Political Preamble

6 Fundamental Principles of Politics

There are six principles that I follow when evaluating my political viewpoints:

Principle 1: Nothing is Ever One-sided

"Nulla res est simplex" – Nothing is simple

Every political decision, stance, or ideology has multiple facets, perspectives, and repercussions. Recognizing this complexity is crucial for a nuanced understanding of political issues. This principle encourages us to seek different viewpoints, analyze thoroughly, and consider the broader implications of any political stance or decision. It reminds us that what may seem straightforward often involves a web of factors, interests, and consequences, making a one-sided view insufficient and potentially misleading.

Principle 2: Understand Your Convictions

"Audere est facere" – To dare is to do

Having a clear grasp of your beliefs is foundational in navigating the complex world of politics. Understanding your convictions means knowing what you believe and why you believe it. This comprehension forms the bedrock of your political viewpoint, guiding your reactions and decisions.

However, while being firm in your convictions is vital, recognizing the importance of others' perspectives is equally crucial. The experiences and beliefs of other people add depth to our understanding of issues, illustrating the diverse impacts of political decisions. Engaging with various viewpoints can enrich your perspective, helping you see the bigger picture.

Yet, your political journey is your own. While it's important to consider others' viewpoints and experiences, you must navigate the political landscape according to your convictions. This doesn't mean disregarding others but instead integrating an understanding of the broader world with a steadfast commitment to your core beliefs. Your convictions are your compass in the vast sea of politics, helping you to chart a course that remains true to your principles.

Principle 3: Draw Lines of No-Compromise

"Fines firmi" – Strong boundaries (or borders)

Standing firmly on specific issues is pivotal for maintaining political integrity and direction. Drawing lines of no compromise signifies the boundaries beyond which your principles cannot be negotiated. These firm stances are not just arbitrary limits but are grounded in deep-seated beliefs and ethical considerations. To effectively draw these lines, you must:

1. Identify Core Beliefs: Pinpoint the beliefs that are non-negotiable to you. These are values that define your moral and ethical compass.

2. Justify Your Stance: Articulate the reasons behind categorizing these beliefs as non-negotiable. This requires introspection and a thorough understanding of the underlying principles of your convictions.

3. Communicate Clearly: Communicate your non-negotiable stances clearly to others. This includes explaining the reasoning and importance of these beliefs in shaping your political perspective.

4. Stay Informed: Continuously educate yourself on topics related to your core beliefs. A well-informed stance strengthens your position and helps you defend it against opposition.

By drawing lines of no compromise, you crystallize your political identity, providing a clear framework to evaluate issues and make decisions. This reinforces your political perspective and signals to others where you stand on critical issues, fostering a political discourse that respects boundaries while encouraging healthy debate.

Principle 4: Speak Less, Ask More

"Plura audi, pauca loquere" – Hear more, speak few things

For several reasons, the principle of "speak less, ask more" is crucial in politics. It emphasizes the importance of understanding over debating and learning over convincing. Here's why applying this principle can lead to a deeper comprehension of political issues and more influential political discourse:

1. Enhances Understanding: You open yourself to broader perspectives and information by speaking less and asking more. This approach allows a deeper understanding of the issues and how they resonate or clash with your core beliefs.

2. Facilitates Research: Asking questions is fundamental when educating yourself on political matters. It directs your research towards uncovering how particular political views align with or diverge from your convictions. This inquiry-based learning ensures that your knowledge base is both broad and deep.

3. Improves Political Discourse: Engaging in political conversations focusing on asking questions rather than asserting opinions helps break down complex viewpoints. This method fosters a more respectful and open dialogue, where each party is more likely to consider the other's perspective.

4. Increases Persuasiveness: By carefully understanding the rationale behind another person's political stance through careful questioning, you can better address their concerns and challenge their views with well-founded arguments. It also opens a path for influencing their opinions by demonstrating how your perspective might better align with their core principles.

By prioritizing inquiry over assertion, you enrich your understanding of political issues and enhance your ability to navigate and influence political discourse effectively. This approach underscores the power of curiosity and respect in fostering meaningful political conversations and building bridges across divergent views.

Principle 5: Everything is Misleading

"De omnibus dubitandum" – Everything must be doubted

In the complex landscape of politics, the axiom that "everything is misleading" serves as a sober reminder of the pervasive bias and manipulation present in information dissemination. This principle extends across various mediums, from data and statistics to news headlines and scientific reports, emphasizing the critical need for skepticism and independent thinking.

1. Data and Statistics: While numbers and data can appear indisputable, the methodologies behind their collection and presentation often introduce bias. The selection of specific time frames, the exclusion of contextually relevant data, and the use of leading survey questions can all skew perceptions, making statistics serve the narrative of those presenting them.

2. Headlines and Articles: Media outlets frequently craft headlines and articles with persuasive language to grab attention and shape opinions. Strategic word choice and framing can significantly alter a topic's perceived importance or meaning, guiding readers toward a specific viewpoint.

3. Science and Health Reporting: Even fields regarded as bastions of objectivity, like science and health, are not immune to misleading reporting. Complex studies are often simplified to fit narrative arcs or sensational headlines, potentially misrepresenting the research's findings, limitations, and implications.

