La Lioness Priyanka (1000+ posts) Mon Feb-15-10 12:47 PM
Response to Original message
13. conservatism is very 14 year oldish philosophy. it is highly appropriate that children
write this sort of book, as children lack nuance, empathy and the ability to appreciate the complexity of the universe that is uniquely suited to conservative philosophy. I am not saying all 14 years old lack these abilities, just that the majority do.
it is extremely appropriate that a 14 year old kid is defining conservatism.
Aren't DUmmies the ones always going on and on and on about how wise their liberal children are? How they correct teachers, schoolmates, their friends' parents, people in line at the grocery store, etc. I don't know about other parents here but mine were taught empathy at a very early age. Every Sunday when they put a portion of their money in the collection plate and we discussed what that money would be used for: missions that helped the world's poorest people, restocking the food pantry, Christmas baskets, or other things our church was doing.
To teach a child that there are others their own age a half a world away who need wells dug to have clean water that comes so easily from the faucet for them, that a bowl of rice may be all they eat and they're thankful for it and that there are people willing to leave the comforts here in America to teach them to read and teach their parents skills that will enable them to provide for their children, to bring medicine to families who have never seen a doctor, I'd say does a good job of teaching them about life's complexity.
I don't know if this person has been around a lot of 14 year olds, because while they can be incredibly challenging, they're also interesting young people. They're starting to consider philosophical questions about why they're here and who they are, what they value. Heck some are even considering what sex they want to be and what sex they want to screw for the rest of their lives. I believe that kind of deep thought requires at least some nuance. For a people who try to wear nuance like a merit badge, they sure do try to paint everyone with a broad brush.
Cindie
