The problem is that it goes against our character to engage in those tactics. We may have to do it, but it doesn’t come naturally to us, as it does the other side. We want to win on ideas and reason and logic and character and integrity. The trouble is, the ‘Rats don’t, they just want to win, any way possible. So we’re starting at a disadvantage in that we don’t naturally play dirty. But there comes a time when you just have to give it back to the bully and tormentor in equal or greater measure, because in politics you have to win office to effect your ideas. Howling in the wilderness generally doesn’t effect change.
“The problem is that it goes against our character to engage in those tactics”
Then I issue the following thought experiment:
OK, I will stipulate that it goes against our character to so engage. But it does not go against our character to observe the overwhelming success of such tactics.
Now, that the previous sentence is just one sentence does not mean it is so pat. Eg;
It is within our character to “observe”, meaning, it is within our character to not approach situations with preconceived notions and attempt to force reality into our preconceptions. There are dozens of easy examples for this one. We do not believe in Global Warming just because our armpits stink on Thursday. We do not believe in overwhelming white racism even if we see overwhelming examples of Black ghettoization because all of us have multiple experiences that lead us to believe that whatever ideas we may have are more than slightly justified. Same with Islamic extremism. Same with Socialism.
Now to the “overwhelming success” part of that sentence.
So although we may be keen observers of tactics or mandates that appear to be massively successful, that we do not engage in them is....stupid. That we are unwilling to adapt our tactics and strategies is....a loser.
And so, should we continue in this state of, yes, being keen observers of all kinds of stuff that works but be unwilling to adapt our own behaviors to incorporate those winning tactics, then we are doomed to failure. We’re wrong about being smarter, or thinking that it matters. We are letting inferior opponents overwhelm us and win elections. Maybe we can get them to spend lots of money, but they win, they therefore aggregate continued contribution, and we lose.
And that is the choice we make.
Before 350 idiots jump on me and claim that this observation makes me a practicing abortionist or a Jeb Bush supporter, doesn’t this crap get old?