Is there a difference between what is absolutely the correct thing to do versus doing what the majority of the public wants them to do? What if the politician is trying to do the correct thing (for the long term) but that is different than what the voting public wants? Should the politician do the right thing or what the public wants?
2007-01-11 13:39:07 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
What's right is not always popular.
What's popular is not always right.
2007-01-11 13:42:51 · answer #1 · answered by jenh42002 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
A lot would depend on the situation, the degree and the individual involved, and where they think their responsibility lies. I assume you are talking about the war in Iraq. While I have my own personal opinion I will do my best to give you a coherent and Thought out answer independent of that. Lets start with some assumptions. Assume that the politition is an honest and reasonable man. Assume that there are no obvious "right" or "wrong" answers. Then It is up to the individual to determine the best course as they see it. If they continue with the war, will the result be worth the lives lost (this should be a primary question in any war). If they leave at this point what will be the consequences? short term (saving lives of troops) and long term (creating one more terrorist breeding ground a'la lebanon, syria, etc.) And what promises did he make to the people who elected him, what mandate was he given? Did he get elected under the promise to bring the troops home or to finish the war? As you can see there is no clear cut answer and a lot depends on the individual.
There can be a difference between popular opinion and the "right" answer (look at desegregation, the abolishment of the Jim Crow laws, and emancipation, all of which were hugely unpopul;ar decisions at the time. I'm sure that there are many others) Wheteher or not that would apply in the case of the Iraq war, that is a differnt Matter.
P.S. just to input my opinion, now that hopefully I've answered your question. I believe that this war is more popular than portrayed in the media. I believe that Troop morale is very high, and I believe that we need to stay and finish the job. Remember, we have an all volunteer Military. Every person in uniform in Iraq is there because they volunteered. Obviously, a large portion of our population believes in what we are doin g, otherwise they would not be wearing the uniform.
2007-01-11 14:00:35 · answer #2 · answered by ftn_nuke 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In general... if the large majority of the population want something... it will be the right thing to do.
But it is true that you need a tough leader to make the hard decisions... because your average citizen only see what's good for him/her and do not look at the big picture.
Everyone wants peace and do not want anyone to die. This is unrealistic in so many ways.
If we had no leaders... we would have anarchy within 24 hours.
2007-01-11 13:50:44 · answer #3 · answered by Aussies-Online 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course there is a difference between what is right and what is popular. A politician needs to choose what is right, and do it consistently. Consistently doing the right thing will go farther in earning her or him a place in history. Of course this means that they have to choose their battles. Making a morally responsible decision over the shouts of public criticism may mean that you need to compromise more on a lesser issue to aviod using your political captial.
2007-01-11 13:48:16 · answer #4 · answered by seantherunner 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
whilst it comprises rehabilitated former intercourse offenders the politicians and media ARE mendacity by way of their tooth! All they are doing is turning out to be further and extra hysteria to make the known public "think of" they are doing what's nice. If the known public may well be bright sufficient to "think of" for itself, they might are conscious of it is all knee jerk law designed to snatch votes. they do no longer look to be motive on saving the infants. in the event that they have been motive on saving a new child, they might coach, and combat for prevention by way of scientific care. they might make it so as that if a individual "thought" they could offend, they could bypass to a therapist and shelter the concern. yet, that must be to hassle-free for the U.S. The politicians ought to have their hysteria to garner votes and the media is purely in contact with regard to the scores. lookup most of the reknowned therapists in this field and look at what they ought to assert. they are Jill Levenson, Dr. Fred Berlin, Robert S. Longo and Judith Levine to call some. they are against all this new law and that they see it for what that's. they have given impressive feedback to the politicians and it is purely tossed aside. Who greater efficient to furnish them tips than the folk working with the rehabilitated former intercourse offenders?
2016-10-07 00:50:25 · answer #5 · answered by vishvanath 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes there is a difference...you either do right or you do wrong....what is
popular maybe be wrong or right...but is generally on the questionable side of things at best. so dont go with a POLL...go with what is right...
2007-01-11 13:50:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The problem today is that everyone governs by polls. Clinton was the first president to take it to another level.
2007-01-11 13:42:30 · answer #7 · answered by Chainsaw 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yep, they do what will keep the money rolling into their bank account. None of them are bad off if they do the popular vote.
2007-01-11 13:45:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
politicians do niether. They do what the party wants and nothing else.
2007-01-11 13:42:21 · answer #9 · answered by Rick J 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
They don't consider right or wrong, they consider what will keep them in office. Period.
2007-01-11 13:43:39 · answer #10 · answered by normobrian 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