Doesn't anyone take geometry anymore?

[dsc]

One of the basic things you learn in Geometry is that a statement and a converse aren't logical equivalents. The typical example is the following statement:

All squares are rectangles. That is true.

Converse is All rectangles are squares. That is false.

The example that the press and Democrats including some here are currently bungling:

Statement The Republicans are a party of White Christians.

Converse White Christians are Republicans.

Those aren't equivalent statements. Fineman can say they are but they still aren't. (Source Obberman)

The statement Dean made was both true and not intended to insult Christians but to point out the lack of diversity among Republicans (80% white Christian male). The converse, that white christians are Republicans is demonstrably false. Jimmy Carter, Al Gore, Bill Clinton, and several others prove that.

[senseandsensibility]

1. Logic!

:shrug: Where did that come from? Are you sure it's allowed on DU?:-)

[CTLawGuy]

2. I guess people who have an agenda against Howard Dean

or who suffer from pink tu-tu-itis tend to forget these things.

[libodem]

3. William F. Schultz

of Amnesty International is also a minister. I think that is a very important distinction to note as the 'right' proceeds to tear him apart.

[Salviati]

4. But you do learn that the contrapositive is true

All squares are rectangles. That is true.

Contrapositive is All things that are not rectangles are not squares. That is also true

sorry, had to be a smartass...

But seriously, of course the people who are making the biggest hissy fit about these statements know this, they don't care. It's just another excuse to get all blustery and self-rightous, and there's nary a republican alive that can refrain from that.

[Spectral]

10. Repugs think contrapositives shouldn't be sold at pharmacies

:evilgrin:

[NorCalDem]

5. I agreed with you from the start...

but that is a rather eloquent way of putting it. Thanks for that, I will use that when arguing about this, if you don't mind.

[dsc]

7. Of course I don't mind

and thanks.

[Avalux]

6. Fineman is an ass

I don't care how many 'Democrats' personally told him they were upset with Howard Dean's statement (he said this on Olbermann).
It makes me chuckle to know so many people have their panties in a wad (Repubs, some Dems and the media) over a statement that is nothing more than the truth.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

8. Fineman is a square.

This much I know.

[SoCalDem]

9. Several things can be true.. all at once..BUT

the simpletons in control can only accept ONE thing at a time.. Like toddlers.:(