02-08-2009, 03:41 PM
I don't think a dictionary is necessary to re-emphasize the following point: That "voluntary" is not synonymous with "optional."
Obeying the speed limit is voluntary; you don't have to do it. After I finish this post, I can exercise my free will and drive 120 miles per hour around city streets, and then come back here and post about it. There is not a governor on my car which prohibits this; it is something I can voluntarily do.
As with most of my posts here, I really don't consider myself capable of arguing fine political points, so I don't. I like discussing language and meaning and whether arguments can be supported. That's my schtick.
A voluntary muscle movement is one over which you have control. It's clear that Mr. Reid is using the term in the same way. I know this for two reasons:
First, anyone who claims that paying of taxes in the United States is truly delusional, so I set that one aside.
Two, he explained himself clearly enough.
Obeying the speed limit is voluntary; you don't have to do it. After I finish this post, I can exercise my free will and drive 120 miles per hour around city streets, and then come back here and post about it. There is not a governor on my car which prohibits this; it is something I can voluntarily do.
As with most of my posts here, I really don't consider myself capable of arguing fine political points, so I don't. I like discussing language and meaning and whether arguments can be supported. That's my schtick.
A voluntary muscle movement is one over which you have control. It's clear that Mr. Reid is using the term in the same way. I know this for two reasons:
First, anyone who claims that paying of taxes in the United States is truly delusional, so I set that one aside.
Two, he explained himself clearly enough.