I Love Ideologues

FoxNews.com ^ | 7/14/2010 | Will Cain

[Off the Page]

There is a scene in Mel Gibson’s "Braveheart" (what terrible timing to fondly recall a Mel Gibson movie) that summarizes the problem with politicians. Hearing of William Wallace’s rebellion in the Scottish Highlands, an inspired Robert the Bruce Jr. comes to tell his leper father (looking very much like Raiders’ owner Al Davis) the news. Thinking strategically, practically, politically, Robert the Bruce Sr. explains to his son:

"You admire this man, this William Wallace. Uncompromising men are easy to admire. He has courage, so does a dog. But it is exactly the ability to compromise that makes a man noble!"

I cannot revere compromise; I cannot revere pragmatism; I long for ideologues...and there are not enough in the American political system. An ideologue is a devoted proponent of a consistent set of ideas. He may be a libertarian, a communist, a socialist, or a capitalist. You may disagree with him, but you will know what you are disagreeing with.

An ideologue does not bend to what is popular, what will gain him power, or what is practical. He simply does what he thinks is right. Here – in my opinion – is the ideological purity of some of America’s political leaders.

http://bit.ly/ciNnwG

Names mentioned: Chris Christie, Sara Palin, Ron Paul, Barney Frank, Barry Goldwater, Ayn Rand, Al Davis, Edward the Longshanks

[infidel29]

"...the ability to compromise that makes a man noble!"

In what world was THAT ever true?

"I would remind you that extremism in defense of liberty is no vice. And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue." --Barry Goldwater

[aruanan]

"...the ability to compromise that makes a man noble!"

In what world was THAT ever true?

So I guess all those collaborators in France during WWII were just about the most friggin noble folks in the whole world.

[Bhoy]

I can’t remember where (I think one of the Austrians) but the idea:

A difference of opinion does not prove that truth lay in the mean.

[citizenredstater9271]

Look, I know libertarian-leaning conservatives arent liked on this site too much but Ron Paul is a man of freedom. Don’t group him in with Barney Frank and all the neocons (fake conservatives).

[infidel29]

So I guess all those collaborators in France during WWII were just about the most friggin noble folks in the whole world.

I always revert back to the words of 'Benny' from the movie The Mummy at times like this: "It is better to be the right hand of the devil, than in his path."

Perhaps if you enjoy being the "head slave in charge".