Faith and Greed beat Reason and Compassion

[Az]

That's it in a nut shell. The right is a synthesis of faith and greed. Faith in god. Faith in freetrade. The left has nothing to offer these people. They are used to being told things in absolutes.

The left is a group based in reality. We examine the evidence and base our plans and paths on what we percieve. We have doubts and uncertainty about these plans but we do the best with what we can. The right meanwhile has absolute certainty. They demand leaders who speak with absolute terms. Unflinching belief in their might. Unwavering faith in their path.

The imfamous quote from the Suskind interview (http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/17/magazine/17BUSH.html?oref=login&pagewanted=print&position=) tells us everything we need to know. They do not want people searching for the truth. They want people that believe they know the absolute truth.

This notion of creating reality gives a tremendous tactical advantage too. If played right it can keep the reality based left constantly on guard. Never able to advance. We are constantly dealing with the nonsense they throw at us and simply put we will never be able to sway their followers. All we have to offer them is doubt and uncertainty. They thrive on conviction and certainty. Unless you tell them what the absolute truth is they will stick to their perception of truth.

[Hardball]

1. Reality is also what the News says it is

When all the news is controlled by a dozen men, all with open wallets for any politician who wants a taste, reality and facts are in big, big trouble.

I would like to see what would happen in this country if every single communications satellite was turned off for a year and only newspapers and local broadcast TV stations were available for news and commentary.

It annoys me a lot that the fundies are so willing to ignore the commandment: Thou shalt not kill. It's not enough to carve out a loophole for yourself and say "... except when conditions warrant it," but then to toss out all the facts and stark reality that *might* justify it makes it really scary.

American nationalism based on fear and ignorance is becoming a religion in its own right (no pun intended). Scary. Very scary.

[Az]

2. Belief isn't about doctrine

Its about what they get out of the doctrine. What they can propogate to others. You will never be able to pin down a believer on a matter of doctrine. They will twist and turn to make it fit whatever they want it to mean.

[Kolesar]

3. Somehow, people never develop a grasp of deductive logic

That, coupled with a lack of skepticism, allows cunning plotters like Bush to succeed.

[Birthmark]

4. America is a sick, sick nation right now.

And it looks like the medicine cabinet is empty.

[Serial Mom]

5. Values beat out Self Interests too

I can't believe people without jobs, people with proverty level incomes, people with no health insurance, people with no retirement savings, etc. etc. vote for a "value".

They wouldn't have an abortion, which is their choice, but they want to deny it to others, which doesn't affect them in any way, shape or form. They wouldn't be be affected in any way by gay / lesbian rights and vote to deny it to others.

Yet they won't vote for their own "interests", which may help them with health care, with a decent paying job, with something to look forward to in retirement, with a cleaner earth for their grandchildren, etc. etc.!

What has happened to these people??

I wanted so badly to cry with happiness, instead I cry for this nation!

[ncteechur]

6. Not faith and greed but FEAR and greed.