Cheer Up Charlies
Nader and Bush Like Twins
RECEIVED Tue., Oct. 26, 2004
Dear Editor,
Michael Ventura is right: In their behavior, Ralph Nader and George Bush are twins separated at birth ["Letters @ 3am," Oct. 1]. Both define leadership as assertive persistence. Both stick to their guns (so to speak) regardless of opposition and contrary evidence. But the similarity also applies to their beliefs.
Both seek ideological purity. Both propose radical solutions, from scrapping treaties to dismantling institutions. Both abhor pragmatism and trivialize reform. Each sees himself as "a prophet crying in the wilderness," destined to endure harsh attacks from agents of the devil.
The difference is their view of power. Bush and Nader are today's avatars of the opposing world-views critiqued by Karl Popper:
For Bushites, "might is right." Power is the bulwark of good against encroaching chaos. Material and political success signal divine approval. Perpetuating that power is paramount, by any means whatsoever.
For Naderites, "future might is right" (or "might is wrong"). Power corrupts absolutely. Material and popular success signal relaxed vigilance against the demons attending on power. Anyone in power is wrong and anyone who achieves power immediately becomes wrong. The only ethical position is constant resistance.
Criticizing Nader will not reduce his support. To Naderites, public ridicule only confirms his steadfast righteousness. Nader's spartan lifestyle and his willingness to take abuse signal his status among the elect (if not the elected).
It's useless to argue that Nader can't win or that votes for Nader are votes for Bush. If you believe that might is wrong, nothing succeeds like failure. Even "conversion narratives" from Naderites-turned-Democrats are useless. Testimony from "fallen angels" who have succumbed to the blandishments of the mighty only stiffens the resolve of the faithful.
We have to break our obsession with power. That's what fuels the politics of personal destruction and cynicism about democracy. In Popper's Open Society and Its Enemies, people investigate might before judging what is right. Only then can we distinguish between better and worse, rather than merely right and wrong. Power is overrated.
Michael Ventura is right: In their behavior, Ralph Nader and George Bush are twins separated at birth ["Letters @ 3am," Oct. 1]. Both define leadership as assertive persistence. Both stick to their guns (so to speak) regardless of opposition and contrary evidence. But the similarity also applies to their beliefs.
Both seek ideological purity. Both propose radical solutions, from scrapping treaties to dismantling institutions. Both abhor pragmatism and trivialize reform. Each sees himself as "a prophet crying in the wilderness," destined to endure harsh attacks from agents of the devil.
The difference is their view of power. Bush and Nader are today's avatars of the opposing world-views critiqued by Karl Popper:
For Bushites, "might is right." Power is the bulwark of good against encroaching chaos. Material and political success signal divine approval. Perpetuating that power is paramount, by any means whatsoever.
For Naderites, "future might is right" (or "might is wrong"). Power corrupts absolutely. Material and popular success signal relaxed vigilance against the demons attending on power. Anyone in power is wrong and anyone who achieves power immediately becomes wrong. The only ethical position is constant resistance.
Criticizing Nader will not reduce his support. To Naderites, public ridicule only confirms his steadfast righteousness. Nader's spartan lifestyle and his willingness to take abuse signal his status among the elect (if not the elected).
It's useless to argue that Nader can't win or that votes for Nader are votes for Bush. If you believe that might is wrong, nothing succeeds like failure. Even "conversion narratives" from Naderites-turned-Democrats are useless. Testimony from "fallen angels" who have succumbed to the blandishments of the mighty only stiffens the resolve of the faithful.
We have to break our obsession with power. That's what fuels the politics of personal destruction and cynicism about democracy. In Popper's Open Society and Its Enemies, people investigate might before judging what is right. Only then can we distinguish between better and worse, rather than merely right and wrong. Power is overrated.
Davida Charney
