The Audacity of Hope: Blog 5

Obama says that "facts alone don't settle political disputes." (127)
What we think of abortion isn't necessarily decided by scientific facts. There are many different views about when life begins and no one can say with absolute certainty that their view is the right one. I believe that abortion is wrong but others obviously have other opinions. I can't say for sure that mine is the correct one even though I have strong beliefs.
No one can say for sure when the right time is to leave Iraq. Some think we need to stay indefinitely while others think we should pull out quickly. Everyone's opinions are equal as opinions, but some may be better informed and therefore may carry more weight than opinions based strictly on emotions.
Another point to consider is that it seems that those who speak the loudest or the most often end up with the most influence and may even win the arguments even though they may not be right. Our politicians seem to understand this. While they don't lie there is no merit or reward in telling the full truth, if the full truth might weaken their arguments
Sometimes we and the media don't have the patience or take the time to sort out all the facts. So a politicians may tell the enough of the truth to gain voter support. Politicians might know that there are other facts that may not be as popular and may result in a loss of votes when seeking an election.
There is also the matter of raising campaign contributions without being corrupted by special interest groups. Obama tells about the difficulty legislators have when it comes to voting. They may want more time to make a decision; they may feel that both sides have merit; or they may simply want an amendment to the bill. But when it comes to a vote they have to make the best decision that they can at that time. Sometimes it will be a popular one and sometimes it won't. I believe they have to vote however their conscience tells them to vote.