tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403232.post5203128903256731327..comments2024-02-10T08:46:51.419-05:00Comments on Rude Armchair Theology: I respect George W. BushMike Croghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099387827886541138noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403232.post-2206836305195656992007-08-28T10:50:00.000-04:002007-08-28T10:50:00.000-04:00i agree to some extent. on the other hand, he pro...i agree to some extent. on the other hand, he promised to hold people accountable for the valerie plame leak. when the leakers turned out to be his own people -- well, I guess he lost his conviction on that issue.<BR/><BR/>for that matter, when he ran in 2000 he said his admin. would be known for not leaking stuff to the press. Yet, his VP's office ran a whole operation aimed at leaking info favoring admin. policies.Mo Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02726536189204112128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403232.post-82888904732131069982007-06-14T17:51:00.000-04:002007-06-14T17:51:00.000-04:00I remember clearly in his second campaign when he ...I remember clearly in his second campaign when he was characterizing Kerry as a flip-flopper he said something to this effect: You may not agree with what I'm going to do, but you know that if I say I will do something I am going to do it. I thought damn, that is going to resonate with a lot of people and he probably just locked up the election.Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08412077697834634427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403232.post-11914678879441104892007-06-14T14:43:00.000-04:002007-06-14T14:43:00.000-04:00I don't think that "sticking to your convictions" ...I don't think that "sticking to your convictions" is more than a trait -- neither positive nor negative -- for it can be caused by at least two factors in one's mind.<BR/><BR/>First, you can "stick to your convictions" because you have thoroughly researched and understand that which you believe. When presented with evidence that contradicts your beliefs, you are able to review your past knowledge and decide whether your beliefs should be adjusted.<BR/><BR/>Second, you can "stick to your convictions" because you refuse to acknowledge information that disagrees with your beliefs. When presented with evidence that contradicts your beliefs, you immediately think to discredit the source, use logical fallacy, or deny that deductive reasoning is necessarily valid to ensure your beliefs are secure.<BR/><BR/>The first I believe is good -- what I consider "being open minded." The second is bad, as it's what historically has thwarted progress, created cults, and served only ego gratification.<BR/><BR/>George W. Bush is squarely in the second camp. Some of his beliefs happen to be valid and true, but when they are not, there is no way to make him face reality.Jayce from Rochesterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05766605787783546357noreply@blogger.com