re: Last I checked...
If you're dealing with abstract principles, there are many points of relevancy.
Lindy expressed indignation about stifling a constitution, and suppressing opposition. If this indignation is situational, that's a useful piece of information. I've noticed in the past that Chavez's accumulation of dictatorial power has rated mostly a big yawn, and in a few cases, even adoring fans in places like Hollywood.
The cabbage and beans thing, for example, makes perfect sense if I'm allergic to vegetables. That's where abstracts comes in.