He doesn't begin with general propositions and apply them indiscriminately to every policy decision.

"As a general proposition, religious observance is an extremely important value," he said.

And all general propositions that are known to be true concern abstract ideas.

Even as a general proposition, that notion was divorced from reality.

"As a general proposition," he said, "I have favored a merger of the two institutions for at least the last 10 years."

But there's no point in arguing the general proposition that many women love horses.

First, as a general proposition, I think that race matters in all kinds of ways.

I am distracted by the curious side issues this general proposition trails after it.

The general proposition only, without the details, should be put to the Council.

What I do know is this - that as a general proposition, companies need to have the freedom to relocate.