Reply #3: Is there really a good answer?

[Freedom_from_Chains]

"My pet peeve is the acceptance of the Hegelian or Manichean frame in which these political, economic, and social debates are placed. In some respect, the very structure of debate, as opposed to the building of consensus, reinforces the right/wrong, win/lose worldview of the authoritarian"

In the real world you are probably correct as whatever authority currently exists has an interest in preserving the status quo. For me though, when I talk about debate the goal is always to arrive at truth. However, I am probably a simpleton and\or hopelessly idealistic.

I suppose that is the basic flaw of politics in itself as in large part politics is all about lying. One can have the best ideas in the world about how we should govern ourselves, but the fact remains that one still has to get themselves elected.

Politicians do not get themselves elected by factual persuasion and truth. They get themselves elected by catering to peoples preconceived world views and by convincing them that if you vote for me, I will see that world view is maintained.