Can we import this guy?

[pyrephox]

I am not a conservative, in any meaning of the term. Just about anyone who has ever talked to me about any political, social, or financial matter will know that almost immediately. I don't agree with the much of the 'conservative' goals, and the goals I do agree with, I think their methods are going about it the wrong way.

But, damn. If more American conservatives thought like this guy, or at least could come up with a speech anywhere /close/ to as respectful and proactive, then I would at least be excited about the debate again, rather than simply disgusted. Read it. Compare it to the speeches made by our conservatives. Be amazed.

"Modern compassionate Conservatism means recognising that there's more to human life than getting and spending money.

To make life better in these crowded islands, we need to engage in a huge variety of concerns...

...from the quality of the food we put in our children's mouths...

...to the quality of the air they breathe...

...to the quality of their school...

...to the quality of the transport system that takes them there."

Comments

[the-fool76.livejournal.com]

We are too competative and immature as a culture for that to happen.

Lets take a look at your average american as seen online shall we?

Average American: "THE OTHR GUY IS TEH ENAMY KILLL HE IZ A LUZR DNT VT 4 HIM OR U A LZR 2! LOLOLOL!!111!"

[pyrephox.livejournal.com]

See, I have to refuse to believe that. Because when if I believe that America and Americans are beyond the ability to become better than we are /right now/, then really, I ought to just pack it up and throw myself on the mercy of some other country. And I don't want to do that.

Hell, I don't even think a majority of Americans /are/ like that. It is a vocal, organized, persuasive, and fanatical minority who have been working towards very narrow and well-defined goals that I find at best short-sighted and ignorant, and at worst actively repugnant. And they're succeeding because the majority is not organized or fanatical, and wants and tries to play by the rules that that minority cheerfully breaks, lies about breaking, and then lies about lying about breaking. All within fifteen minutes, if necessary.

And the rest of us have bought bits and pieces of those lies. Most notably: "There's not much difference between them and the other guys." "Anyone we elected would do the same." "Our culture is too dumb and brutish to do better." These statements keep us from working to become better. And honestly, I think they'll kill us as a functional culture long before any elected official.

[the-fool76.livejournal.com]

But its so much easier to be an apathetic cynic than an involved idealist.
;)

This is why I try to avoid political debates, I'm way way way too snarky.

Personally I tend to agree with you. I just can't resist the urge to play devils advocate. (What can I say, I am The Fool)

[pyrephox.livejournal.com]

I'm more of a disinvolved idealist, sadly. I vote, I try and stay informed of who I'm voting for and what they stand for, but I know that I could do more, that I don't do.

*gives you scritches*

[the-fool76.livejournal.com]

Yay scritchies!

I know what you mean. I try to make at least some effort to stay informed about ellections, but its hard to wade through all the BS. Its not like I can walk up to a canadate and sit down and have a chat with them without a LOT of effort. I feel bad voting for someone whome I've never even seen in person.