Principle

[freetobegay]

I admire people who stand up for principle, and try to do so at every opportunity. However, I also recognize that sometimes real life interferes with my theoretical goals and I have to look at alternatives and see if any of them are palatable.

I see this election as if I have been in a desert for 3 years, dying of thirst, and I am dreaming of an icy cold beer.

I now have a choice of Bush, who has said he won't give me a beer, but also will not even offer me a glass of water. Additionally, he wants to pollute the well so that no one else can offer me a drink.

Another choice is Kerry, who won't give me a beer but is offering water and will support my right to move on and find a beer locally.

A third choice is Nader, who says he will give me the beer I dream of, but in reality is a mirage and we all know it.

Do I go for the mirage so that I can die being right? One thing that people have a real problem with is recognizing that there is a difference in being right and being effective.

Yes, you stand up for principles, but you also have to know when the alternatives are reasonable - or at least livable. If my choice was between the beer and water, of course I would opt for the beer - but that is not a viable alternative at this point. I choose to drink the water and survive to fight another day.