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Autolykos · Jul 28, 2006, 10:40 am

I've noticed a contradiction when it comes to talking about politics. On the one hand, people talk about voting for "the lesser of two evils" or "the least of all possible evils". Then, on the other hand, people talk about things like "the common good", "public servants", etc. If people conclude that all of the candidates on the ballot are evil, how can they expect any of them to be "public servants" or work for "the common good" (assuming, for the moment, that such a thing exists)?

What do y'all think?

- Rob

SoccerfreakAB2 · Jul 28, 2006, 12:05 pm

Quote:

Quote by: Autolykos

I've noticed a contradiction when it comes to talking about politics. On the one hand, people talk about voting for "the lesser of two evils" or "the least of all possible evils". Then, on the other hand, people talk about things like "the common good", "public servants", etc. If people conclude that all of the candidates on the ballot are evil, how can they expect any of them to be "public servants" or work for "the common good" (assuming, for the moment, that such a thing exists)?

What do y'all think?

- Rob

I can agree with the general idea you're sending. Looking into the political scene, candidates need to do alot of bad things to obtain a great deal of power. I can't imagine a truly kind hearted wise candidate winning consistently around such fierce competition in the upper levels of government.

grandpa · Jul 28, 2006, 12:09 pm

I think you've pretty much hit the nail on the head. If only evil is running for office, then why vote at all?

Grandpa h.

Zeebadee · Jul 28, 2006, 12:13 pm

"Public servant" is a term invented by politicians. We all know who the servants are and it ain't them.

Osborn F Enready · Jul 28, 2006, 12:39 pm

You are right Zee, it is only deemed that they are the servants in law, and the Constitution, not in practice or actions.

Zhavric · Jul 28, 2006, 02:19 pm

By definition, the lesser of two evils is better for the common good than the greater of two evils.

Autolykos · Jul 28, 2006, 02:28 pm

Quote:

Quote by: Zhavric

By definition, the lesser of two evils is better for the common good than the greater of two evils.

Interesting. However, what if neither of the two evils serves (one's idea of) the "common good" at all?

- Rob

Jul 28, 2006, 10:40 am	#1 (permalink) (top)
Autolykos Logical Phallussy Location: In your internets. Posts: 2,991	A Political Contradiction I've noticed a contradiction when it comes to talking about politics. On the one hand, people talk about voting for "the lesser of two evils" or "the least of all possible evils". Then, on the other hand, people talk about things like "the common good", "public servants", etc. If people conclude that all of the candidates on the ballot are evil, how can they expect any of them to be "public servants" or work for "the common good" (assuming, for the moment, that such a thing exists)? What do y'all think? - Rob "I'd rather be free and alive!" -- Ron Paul Religion isn't the greatest threat to mankind -- authoritarianism is. The Anarcheion Zeitgeist

Jul 28, 2006, 12:09 pm	#3 (permalink) (top)
grandpa blasphemer Location: Michigan Posts: 7,973	I think you've pretty much hit the nail on the head. If only evil is running for office, then why vote at all? Grandpa h. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you (unless it costs something).

Jul 28, 2006, 12:13 pm	#4 (permalink) (top)
Zeebadee Volcanic Erupter Posts: 3,799	"Public servant" is a term invented by politicians. We all know who the servants are and it ain't them. "Everybody knows that the boat is leaking Everybody knows that the captain lied." - Leonard Cohen

Jul 28, 2006, 12:39 pm	#5 (permalink) (top)
Osborn F Enready Principled Observer Location: Toledo, Ohio Posts: 13,873	You are right Zee, it is only deemed that they are the servants in law, and the Constitution, not in practice or actions. Petition of Redress of Grievances: http://www.givemeliberty.org/default.htm Canadian Lawsuit Against Their National Banks: http://www.freewebs.com/classaction/ Osborn F. Enready

Jul 28, 2006, 02:19 pm	#6 (permalink) (top)
Zhavric Made of pure win. Posts: 3,710	By definition, the lesser of two evils is better for the common good than the greater of two evils. Theists: supplying volconvo with lose since 2004.