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Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: cnyndwllr who wrote (147665)	10/13/2004 10:40:38 AM
From: Neocon	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281500

It is a matter of logic that there is a strong presumption in favor of the opinion of those with expertise, a fuller array of pertinent information, and who have put in the work of analysis. That does not mean that they are always right, or even perfectly honest, but it does mean that we are rarely in a good position to second guess, and that what second guessing we do should be cautious and well- founded. It is idle to ask that everything be laid out for us when sensitive intelligence is involved, or matter of military strategy that should not be prematurely publicized. Yes, we can ask for arguments that build confidence, and challenge what may ring false, but, again, we should not start with an attitude of cynicism, as if any slander were readily believable of those in responsible position.

To: cnyndwllr who wrote (147665)	10/13/2004 11:47:32 AM
From: one_less	Respond to of 281500

But let's not let it tell us to "trust" them because they "know things we don't." The form of government we have chosen requires us to do precisely that. We chose a representative democracy. So, when we vote we are in essence lending our trust to those we have chosen to represent us. This is why we must hold representatives to their oaths of office. When people cast their vote to promote party agendas instead of to elect honorable representatives, it creates a wrinkle in the system that if pervasive, results in a corruption of the entire operation. It has long been my contention that a breach of substance in one’s oath of office should automatically disqualify the representative from continuance in office. Although we enter a trusting agreement via social contract with representatives, we should at the same time be vigilant and on guard regarding the conduct of our representatives. I stop short of alleging things, or accusing representatives of things that cannot substantially validated.