Ibrahim: "Weeping and Other Hysterics"

With the kind of in-title derision that always sucks me in, this article by Middle East Forum associate director Raymond Ibrahim addresses one of my favorite debates: emotions vs. reason.

Weeping and Other Hysterics:
Have Muslim Apologists Nothing More to Offer?
March 14

"From Congressman Keith Ellison's emotional breakdown to Congresswoman Jackie Speier's accusations of "racism," last week's hearings on Muslim radicalization have made it clear that those who oppose the hearings have little of substance to offer. Still, the tactics used by such apologists—namely, appeals to emotionalism and accusations of racism—are influential enough that they need to be addressed and discredited once and for all.
For starters, though it would have been unheard of generations ago and seen as a sign of instability, public crying is the latest rage for politicians. A 2007 Associated Press report puts it well: "Tears, once kryptonite to serious presidential candidates, today are more often seen as a useful part of the political tool kit"—and are thus indicative of an increasingly therapeutic society, one more interested in a show of catharsis than facts."  Read More...