Willingness to Compromise: Virtue or Vice?

[rucky]

Poll question: Willingness to Compromise: Virtue or Vice?

Some of us seek a win-win situation. Some of us want to win.

I think much of the divisions we see - in the country and within our party - stem from a differing viewpoint on certain values. And what some see as a value, others see as a weakness. Logic vs. intuition is one example. Willingness to compromise is another. These values are relative to the individual, and don't necessarily fall in line with the conventional political labels. There are as many viewpoints as there are individuals. Our goals & needs often clash with the will of others. But what makes us get along in the world is our ability to compromise, or fight for our viewpoint.

Of course there is no one magic path that leads us to success & happiness. Compromise alone won't get you there, sometimes you have to dig in your heels. The trick is to pick your battles carefully.

But it's become more prounounced that our society takes a black & white view on, well, nearly everything. And people are also becoming more black & white about the lost art of compromise. Anybody who watches a legislative session on CSPAN for five minutes knows how this translates in the political world. There's no doubt that the RW has absolutely no interest in compromise. What I'm more curious about is how YOU view it: as a Democrat, within the party, and in your daily life.

On a more personal level, every day we face situations at work or at home where we make choices whether or not to compromise. In general, is pleasing as many people as possible something you strive for - even if it means making some personal sacrifices, or is winning more important? What bothers you the most, the "pink tutu" Democrats, or the "stubborn left" that chastizes any pol that's less than perfect?

Naturally, each situation is different, but we have underlying philosophies & outlooks which guide our decisions. So which way do you lean? How has this translated to your place on the political spectrum? The candidate(s) you choose to support?

[wysimdnwyg]

1. Compromising is fundamental

I voted for 50/50, but I'm not sure that's appropriate any more than the other selections. The act of compromising is necessary to ensure that things can get done and for the betterment of society. But it must be done by all sides involved. If one group does not compromise, they become totalitarian, thus destroying the democratic foundation. If, however, all sides agree to compromise when necessary for the betterment of the whole, society is strengthened.

[rucky]

2. Then wouldn't you TRY more often than not?

[wysimdnwyg]

5. Notice I said I'm not sure that's the appropriate answer

I would say we must TRY most of the time to work out a reasonable solution, which might involve compromise. However, given that some individuals refuse to compromise at all, it's not always feasible. I refuse to compromise my beliefs or at the expense thereof. Therefore, 50/50 seemed to be as good an answer as anything else.

[LWolf]

3. Other:

It depends. I compromise a lot out of necessity. But I don't compromise my integrity. I don't compromise my values, or who I am.

It depends on what the compromise entails. And there isn't a number for it.

[ThirdWheelLegend]

6. Agreed LWolf

Compromising integrity is off my list. Would be a reason I support Kucinich.

Oh, and is that Nelson quote in your sig from his new song?

TWL

[LWolf]

8. Yes, it is.

The song he is going to perform publicly for the first time January 3rd in Austin, at a DK fundraising concert.

What Ever Happened To Peace On Earth

There's so many things going on in the world
Babies dying
Mothers crying
How much oil is one human life worth
And what ever happened to peace on earth

We believe everything that they tell us
They're gonna' kill us
So we gotta' kill them first
But I remember a commandment
Thou shall not kill
How much is that soldier's life worth
And whatever happened to peace on earth

(Bridge)
And the bewildered herd is still believing
Everything we’ve been told from our birth
Hell they won't lie to me
Not on my own damn TV
But how much is a liars word worth
And whatever happened to peace on earth

So I guess it's just
Do unto others before they do it to you
Let’s just kill em' all and let God sort em' out
Is this what God wants us to do

(Repeat Bridge)
And the bewildered herd is still believing
Everything we’ve been told from our birth
Hell they won’t lie to me
Not on my own damn TV
But how much is a liars word worth
And whatever happened to peace on earth

Now you probably won’t hear this on your radio
Probably not on your local TV
But if there's a time, and if you're ever so inclined
You can always hear it from me
How much is one picker's word worth
And whatever happened to peace on earth

But don't confuse caring for weakness
You can’t put that label on me
The truth is my weapon of mass protection
And I believe truth sets you free

(Bridge)
And the bewildered herd is still believing
Everything we've been told from our birth
Hell they won't lie to me
Not on my own damn TV
But how much is a liars word worth
And whatever happened to peace on earth

Dennis has planned various events in Austin, Texas, January 2nd and 3rd, including a fundraising concert at the Austin Music Hall with Kucinich Endorsers Willie Nelson, Tim Reynolds, Michelle Shocked, and the Doobie Brothers’ Pat Simmons, along with Jim Hightower, Bonnie Raitt, Tish Hinojosa, and Michael McDonald. Following the show there will be an artist's reception at La Zona Rosa, 4th St. and Rio Grande.

LIVE WEBCAST: The concert will be webcast live at www.kucinich.us and will include live interviews throughout from Kucinich and from celebrity supporters in the audience. Be watching at 8 p.m. Central Time on Jan. 3rd.

[Monte Carlo]

4. Let's never negotiate out of fear, but let's never fear to negotiate. ~JFK

Compromise is a tricky subject. It all depends upon the situation at hand. Compromising with Hitler in exchange for Czechoslovakia was foolish. Compromising to end nuclear build-ups was vital. It just depends.

[jsw_81]

7. Compromise is essential in politics

Without it, we'd be screwed and would never get anything done. But there's a difference between compromising on issues (like President Clinton and President-elect Gore frequently did) and basically rolling over for the Republicans like some in our party, especially a certain senator from Connecticut would have us do.

[NashVegas]

9. I Can't Answer This Poll

As a woman in the workplace, I've learn that compromise is important, but more important is knowing how to pick and choose your battles.

[leyton]

10. Daschle-style compromise:

I would have said, 'Rarely try to compromise' but I see that everyone else seems to be saying 50/50, so I'll go along with that.

[corporatewhore]

11. There are certain issues i wont compromise on

Free Trade(every thing is connected to this rampant coporatism privatization slavery militerization environment labor survial of local communities)
Israel/Palestine
Gun Control(to much waste of human potential)

[mouse7]

12. Diplomacy is...

Diplomacy is the art of getting someone to happily do everything you want.

-paraphrase of some famous quote.

I'm fine with Democrats willing to compromise as long as we are getting everything we want.

[imhotep]

13. While all of you compromise

Republicans control all branches of government and have no intention of representing anyone who is not wealthy.
Cowards compromise.