Friday, October 02, 2009
A philosophical question
Does conservatism or do conservatives in general come to preordained conclusions? Should conservatives come to preordained conclusions, the Insta-Opinion? Lately it's how to treat Roman Polanski (cut off his gonads and sautee them) but it could be anything. Is this good or can we at least differ around the edges?
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Last I checked we all have the right to our own opinion.
ReplyDeletedon't we all have some pre-ordained conclusions that drive us?
ReplyDeletei end to think so, and yet, i believe we are better when we question those conclusions, scary as that may be...
Beth you're perfectly right but I think I can predict with a fair degree of accuracy what views we'll have on any given issue or current news event and that applies to liberals equally. One might say if conservative (or liberal) principles are applied logically and consistently then they inevitably lead to certain conclusions but this is partly why I describe myself as a professional blog agitator, I want to shake up the echo chambers.
ReplyDeleteIndeed if we apply principles to situations, we should have consistent views, but there are always exceptions. But don't stop agitating, people can always use a good dose of reality check.
ReplyDeleteI like Dave's comment here and it echoes what BB once said. Here's the interesting part, the law-and-order wing of the conservative movement took the cop's side in the Henry Gates/Sgt. Crowley affair whereas I see the libertarian wing as more questioning of these things at least speaking for myself. That's just one example. Michelle Malkin, while a great writer imo is fairly predictable in her take on whatever. Soapie is very independent minded and was not afraid in the least to take on all those Michael Jackson detractors in the wake of his death. Me? sometimes I don't get all this agita over Michael Moore. I probably disagree with well over half of his views but I don't dwell on him as many conservatives do. He is what he is, a left-wing schlub. I'll be damned if I let him ruin my day.
ReplyDeleteWell Beth when I put in my .02 at another blog about the Polanski matter Texas Fred called me indecisive and middle-of-the-roaders get run over. I think you can still be a conservative and be against prison rape for instance which is what many conservatives would like to see done to him. It's as if you HAVE to arrive at certain conclusions before you can be a conservative in good standing.
ReplyDeleteNot with me my friend.
ReplyDeleteZ, you hit on something at the end of your last response.
ReplyDeleteThe need to heed certain dogma to be considered "in good standing."
The abortion question and the blogosphere present a good example.
If someone believes in abortion on demand, they cannot be a conservative. If they believe in any limits on getting an abortion, they cannot be a liberal.
Just read the blogs
While most people do not like to believe they have litmus tests, they [we] do.
The philosophy which I employ as I go about my daily rituals is one which I've spent a great deal of time putting to the test if you will. As such I know the equation quite well. As such, I can pretty much surmise how I'm going to come down on any given issue or subject.
ReplyDeleteBut I NEVER reach a conclusion before running it through the rigors of the equation.
Dave good comment. I'm against abortion simply because in my gut I've always been, my upbringing may have reinforced it but it would have been there anyway. On other social issues I'm less conservative at least as regards the law (e.g. prostitution, porn). I have also opposed the war in Iraq from the start but liberal folks new to my blog think the usual things about me because I make a few conservative noises. Soapie, so your equation says what about what sentence old Roman should receive?
ReplyDeleteThere is no justice if men are not to pay the consequences of the crimes they commit. May he receive swift, fair, and just punishment.
ReplyDeleteThat's a little general and a sentiment with which most of us would not disagree. Here's how I break it down and I'm trying to follow your model of objectivity soapie. Most conservatives want to see him tried on the rape charges all over again but that's already been adjudicated you could say so now the only issue is his leaving the country before his sentencing so not being a lawyer maybe one can say what the sentence should be. How did I do?
ReplyDelete