Does anyone remember this phrase from school?

Question

"Whats right is not always popular. Whats popular is not always right."

I sometimes think of this quote when I think of Bush and his approval ratings. What are your opinions?

(How bout no hateful comments and lets just discuss like adults)

Answer 1

I think of Lincoln and the fact that he was not only hated in the South, but by much of the North, too. He, too, was caricatured as a dumb ape, etc. and was hated for prosecuting the war with such determination, and at such a great cost.

But an anecdote about Lincoln was that at a cabinet meeting, his cabinet all voted "Nay" for a proposal. But Lincoln voted, "Aye". Then he tallied up the votes and said, "The Ayes have it". This is because the President is a leader, it is his responsibility, it is his decision to make, and often he must do what he thinks right regardless of its popularity.

Sometimes I see Bush as being in the same position as Lincoln.

Answer 2

While that phrase is true, it stopped applying to Bush after he said "Major combat operations in Iraq have ended" on May 2, 2003, when in reality, they were just beginning.

After the invasion of Iraq and overthrowing of Saddam's corrupt government (which of course was right), Bush's actions have been about as right as they have been popular (and I voted for him twice, fyi).

Answer 3

Yes I do remember the quote, but however I disagree that Bush is doing the right things for our nation.

Your question could also be applied to the Gay marriage question, it sure isn't popular, but it is the right thing to do to let them marry. To deny rights based on the popularity or unpopularity of a segment of our population is not only morally wrong, but unconstitutional.

See Amendment 14 Equal protection under the Law, not separate but equal.

Answer 4

I do remember that quote and for the most part it is true. Howvever in the situation concerning the President's approval ratings, this quotem statement or belief does not apply. There is nothing that he and his cabinet have done in his last 6 years that has been right or just. Bush has decided that he doesn't care what the opinions of the American public is, his agenda is to make a mark in history, no matter how negative it is.

Answer 5

Searches on Americans without warrants. Is that right or popular? How about the amnesty for illegal aliens that Bush proposed (his work visa program)? Is that right or popular?

Truth is this can be applied to both parties. Bush isn't a victim. Nor are his opponents.

Answer 6

Look at it this way. America is a democracy. The President of the United States works for you, not the other way around. If someone asked your boss what he or she thought of the way you do your job, would you think the answer was important?

Stop thinking of it as popularity - this isn't high school. This is the real world, and our country is doing something that may very well be wrong, and in violation of what our country is supposed to be based on.

If the American people, when polled, don't approve of the way Bush (their EMPLOYEE) is doing his job, then he ought to consider changing the way he's doing it. He's supposed to represent us.

Answer 7

Truman's popularity was very low during the Korean War. Now he's considered a great President. Go figure,right?

Answer 8

No, but in 6th grade, back in 1960 I remember when after our "milk break" Larry Jenkins would stand up in the seat of his desk, and throw his empty milk carton at the trashcan while yelling, "Up the baduke". A fond memory. And I agree with you Bush is not popular, but someday he may actually get something right.

Answer 9

Abe Lincoln said "You can fool some of the people all of the time."

He was talking about the 30% who still haven't figured out what a miserable failure Bush has been.

Answer 10

A very logical and valid adage. However, sometimes what's popular IS right. i.e. the lack of support for Bush and his policies.