4. The Role of Agendas: Behind every piece of information lies an agenda. Whether it's a political party, a media conglomerate, or an individual influencer, the primary goal is often to sway opinion rather than inform. Recognizing this intent is crucial in critically evaluating the information presented and resisting manipulative tactics.

Understanding that manipulation is a constant in disseminating information arms us with skepticism. By relentlessly questioning, seeking out diverse sources, and engaging in independent research, we can navigate the misleading nature of political discourse and align our beliefs and actions with a more nuanced understanding of the truth.

When you take in any information, ask yourself:

1. Who is giving me this information, and where did this information originate from

2. What possible agenda could someone have for telling you this or for producing such information

3. Why are they telling you this

4. Can you tell, by the way they talk, who they're going to vote for

Principle 6: There are exceptions to everything

"Singulatim" – Singly, one by one

The acknowledgment that "there are exceptions to everything" underscores the complexity and nuance in all aspects of life, from laws and legal judgments to the very rules that guide our daily decisions. This principle is a testament to the diversity of human experience and the infinite variables in every situation.

Laws and Legal Judgments

In the realm of law, the principle of exceptions is well recognized. While laws provide a general framework for society, exceptions are necessary to account for unique circumstances. For instance, a law may prohibit trespassing, but exceptions exist for emergency services performing their duties. Legal systems incorporate these exceptions to ensure fairness and justice, recognizing that the rigid application of laws can sometimes lead to unjust outcomes.

Every Rule Has an Exception

This principle is not limited to legal systems. It extends to all areas of life, acknowledging that for every rule, an exception exists. Whether it's a linguistic rule in grammar, a principle in physics, or a guideline for behavior, exceptions emerge because regulations apply to a broad range of situations, not all of which can be foreseen by their creators.

The Importance of Recognizing Exceptions

Understanding that exceptions exist serves several important purposes:

• Promotes Critical Thinking: Recognizing exceptions encourages individuals to think critically about rules rather than accepting them unquestioningly. It fosters a mindset of constantly questioning and seeking a deeper understanding of the rationale behind rules.

• Encourages Empathy and Flexibility: Acknowledging exceptions allows for empathy and flexibility in dealing with others. It reminds us that everyone's circumstances are different, and a one-size-fits-all approach may not always be appropriate.

• Supports Adaptation and Growth: Recognizing exceptions is crucial for adaptation and growth. Societies, laws, and our understanding of the world evolve. The principle of exceptions allows for this evolution, providing the flexibility needed to accommodate new information and changing circumstances.

In summary, the principle that "there are exceptions to everything" reflects the complexity of the world and the need for a flexible, empathetic, and critical approach to navigating it. This principle encourages us to remain open-minded, seek understanding, and appreciate the diversity of human experience.

My Convictions

In God We Trust

Religion matters. Right and wrong come from god. Morality is objective. Otherwise, one could justify even cannibalism. Murder cannot be bad in one's eyes but acceptable in another. For this, we must trust god.

Law results from a subjective morality, as applied through religious diversity. Law is subject to the dominant religious morals of legislators and the executive administration. An atheist legislator answers to no higher power and, therefore, has no moral guidance.

Do no harm, unless harm is done upon

Individuals cannot be successful alone; they rely on others. We all depend on each other for a functioning society. We must respect one another and their roles in society. Consequently, we must not harm one another. The coupled exception is invoked when harm is done. This applies to reciprocal interactions (and vice versa) and when damage is done to a loved one, bystander, good Samaritan, or innocent victim.

More freedom is better than less freedom

Anything that limits freedoms is terrible. Even slightly diminished freedoms must be overwhelmingly beneficial. The benefits cannot merely benefit society to justify the restriction of freedoms.

Personal safety is a personal responsibility

Nobody has to protect you. Your safety is your responsibility. Within communities, we delegate the responsibility to specific groups (police, neighborhood watch, firefighters, etc). Though they are to protect the community, an individual's safety is the consequence of their actions and preparation.

Burdens are liabilities

Those who burden others are liabilities to others, and things that burden society are liabilities to society. Burdens on people, groups, and cultures are liabilities in their respective categories.

Avoid burdens, as they increase liabilities. If the burden reduces liability, then it is worth taking on.

Sacrifices should be worth it.

Whether a sacrifice should take place is up to the individual or group making the sacrifice. If others determine it, then the value of the sacrifice cannot be accurate, as it doesn't relate to the individual/group's evaluation.

If the sacrifice is not worth it, you should not make it. In some situations, individuals decide for their happiness despite it not worth it. Yet, through their actions, they have proven the sacrifice was worth it. The sacrifice is worth the happiness.

Help and protect the victimized

Protect victims from further victimization. The wronged should be made whole.

We live by the rule, not the exception

Rules are generic and apply to a variety of situations. Exceptions exist to handle cases where the rule should not apply. The exception is not the rule. Live by the rule, not the exceptions.

Sources

The sources below are referenced on all pages under the Politics section.

https://www.congress.gov/help/legislative-glossarywww.congress.gov