Hi all, first diary entry for me... please be gentle ;)
It occurs to me that one difference between Bush-type "conservatives" - who aren't conservative at all - and Kerry supporters is Kerry folks' ability to understand that you don't have to
act on your feelings. It seems like the Bush supporters are all about feeling good in the moment. Scoring points. Venting.
Sure it
feels good to support someone who says "they can run but they can't hide". But isn't being a grown-up about NOT gratifying our emotions? Isn't being a grown-up about taking a deep breath, putting your immediate gut reactions aside and "keeping your eye on the ball"? (to quote someone I admire very much!)
It's not as much fun, I suppose, taking the long view. It may involve letting other people (or nations, for that matter) save face, or be part of the process. It may - heavens forfend! - involve compromise!! But grown-ups don't mind. Because grown-ups are mature enough (unlike children or apparently Bush conservatives)to understand that it's the reaching of that end goal that is ultimately gives you the most satisfaction.
The Bush supporters are just soooo focused on emotions all the time, and that focus seems immature, and creates a less-disciplined approach to managing both international conflicts and life in general, I suppose.