion. And I think this is still the case. Rhetoric, oratory, and demagoguery -- these dramatic tricks of presentation -- will carry you only so far, but will cost you and your enthusiasts dearly if the facts you are relying on in your well-crafted speeches

[CitizenUSA]

If the people elect Saruman, we will have Saruman for a leader.

It grieves me to write it, but millions of Americans voted to give up their liberty last election to “Saruman.” No amount of wishful thinking can stop a people from destroying themselves if destruction is what they want.

My point? We Americans (not all, but the majority) wanted Saruman, and we got him.