"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts." - Bertrand Russell

political folks I respect

Many politicians and pundits are idiots at best and dangerous profiteers at worst. Here are some people whose opinions I value, although I do not necessarily agree with them. I would probably vote for any of these people if they ran for president.

Right
- Pat Buchanan Nuts, but honest.
- William F. Buckley, Jr. Wicked smart.
- Madeleine Allbright. Wicked smart, tough.
Center-right
- John McCain. Probably my most wished-for candidate.
- Colin Powell Second most wished-for.
Center-left
- I can't think of any right now.
Left
- Robert Reich
- Daniel Schorr, NPR analyst. Smart and well-spoken.

My voting record is online.

apolitical

Having said that, I avoid partisans and other rabid kooks who obsess over politics.

A fanatic is someone who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.
Winston Churchill

They are tiresome and monomaniacal. You can pick them out of a crowd by listening for these buzzwords:

ilk
"for the children" / "women and children"
Clinton / Klinton
Shrub / Dubya (instead of Bush)
algore/gorebot
abortion (pro or con)
Billary / Hillary
Ronny Raygun
"throw away your vote"
commie, liberal
"typical [fitb]"
"that's what you'd expect from a [fitb]"
reactionary
racist
queer
gun control (either pro or con)

Yes, I do vote. No, I am not associated with any party, and I think the two-party system is broken. If I had to self-identify (which I don't), I'd say I'm closest to Libertarian. The Libertarians have been called "Republicans without God". I used to think this was a silly statement, but as time goes by I see more truth in the statement. Libertarians are generally conservative for philosophical and utilitarian reasons, while IMO Republicans are conservative for moral or religious reasons.

Check out the World's Shortest Political Quiz to see where you are (caveat emptor: the quiz is on an LP site).

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