Confirmation Bias and Spirit of Party

It is interesting to read George Washington's words and apply them to the modern context.

I agree with Doc's point; we have slouched so far away from principled debate, that those who frame arguments in those terms are seen as anachronisms.

In this topsy-turvy picture, it is the Leftists who don the mantle of morality. While it is false and hypocritical, they are seen as having the moral high ground.

There are few things as irritating as a horrible argument that arrives at the "right" conclusion. It reinforces poor argument patterns.

Critical thinking ought to be taught in secondary schools. It is not, and the nonsensical arguments flying around the political dimension provide ample proof of both critical thinking's absence from schools, and its necessity.

Norman, a frequent poster in TH has invited all to participate in a grassroots effort to come up with an alternative to McCain:

My TH blog, The Blogatorium, has a new mission: To serve as a forum for disenchanted conservatives who cannot in good conscience support John McCain, and want to use their vote wisely and effectively in November.

This endeavor is predicated on the following assumptions:

1. That the GOP has abandoned conservatism, and that conservatives are consequently under no moral, ethical, or other obligation to support the so-called "lesser of two evils."

2. That no true conservative would willingly and enthusiastically support John McCain.

3. That the basic tenets of conservatism are accurately reflected in the "three-legs" model (social, fiscal, and national security), and that a true conservative will embrace all three.

4. That conservatives may, however, differ on the application of each "leg," particularly with respect to questions of faith, and should respect each others' right to do so.

5. That with unprecedented turmoil in both major parties, there has never been a better time to galvanize and mobilize conservative support for a viable, third-party candidate.

6. That compromise is often necessary in politics, but that there comes a time when compromise becomes counterproductive and even suicidal.

7. That the GOP, in making an abusive and manipulative “case” for John McCain, is asking conservatives to put party over principle and to help the GOP destroy the conservative movement.

8. That, in consequence of the aforementioned, a forum should exist wherein conservatives may discuss, debate, and compare the various third-party candidates.

9. That conservatives should, as much as possible, throw their support to ONE third-party candidate, en masse, in order to facilitate a strong showing in November, and future election victories.

Go to: http://blogatorium.blogtownhall.com/