tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9087565.post110495389063089752..comments2023-10-24T07:06:36.815-07:00Comments on Small Precautions: Elevator IdeologyNilshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04220861634503974376noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9087565.post-1105762503873140702005-01-14T20:15:00.000-08:002005-01-14T20:15:00.000-08:00Democrats, liberals, and intellectuals need to get...Democrats, liberals, and intellectuals need to get over the self-regarding pretense of always needing represent the world "as it is." As we all know, any representation other than a 1-to-1 mapping represents either a simplication or a distortion, and most likely both. So just get over the compulsive need always to present "complexity" and instead just embrace the power of simply stated truths. To wit: creationism is fancified superstition; the war in Iraq is both a sin and a mistake; decent societies require the rich to help the poor; etc. These are not complicated points. Don't be afraid to say them in a simple way.Nilshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04220861634503974376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9087565.post-1105590485801490292005-01-12T20:28:00.000-08:002005-01-12T20:28:00.000-08:00I've felt this way for years now: liberals are too...I've felt this way for years now: liberals are too nuanced and complex for the "average Amercian." But how can an advanced and sophiticated philosophy be simply explained?<br /><br />It's easier to tear down then it is to build, and we know that the new Right philosophy is more reactionary and destructive then constructive. People who "buy" the new Right polemic presume the good things about our nation simply came into existence or are due to our special place in Gods eye. They don't understand the role of enlightenment liberalism in bringing about American prosperity and general welfare.<br /><br />Some days I think the only way Americans will "open their eyes" is after a huge crash brought about by new Right actions. But then, an ignorant and angry populace is as likely to turn on the critics as they are the responsible party.<br /><br />Ben Franklin was right. I consider America corrupted, and getting the leadership it deserves. <br /><br />I've seen plenty of anectodal evidence of general corruption directly, signs and indications, no smoking guns. Not much use in convincing "skeptics."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9087565.post-1105578469720501752005-01-12T17:07:00.000-08:002005-01-12T17:07:00.000-08:00The trouble here is that developing a coherent ide...The trouble here is that developing a coherent ideology puts the Democrats in the uncofortable position of having to jettison the truth, Republican-style. I believe that any worldview reducible to an elevator conversation's length necessarily fails to reflect the true complexity of the human condition; that is, ideology is necessarily at odds with truth -- and you almost seem to agree. To put it bluntly using your own "Democratic elevator ideology" as an example, the U.S. is not now and never has been an open and tolerant society based upon the scientific Enlightenment ideals of the founding fathers. Surely I don't need to give the historian examples.... -- LarsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com