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Musicmystery -> RE: Michele Bachmann Isnt Stupid, Shes Dangerous (6/17/2011 7:17:02 AM)
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quote:
hating Conservative public figures as intensely as the left habitually does
You know, this isn't actually true.
William F. Buckley Jr. was a great mind and a thought provoking critic.
George Will, though sometimes carried away, often makes me think, even if I disagree generally.
Ronald Reagan, whose *policies* I can't support, was undeniably a nice, generous, well-meaning (if clueless at times) man.
William Safire is among my favorite writers--articulate and well-spoken, carefully constructing his cases.
Milton Friedman was one of my first economic heroes, especially for his pioneering understanding of monetary phenomena.
Even Nixon, who I *fervently* oppose on several fronts, especially the criminal ones, was no idiot, and was in many ways (forever tainted by his considerable misdeeds) a great president.
Those are just the ones that come to mind quickly.
But the modern "conservative" movement -- in quotes because it's often really not conservative but rather (1) reactionary, (2) actively in many cases pursuing the replacement of our current system with a theocracy, (3) not interested in defense, but rather military conquest, and (4) fiscally reckless, pursuing unrealistic and unsustainable economic agenda. In fact, today's conservatives would make the movement's founders shudder in horror.
Further, such all or nothing tactics as they're pursuing today only further poison an already poisonous atmosphere, seeking not solution, not improvement, not common welfare and the good of the nation--but power, for its own sake. And they had it, briefly, from 2000-2006, but blew it pursuing a permanent majority, only to find while often gullible, the American public is not going to stand for one party rule. The conservative moment to shine was tossed aside.
But in short, no, a group that elevates "leaders" like Bachmann is nothing to take seriously, except to ensure their influence is limited.
Perhaps in time conservative extremists will be quieted, and strong conservative values will once again find voice. I hope so. I think the nation would be healthier for that voice, among others.
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