One of the Obama mantra's is "Change We Can Believe In." I can add some phrases that make his slogan less catchy but improve it: "I propose change that is worthy of your belief precisely because it is grounded in the truth. Embrace it, not because of its believability, but its validity." Alas, they didn't ask me for feedback before going to the printers. Too bad!
I can understand why they didn't talk to me, however, because those clarifying phrases would take the discussion to another level. It's no small bother when the litmus test becomes "validity" not "believability." Now you have to prove that the specific changes you propose are the best possible response to all of the relevant facts. No more populist arguments that declare a proposed change as the right one for the mere fact that many believe it.
Solomon, one smart cookie and an accomplished kingdom organizer, twice said, "There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" (Prov. 14:12; 16:25). To our current political debate, Solomon would say it is possible to embrace a "way forward," that is, in point of fact, a journey to disaster. No matter how many jump on the bandwagon, their numbers will not alter its destination.
This kind of flawed logic is what the Obama slogan celebrates. But therein lies it appeal, I suspect, to a younger generation. J. Budziszewski, a professor at the University of Texas, has well captured the student ethos. Illuminating remarks are captured in his book, Ask Me Anything 2. A sorority coed coos: "Professor Theophilus, since I'm here, would you do me a big big favor?" He agrees to look at her paper and then offers a critique. She responds: "'I don't feel like I've committed a fallacy. You're just not being fair.' Surprised, I look up. The flush had reached her nose, and her eyes looked moist. 'I feel you're just looking for things wrong.'"
This is not just about the "younger generation." A cultural shift is notably evident among the young, but is effecting all ages. Instead of asking "Is it true?", men and women increasingly inquire "How do I feel about it?" The fact that many find Obama's mantra believable is a telling commentary on our changing culture. Personally, I don't find "Change We Can Believe In" very persuasive. But the fact that many do persuades me of an alarming change in progress, the devaluation of truth. I do believe that!
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