The defining difference between the reality-based and faith-based communities is how they view actions and thoughts. For those of us based in reality, actions have the primary role in shaping the future. Beliefs shape our actions, but by our actions we determine how events play forward. Although the faithful also acknowledge that action must be taken, they cede primacy to thoughts. Beliefs, thoughts and values must first be righteous, and then good and correct actions will follow naturally.
This election is largely seen as a referendum on the incumbent -- has he been a good president for the last four years? Those of us who look at his actions say no. Gutting environmental, media and other corporate regulations, budget-busting tax cuts, not to mention a brutal, unnecessary and unwinable war, are not the actions that induce reality-based decision-makers to want more. By our action of voting, and supporting the voting process, we say "no." What can the other side possibly see in this guy, we ask?
But for those who look at his thoughts say yes. He says the right things, believes in the right things, says he wants the right things -- the right things as far as the faith-based are concerned. Moreover his campaign has been largely successful at damning his opponent's beliefs as wrong, even evil. Never mind that the record of actions disagrees with this assessment, because that does not matter to those for whom thoughts, beliefs and values are more important than deeds. Once they have set their thoughts in a righteous manner, their actions are always righteous, even if that includes blocking the more weak-minded from voting. We will save them from themselves, they say.
-jack*
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