:: Netmarcos' Notes ::

:: Friday, August 15, 2003 ::

A great piece of analysis by Michael Novak on George W. Bush on National Review Online that does a fine job of contrasting W's reality with common perception in Europe ans elsewhere.

Another difference between the philosophy of "compassion" pursued by the Democrats and that pursued by the Republicans is that, in words President Clinton made famous, Democrats emphasize "feeling your pain," sensitivity, caring intentions. (The left presents itself as a kind of parallel to, or substitute for, religious feelings.) This emphasis on the heart also accounts for the disdain which leftists express for those on the right, whom they regard as either stupid or evil, or both, and decidedly beyond the pale of human decency.

By contrast, the Republicans define compassion in view of results achieved. Good intentions don't count. (The road to hell is paved with them.) They don't much admire sensitive feelings, or delicate expressions of solicitude. "Talking the talk" doesn't count — they think Democrats do altogether too much of that. What counts is results: actually improving the daily lives of the purported recipients of compassion. Europeans may have noticed how often Bush describes himself as a "results-oriented guy."

:: Mark 1:00 PM [+] ::
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