Eric
Its the utopian mindset. If we assume that evil is caused by some external factor there is an easy solution. Remove it. Pass a law, provide an incentive or ban a product.Replace foolish leaders with wise ones. This is idealism. If on the other hand we understand that evil is caused by some part of human nature, circumstance and inequaility, fear or bigotry or lust for power which will always be with us, we realize there is no easy solution.One leader for another, a call to religion or ideology or a policy shift will have effects only on the margins. This is realism.
Idealism is easier to sell. Its BS though.The left and right indulge in idealism, the death penalty, abortion, gun control, the war on drugs, blaming pornography etc. Its all the same BS. If only we remove a thing, WE will change.Not going to happen. Once we understand that human nature is both constant and fallible, and make policy with a firm belief in the limitations of government to influence human actions, we can get somewhere. Until then.....
FQ13