I propose what I would call the Pétain argument:

When someone insists that they’re a good guy because they did a good thing long ago, regardless of the fact that they’re being criticized for doing bad things *now*.

Can also be called the Newsom argument.

May 13, 2025 - 20:01 UTC

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(Named after Philippe Pétain, Hero and Savior of France during WW1 then Puppet Leader of France on Behalf of Nazi Germany during WW2.)
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It should also be noted that all that got Petain in the end was a death sentence commuted in favor of life in prison. Not exactly something one wants to emulate.
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I propose also the creation of the expression "Stop being a Maginot".
For when someone doesn't protect themselves and others well enought from right-wing rethorics.
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