4 ms·

> Is it not more honest in a way if a politician or a criminal accepts that he can not do truth justice, and proceeds with the sausage making? No. It's not bet

> Is it not more honest in a way if a politician or a criminal accepts that he can not do truth justice, and proceeds with the sausage making? No. It's not better. That way lies Russia. If you already believe all politicians are liars, how is it at all helpful for a politician to tell you something you already know -- that he or she is lying? Postmodernism is poison. Don't give up on the truth. Even if it were true that all politicians play loose with the truth, there is an enormous variety to the spectrum. Some dodge uncomfortable questions. Some make unrealistic promises. Some quote out of context. Some exaggerate their accomplishments. Some make things up out of thin air. Some politicians take none of those steps. We tend not to reward them for it. But an enormous number of politicians will not take that last step.

Zarath 7y ago
"Postmodernism is poison" If there is anything that postmodernism has taught us. It's that bite-sized "truths" like this can never encompass an actual truth or reveal any meaningful reality.
aww_dang 7y ago
>No. It's not better. That way lies Russia. Please don't misread my comment as a prescription towards a political end. It does not follow that I would endorse any politician, nor does it follow that I subscribe to "the ends justify the means". >If you already believe all politicians are liars, how is it at all helpful for a politician to tell you something you already know -- that he or she is lying? I take it as a courtesy when their spiel is over the top and theatrical. It is a small conciliation when they embrace the absurdity of their position and go overboard. The presumption of political truthiness is insulting to me as a viewer. I understand that they are in a position that requires them to lie and cheat. I empathize, but I don't support them or endorse the process. >Don't give up on the truth. In the context of politics, these 'truths' are often highly subjective and ideologically driven. Consider the drug war and all of the studies which were funded/suppressed to justify prohibition. Yet today cannabis is regarded as a panacea by many. Even in the material sciences knowledge is constantly revised. Yet so many are willing to stand on this false summit and beat their chests as if they have reached the apex of understanding. In the case of politics what follows is the coercive force of the state to achieve some ends suggested by their limited understanding. No, I haven't given up on truth. I reject politics as a means to any end. >Some politicians take none of those steps. Again with "This time is different", I'll call this special pleading. Believing in politicians and expecting change is like loaning money to an addict.

Zarath 7y ago

"Postmodernism is poison" If there is anything that postmodernism has taught us. It's that bite-sized "truths" like this can never encompass an actual truth or reveal any meaningful reality.

aww_dang 7y ago

>No. It's not better. That way lies Russia. Please don't misread my comment as a prescription towards a political end. It does not follow that I would endorse any politician, nor does it follow that I subscribe to "the ends justify the means". >If you already believe all politicians are liars, how is it at all helpful for a politician to tell you something you already know -- that he or she is lying? I take it as a courtesy when their spiel is over the top and theatrical. It is a small conciliation when they embrace the absurdity of their position and go overboard. The presumption of political truthiness is insulting to me as a viewer. I understand that they are in a position that requires them to lie and cheat. I empathize, but I don't support them or endorse the process. >Don't give up on the truth. In the context of politics, these 'truths' are often highly subjective and ideologically driven. Consider the drug war and all of the studies which were funded/suppressed to justify prohibition. Yet today cannabis is regarded as a panacea by many. Even in the material sciences knowledge is constantly revised. Yet so many are willing to stand on this false summit and beat their chests as if they have reached the apex of understanding. In the case of politics what follows is the coercive force of the state to achieve some ends suggested by their limited understanding. No, I haven't given up on truth. I reject politics as a means to any end. >Some politicians take none of those steps. Again with "This time is different", I'll call this special pleading. Believing in politicians and expecting change is like loaning money to an addict.