Shouldn't Santorum at least be praised for having stuck to his guns?

1. 82

   John Sarkisposted 12 years ago

   Shouldn't Santorum at least be praised for having stuck to his guns?
   
   When a liberal/left winger sticks to his guns, we praise him and call him an idealist; when a hardcore republican like Santorum sticks to his guns, we dump on him and call him an idiot.  Isn't this a double standard?  I didn't care much for the guy myself, but regardless, shouldn't we at least admire his firm stance on his beliefs?

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2. 60

   Josakposted 12 years ago

   I don't see the double standard, if a leftist has even a moderate view he is called a socialist if a leftist candidate emerged tomorrow calling for all private enterprise to be handed to the government and the initiation of a total wealth distribution program I don't think the general reaction would be to praise him.

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3. 41

   henderposted 12 years ago

   Someone like Ron Paul could be praised for sticking to his guns.  Santorum's "guns" are about a feverish need to impregnate his wacky Christian morals on the entire country, and his obsession with going after Iran.  I can appreciate someone who sticks to views that are radical or unorthodox, but they have to make sense.  Religion has no place in government, and Santorum's mission seemed to be to push more war and more faith on us all, radical views that make no sense.

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4. 59

   ackman1465posted 12 years ago

   You know.... if we PRAISE nut cases like Santorum, it will only ENCOURAGE other nut-cases to come forward in the future.  For that reason, I have sent a note to Rick, congratulating him for leaving the race for the Republican nomination... and encouraging him to return to Pennsylvania and to never show his face again...
   
   I hope it works....

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5. 82

   John Sarkisposted 12 years ago

   Thank you all for answering my question.
   
   By the way hender, I've heard the left (public radio, commentaries, etc) praise Ron Paul a few times.  Additionally, I personally think Ron Paul is considerably smarter than Santorum....
   
   Take care all
   John

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6. 60

   Teylinaposted 12 years ago

   Personally, I believe we should admire anyone who is willing to take ridicule or even just unpopular comments because they take a firm stand for something unless it becomes dangerous--such as becoming so outrageous as to incite riot! Beliefs (in everything--not just religion) are personal. They cover people's feelings or what they think about anything. If we don't agree, we don't have to listen or read. If that is impossible, or if it is a debate we want to know both side about something, we need to accept that In Our Mind we agree to disagree. If we choose to openly disagree, I think we should acknowledge the stance of the other, whether it makes sense to us or not. If they incite to riot--that's a different ballgame. Freedom of speech? Freedom of beliefs? Have we lost those along with everything else? We might ask ourselves if we would take a firm stance on an unpopular opinion. It's not easy; it takes courage and faith in one's beliefs to take that stance, and yes, we should give credit for that; like I asked--could we do it? Double standard? Just about everything in this world is a double-standard anymore!

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