Reply #11: Herd instinct

[Perry Logan]

I don't think we exactly "eat our own," but I agree that liberals are far more self-critical than wingers.

The political right in America have an incredibly overdeveloped HERD INSTINCT. They would obviously vote for a lamppost if you told them to. This is a tremendous political advantage for them--but it has led us directly to the mess we're in.

And of course, liberals in general possess a very modest herd instinct. We delight in criticizing ourselves and our leaders. Mindless loyalty to party is not very characteristic of our tribe.

In saying these things, I intend no criticism. On the contrary, I agree that our tendency to question ourselves is what helps keep us honest. Recent events make it clear that the "herd approach" to politics leads to incredible corruption--and ultimately backfires.