Is the Pen (or keyboard) still Mightier than the Sword?

[jackstraw45]

..when the (budget gutted) National Endowment for the Arts points out that half of Americans didn't even read a book in 2002.

...when 42 million American adults can't read at all.

...when an American Idol contestant gets more votes than any President in American history.

..when 1/3 of Americans, in a September 2006 poll, STILL believe Iraq was involved 9/11.

..when the President of the United States can openly and brazenly break laws and violate his oath of office.

...when TORTURE is voted into LAW in the US Congress.

[Kutjara]

1. Only if you can get...

...the tip of the pen into the carotid artery or drive the keyboard into the nose and push it into the skull, before your opponent can draw their sword.

[tech3149]

2. The tool isn't as important as the mind behind it

The "unwashed masses" can still be influenced if they are saturated by as much fact as propoganda. I spent a week with an old friend who became a dittohead from years of living in CO and IA. After a week of Thom Hartmann and 24/7 discussion, he was almost as liberal as me. Unfortunately, after a year or so back home with Limpballs and Faux snooze, he's falling back into the trap of mindless dittoism.

[Boojatta]

3. A sword has limited range. Words can affect millions of people.

..when the (budget gutted) National Endowment for the Arts points out that half of Americans didn't even read a book in 2002.

Those who don't read are influenced by those who do read. Those who read are influenced by those who write. Note that some things that are important to read aren't books. For example, there are articles in academic journals.

...when 42 million American adults can't read at all.

I don't know whether that statistic is accurate (for example, can't they at least read their own names?), but they are influenced by people who do read.

[Hosnon]

4. I've always found that quote a bit off...the reason that the pen is

mightier than the sword is that it spreads ideas. Once an idea, like democracy, spreads far enough there is pressure exerted by MANY more people.

In other words, the pen, in my opinion, recruits more swords to your side.

[Boojatta]

5. How about this explanation...

Using a pen, you can write a successful novel. Then you can use the profits to buy and feed a herd of elephants. Now, if a man tries to attack you with a sword, your elephants will trample him to death.

[Hosnon]

6. Haha...yeah...I like that. nt