discourse

When considering law and policy, the dominant factor should be what is just. When interacting with people, compassion should also be an important factor. The relative priorities of justice and compassion go a long way toward defining a political or philosophical position.

All that said, when discussing law and policy with people, things get complicated. I sometimes fail to give appropriate weight to compassion when expressing myself, even while holding a justice-dominant opinion. This is something I would like to improve in myself.

Obama's speech

Barack Obama's speech today really spoke to me. He has articulated many of the problems we face as a country, without sinking into us-versus-them mode. Lots of politicians have claimed to be uniters, but this one seems to actually have that clue. Go, read.

Aside from major deal-killers, more than specific issues, I judge candidates for executive offices on their visions, their passions, and their characters. I had already registered as a Democrat to vote against one candidate in next month's primary; it's refreshing to find myself wanting to vote for somebody. (I don't know how I'll vote in November, but I don't have to decide that any time soon.)