Metaphor Across Culture

Here's an article I found interesting: An interview with Chen-Bo Zhong , an assistant professor at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. He's been doing research about metaphors and how they remain valid even across different cultures.

I especially was interested in his thoughts on the relation between unconscious thought and creativity.

After a night's sleep, further debate thoughts...

To me, the most troubling exchange (in that Palin's answer scared me) was when Ifil asked what each of them what it is they saw the VP as being able to do. Here's Palin's response:

PALIN: Of course, we know what a vice president does. And that's not only to preside over the Senate and will take that position very seriously also. I'm thankful the Constitution would allow a bit more authority given to the vice president if that vice president so chose to exert it in working with the Senate and making sure that we are supportive of the president's policies and making sure too that our president understands what our strengths are. John McCain and I have had good conversations about where I would lead with his agenda. That is energy independence in America and reform of government over all, and then working with families of children with special needs. That's near and dear to my heart also. In those arenas, John McCain has already tapped me and said, that's where I want you, I want you to lead. I said, I can't wait to get and there go to work with you.

Add that to the follow-up:

IFILL: Governor, you mentioned a moment ago the constitution might give the vice president more power than it has in the past. Do you believe as Vice President Cheney does, that the Executive Branch does not hold complete sway over the office of the vice presidency, that it it is also a member of the Legislative Branch?

PALIN: Well, our founding fathers were very wise there in allowing through the Constitution much flexibility there in the office of the vice president. And we will do what is best for the American people in tapping into that position and ushering in an agenda that is supportive and cooperative with the president's agenda in that position. Yeah, so I do agree with him that we have a lot of flexibility in there, and we'll do what we have to do to administer very appropriately the plans that are needed for this nation. And it is my executive experience that is partly to be attributed to my pick as V.P. with McCain, not only as a governor, but earlier on as a mayor, as an oil and gas regulator, as a business owner. It is those years of experience on an executive level that will be put to good use in the White House also.

Aside from the fact that Palin didn't answer the question as to whether the Veep is a member of the Executive or Legislative branch, it worries me that she sees "a lot of flexibility" in the role of the Veep, and that "the Constitution would allow a bit more authority given to the vice president if that vice president so chose to exert it in working with the Senate." What the hell is she talking about? Does she foresee herself as Boss of the Senate? Does she think that Cheney was on the right track and she should go even further down that dangerous Constitution-shattering path?

Thankfully, Biden came back with a heartfelt response:

BIDEN: Vice President Cheney has been the most dangerous vice president we've had probably in American history. The idea he doesn't realize that Article I of the Constitution defines the role of the vice president of the United States, that's the Executive Branch. He works in the Executive Branch. He should understand that. Everyone should understand that.

And the primary role of the vice president of the United States of America is to support the president of the United States of America, give that president his or her best judgment when sought, and as vice president, to preside over the Senate, only in a time when in fact there's a tie vote. The Constitution is explicit.

The only authority the vice president has from the legislative standpoint is the vote, only when there is a tie vote. He has no authority relative to the Congress. The idea he's part of the Legislative Branch is a bizarre notion invented by Cheney to aggrandize the power of a unitary executive and look where it has gotten us. It has been very dangerous.

Thank you, Joe. I was worried there.

The moment I liked best was this:

BIDEN: Mike Mansfield, a former leader of the Senate, said to me one day -- he -- I made a criticism of Jesse Helms. He said, "What would you do if I told you Jesse Helms and Dot Helms had adopted a child who had braces and was in real need?" I said, "I'd feel like a jerk."

He said, "Joe, understand one thing. Everyone's sent here for a reason, because there's something in them that their folks like. Don't question their motive."

I have never since that moment in my first year questioned the motive of another member of the Congress or Senate with whom I've disagreed. I've questioned their judgment.

I think that's why I have the respect I have and have been able to work as well as I've been able to have worked in the United States Senate. That's the fundamental change Barack Obama and I will be bring to this party, not questioning other people's motives.

That spoke to me. He's absolutely right. We shouldn't question motives -- the people on the other side aren't evil; they are doing what they think best. Neither McCain nor Palin are awful people; it's their judgment that is in question.

Nicely said. And something to bear in mind.