So I do not have the mentality or discipline of a good blogger, I guess that is Rebekah's part in our marriage. But I do typically have something to say, and while it may not or may not often be of much value, that doesn't seem to deter me too much. I wanted to tackle politics tonight, because it seems there is this big puff about Ron Paul among many of my friends, and I frankly don't get it. He holds to a basic isolationist view when it comes to foreign affairs. "why should the United States be the big parent to the world?" This is a question that feels strong and good, and ideal...but is lacking in realism. We are living in the least isolated world in all of its history; there has never been a stronger need for overseas politics, business deals, sanctions, military presence, aid, communication etc. Being involved in it as the Biggest and most Powerful economy leads to inevitable conflict and difficulty. This, of course being a sign of a fallen world in need of redemption...but I am trying to talk politics. (I can't really talk politics) Ron Paul seems like an Idealist to me.Idealism can have great power in that it can distance people from actual action. For example, we all want to love someone ideally and we would give our life for this imaginary (or actual) person, and sell all things for this great love and care about nothing but them. And when we are done sharing the greatness of our hearts, we snap at our spouse because she did not put the hand towel back on the hook, and complain that her stuff is strewn about the living room. I am not suggesting that we should not have ideals, because we have to have standards by which we gauge actual behavior, but when the actual behavior is secondary to the ideal, then we have trumped reality for a false belief that, "When the big action is needed, I will do it, but don't trouble me with the day to day decisions." But I am talking politics, not philosophy.
Integrity is what you do when no one is watching, and idealism can fall into what you want everyone to think that you do when no one is watching. Now, let me clarify, that I understand that ALL politicians are throwing Ideals around every time they open their mouths, but I guess these thoughts have been on my mind because of the way many seem to think that Ron Paul "Gets it." Nobody gets it, but Ron Paul seems to not be getting the one thing that most do...we are connected irreversibly.
