Former Senator H. L. Richardson discusses his theories that the major conflict in modern politics and public policy is based on a fundamental battle between traditional values and contemporary humanist dogma.
Richardson writes that the tendancy of one who is rooted in the traditional views of courtesy, civility and directness is to be reluctant to challenge a political adversary in a confrontational manner. This allows them to be turned around into a defensive position during an exchange with a humanist, who has no such reluctance. He states that the old Marxist postulate of "the ends justify the means" fit firmly into the philosophy of most humanists.
He states that the traditional American avoids and repels from conflict, while a humanist is drawn to it as a nescessary means for change and enacting their agenda. This difference puts traditionalists at a competitive disadvantage.
Ricahrdson continues that he believes conservatives must accept the premises of confrontational politics to successfully battle the political left and abandon the desire for compromise, as compromise is simply moving the world to the left in smaller increments.
Only 135 pages, Confrontational Politics is a good read that will make you think about the tactics of public policy "war" before and while you engage in political battle.
