BLIND LOYALTY: following your leader even when they get things bass ackwards and refuse to honestly say, "Oh crap, we've gotten this wrong. Let's change direction."
With Scott McClellan's book "What Happened" hitting the shelves, the tidal wave of criticism that has rushed his way was to be expected. There are those, such as Pat Buchanan, that believe McClellan should have kept his mouth closed because it is wrong to "rat out" the boss. Sheeeeeit.
The need for SOME people that have or crave power to put other people in their pockets is sickening. It's damn near pervy. "Hey little boy, want some candy?" Are we supposed to turn a blind eye to things that conflict with our personl beliefs simply because we have been "gifted" by THE MAN? Hell to the no.
The "you've been given something few get, so sit down and shut up" mentality isn't new. It's been around for a LOOONG time and will still be around a LOOONG time from now. That is why applaud people like McClellan who stand up and say "Wait a minute, we need to address some things..." even if that means a few bridges have to be burnt.
Hell, I voted for W twice. At the time I did, I was pretty far to the right in my political beliefs and he was the ONE that best fit my ideas about what a President should be. Halfway through his first term, I had doubts. Stayed loyal to the GOP even though I wasn't happy with it or W. Finally, after watching W royally eff things up, lie and yoda-speak his way into idiocy, I had to jump ship.
(with respect to Yoda, W speaks only with the backwardness of tongue, minus the cool wisdomy parts)
As a one time Right Winged, Pentecostal Republican, I can honestly say that it is good to keep an open mind and a willingness to admit when you've made a mistake. There is nothing commanding you to stay fixed in your position if you have come to change your mind. That's one of the best parts of freedom. Now, as an agnostic independent with a serious lean to the left, I applaud anyone who has the balls to stand and say "Oops, I f#$@'d that up" and then turns around and finds a better direction.
Supporting someone you believe in is great (ask David Cook or any one who voted for him). Continuing to support that person even when they make gross errors, refuse to admit their mistakes and promise to continue pushing forward with a faulty plan doesn't make you loyal, it makes you an enabler.
