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Salemicus comments on If you can see the box, you can open the box - Less Wrong Discussion

49 Post author: ThePrussian 26 February 2015 10:36AM

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Comment author: Douglas_Knight 26 February 2015 08:12:44PM *  3 points [-]

There is no ambiguity of language because bin Laden largely doesn't use the word "freedom." He objects to specific practices, that is, he objects to Freedom₁. There is one passage (below) where he does draw attention to the tension between the two notions. There is a cruder distinction that the post confuses, between "freedom to" and "freedom from"; but the only time it uses "freedom from" it is in the mouth of the Nazi. I think that makes it a poor example, but the rest of the post is consistent.

You are a nation that exploits women like consumer products or advertising tools calling upon customers to purchase them. You use women to serve passengers, visitors, and strangers to increase your profit margins. You then rant that you support the liberation of women.

Comment author: Salemicus 27 February 2015 09:09:11AM 0 points [-]

I wasn't referring to any ambiguity in bin Laden, who I agree is clear. Rather, I was referring to the post. I don't think it makes sense to interpret the quote you give above as "they hate our freedom."