Some might consider the following quote to be an example not of skepticism but of cynicism, but the differences between the two outlooks cannot be more profoundly illustrated. The cynic will habitually believe ill of whatever object or subject he regards. The skeptic will withold judgement until the weight of evidence is convincing one way or another.
I submit that the author of the following had enough evidence by the time he said such a thing to have arrived at a thoughtful assessment. I’m about the same age as he was when he said it, I believe, and I have, after much kicking and screaming and weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth, been dragged forcefully by facts to believe the same:
“As Democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.”–H.L. Mencken, 1880-1956
I submit for your consideration the current crop of presidential candidates. “Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right… ”
Who’d-a thunk it? Steeler Wheel as the prophets of doom?
Trackposted to Outside the Beltway, Rosemary’s Thoughts, Right Truth, Leaning Straight Up, The Amboy Times, Cao’s Blog, Democrat=Socialist, Adeline and Hazel, Faultline USA, McCain Blogs, The World According to Carl, Blue Star Chronicles, Pirate’s Cove, The Pink Flamingo, Gulf Coast Hurricane Tracker, Wolf Pangloss, Right Voices, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe
Davido,
Thank you so much. As you well know, I’ve been accused of being both a skeptic & a cynic! Alas, I’ve been both, but I think my “writin’ trade” may be of more cynicism than skepticism!
Would like to give you a great big “brotherly” bear hug, if we were not so geographly far apart! You & I deserve it — OK for Wonder Woman to watch.
Would love to give Wonder Woman a similar hug. I “feel” a special friendship for her for keeping my brother “in Check” — not all females in her profession can do that 🙂 .
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I sent you an earlier post (e-mail) about the new 3-way POTUS candidacy. Am eagerly looking forward to see how you handle it on TWC!
hth
That is we were NOT blessed with a democracy, for our ForeFathers saw this flaw in the human heart. We have a REPUBLIC…if only our elected officials would remember that…
Sadly, Hugh, Rosemary, though the Founders gave us a republic (“If [we] can keep it” as Franklin said), the tatters of what was once a republic are being scattered by mob rule (democracy) fueled and directed by the Mass MEdia Podpeople Hivemind and our political masters. And as we all know by now,
Unfortunately, much of the ignorance of the mob is
a. willful ignorance, what I prefer to call self-lobotomy, and
b. entirely suitable (and strongly encouraged) by those who see it as simply a means to more power and/or wealth for themselves