Posted by
Sanity 102 on Sunday, March 18, 2007 3:49:57 PM
One of the accusations leveled at the Left is that all their arguments are based on emotions, not logic. Yet the Right’s demand to close the borders, do away with pork spending, strict, almost religious adherence to the Constitution and men long dead is packed with emotional platitudes geared toward igniting emotions.
Now these words may play well to the choir but for those 90% that don’t occupy the extreme Right, words like “principles” and it’s sanctimonious connotation validates every fear that the Right is a bunch of religious fanatics intent on telling the rest of America what to do.
Does this mean that we NEVER draw a line…NEVER say no…NEVER say enough?
Of course not, but understand that “standing on one’s principles” like all emotional cards have a shelf life and the tendency of the user to mold that card to fit his/her opinions is fast losing it’s currency.
Principles are solid foundations upon which sit values like loyalty and support and a certain amount of faith.
Principles do not hold imperfect people to impossible standards.
Principles may be stubborn and difficult to move, but it is forgiving and fluid.
Principles have clauses that allow sincere apologies and foolish mistakes to pass.
Principles that are rigid almost always promise a day when it will fall by the wayside and damage the soul with its failure to be held up.
Principles give courage to fight battles that are seemingly lost and strengthen the resolve of wars that has no option but to be won.
Principles justify the right to say no and preserve an individual’s ability to withdraw with their head held up.
Principles nudge the conscience; it doesn’t hold it hostage.
Principles guide; it doesn’t take over.
Principles make doing the right thing necessary, but rarely easy.
Principles can build momentum and gather a crowd—or leave you ostracized and alone.
Principles place you above the rest and closer to God—Pride will knock you right back down.
Principles are the shifting sand castles upon which we build our ever-changing world. Principles that the tides of time and experience brings, reveals secrets and imparts knowledge.
Principles are a private prayer—not a thunderous sermon.
And finally…
Principles do not belong to men that can no longer stand on them, they are the exclusive hill upon which only the living can decide to die on.