So for what its worth, heres what I think. Left-wing/right-wing, etc. is a myth - the fundamental distinction in politics is between idealism and pragmatism. Idealists are romantic about principles, about dreams and utopias. They want change NOW, sometimes at whatever cost. Theyre often political outsiders, gaining power through charisma and by uniting and inspiring mass movements behind an idea, or against an establishment or a foreign enemy. At worst, theyll kill and die - and send others to kill and die - for an idea. Pragmatists are cautious, gradualistic, and care more about the human costs of their decisions than about sticking to a principle. They want change too, but they worry about their responsibilities and do their best to think clearly about what will create the best real outcome. At their worst, they are complacent and their intransigence helps nobody while allowing harm to continue. And they inspire nobody. We need both in politics, and there are both types in all parties - even within most people. Our ideals make us act, and our pragmatism ensures we act with caution. In Scotland yesterday, pragmatism may have won but that doesnt mean idealism lost. The growth of nationalist independence movements across the UK is the result of huge disenfranchisement, and the realisation of this has wrongfooted the establishment. And while secession might be off the table for now, it will be right back again if there is no change. Either way, things are going to have to give and this is just the beginning of it.
Posted on: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 16:16:10 +0000
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