Is there such thing as Evil... Or Good?

[sgt.null]

well we could try holding hands and singing hymns until the bad guys surrender...

[Zarathustra]

I think the point here is that "might makes right" is the way of the world. People think this country was founded on noble principles, but it was really just a bunch of rich land owners trying to get out of paying their taxes (which I'm all for--more power to them).

The lofty language of the Declaration of Independence, "all men were created equal," and "unalienable rights," "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," ect., were lifted almost verbatim out of John Locke's Treatise on government--which itself was propaganda. Smart men use inspiring words to get less intelligent people to fight their wars. I'm not passing judgement on this, I'm just pointing it out. It's the way the world works.

Now I'm sure that there are many idealists who actually believe the rhetoric. But do you think they are actually the ones in power? Do you think Hillary Clinton or George Bush cares more about us than their own careers? Every politician may have cared deeply about principles at one time, but they have built their careers upon so many compromises, that compromise is now a way of life for them. They probably even think their own advancement is good for the country, becuase if THEY don't become powerful, then those darn [insert opposite party] will become powerful, so that their personal advancement is synonomous with "the good of the country."

[sgt.null]

the only thintg i disagree with in your great post Malik? the idea that George Bush ever cared about principles. otherwise excellent post.

[Revan]

I think the point here is that "might makes right" is the way of the world. People think this country was founded on noble principles, but it was really just a bunch of rich land owners trying to get out of paying their taxes (which I'm all for--more power to them).

The lofty language of the Declaration of Independence, "all men were created equal," and "unalienable rights," "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," ect., were lifted almost verbatim out of John Locke's Treatise on government--which itself was propaganda. Smart men use inspiring words to get less intelligent people to fight their wars. I'm not passing judgement on this, I'm just pointing it out. It's the way the world works.

Now I'm sure that there are many idealists who actually believe the rhetoric. But do you think they are actually the ones in power? Do you think Hillary Clinton or George Bush cares more about us than their own careers? Every politician may have cared deeply about principles at one time, but they have built their careers upon so many compromises, that compromise is now a way of life for them. They probably even think their own advancement is good for the country, becuase if THEY don't become powerful, then those darn [insert opposite party] will become powerful, so that their personal advancement is synonomous with "the good of the country."

Indeed, a great post. Like Sgt, I completely agree with you on every point - the same one as him.

[Avatar]

A good post indeed.

--A