“What goes around*, comes around*. Sometimes, the idea of tit for tat emerges something more like motes and planks; though clearly the latter is rhetorical, and serves for cases of self-examination and not public scandal. Most of the talk about fairness, kindness, justice and context - especially characterization - becomes strangely mute in the light of opportunity. It is a question for those in power, always, as to whether their machinations are manifest, and to what extent it places them within reproach?
While you are all asking that question - or answering it (you powerful peoples you) the Sage will be making the most of the two-for-one rail drinks special. It is as they used to say, ‘Nothing beats Grey Goose, but a great deal can make a few passing plays on it.‘”
Comment by RiverC on 10/1 @ 8:38 pm #
Sage’s Post Script - please note that I’m not saying this is a case of fair tit for tat, like, for instance, the digging into private lives of politicians mostly is (as it is done by both parties.) But rather something which has, as political discourse always does, the flavor of tit for tat without any of the calories. Or to put it another way, one side understands that the mere image of tit for tat will excuse their most egregious faux pas in the minds of the public. Or wants to believe it.
Now, about those screwdrivers…
Comment by happyfeet on 10/1 @ 9:23 pm #
This tit for tat thing is the sort of thing that makes Peggy Noonan sigh wistfully for a time when we were of more sinewy character and such. But then she sort of sighs promiscuously.