"What I like about Democrats is they stay classy. And by 'classy,' I mean high tax."
In this quote, Charles Krauthammer humorously suggests that a characteristic he admires in Democrats is their "classiness," which he ironically defines as having a propensity for imposing higher taxes. This statement satirically reflects his viewpoint that Democrats may prioritize progressive tax policies to finance social programs and services, but at the same time, it implies he finds this approach less noble compared to other political virtues. The quote provides insight into Krauthammer's perspective on Democratic values as seen through a conservative lens, where high taxes are perceived negatively rather than as a means of distributive justice.
"Liberalism is trust of the present and hope for the future. Conservatism is distrust of the present and fear of the future."
This quote by Charles Krauthammer encapsulates the fundamental difference between liberal and conservative philosophies. Liberals are characterized by their faith in the present society, recognizing its progress, and expressing optimism about the potential for further advancement. They believe that human nature is essentially good, and with proper policy and education, people can overcome societal challenges. On the other hand, conservatives view the present with suspicion, questioning whether current policies are beneficial or whether they undermine traditional values or institutions. They often express a fear of future changes, viewing them as potentially destabilizing or leading to unintended consequences. This fear arises from their belief that human nature is inherently flawed and must be guided by wise leadership and established norms. In essence, this quote highlights the contrasting perspectives between those who trust in society's current state and hope for its continued improvement (liberals) and those who distrust the present and fear what the future may bring (conservatives).
"The role of a conservative political strategist is not to seize the initiative, but to deny the opposition the playground on which to carry out their initiatives."
This quote by Charles Krauthammer suggests that the strategy of a conservative politican is defensive rather than offensive. Instead of pushing forward with new ideas or policies (initiatives), they focus on preventing their opponents from implementing their own policies, essentially denying them a platform to act. The idea is to control the political landscape by limiting the opposition's options and influence.
"Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of mankind may be right more than once in a lifetime."
This quote emphasizes the essence of democracy, which is rooted in the belief that individuals have the ability to reason and make informed decisions. The "recurrent suspicion" that more than half of mankind may be right more than once suggests a respect for the collective intelligence and wisdom of the people, recognizing that they can arrive at truths and make correct decisions despite individual differences. It implies a democratic system that encourages diverse viewpoints, promotes open dialogue, and ultimately seeks to find consensus through debate and informed decision-making processes.
"The ultimate sin is not Stalin's atrocities, or Pol Pot's Cambodia — that's just criminals behaving badly. The ultimate sin is the expulsion from Eden, the fall from grace, the loss of innocence. That's what really matters, and that's what we are all ultimately responsible for."
This quote by Charles Krauthammer suggests that while criminal acts such as those committed by Stalin or Pol Pot are heinous, they merely represent individuals behaving in a cruel and violent manner. However, the more profound "ultimate sin" lies in the loss of innocence, the fall from grace - symbolizing the human condition's inevitable shift away from an original, pure state. This transition is what truly matters and impacts us all on a deeper level, as it signifies our shared responsibility to maintain our own integrity and morality in the face of a complex world.
Newt Gingrich had to work hard - getting Republican candidates to sign the Contract with America - to nationalize the election that swept Republicans to victory in 1994. A Democratic anti-Tea Party campaign would do that for the Republicans - nationalize the election, gratis - in 2010.
- Charles Krauthammer
Ted Cruz is a patriot. He believes in what he does. He's done marvels in mobilizing conservatives, mobilizing Americans concerned about the direction of the ever-expanding entitlement state under Obama, and particularly the threat it is to freedom. I disagree with his tactics, but I agree entirely with his objectives.
- Charles Krauthammer
The international community lies at the center of the Obama foreign policy. Unfortunately, it is a fiction. There is no such thing. Different countries have different histories, geographies, necessities, and interests. There's no natural, inherent, or enduring international community.
- Charles Krauthammer
This is a formidable enemy. To dismiss it as a bunch of 'cowards' perpetuating 'senseless acts of violence' is complacent nonsense. People willing to kill thousands of innocents while they kill themselves are not cowards. They are deadly vicious warriors and need to be treated as such.
- Charles Krauthammer
Every new president flatters himself that he, kinder and gentler, is beginning the world anew. Yet, when Barack Obama in his inaugural address reached out to Muslims by saying, 'To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect,' his formulation was needlessly defensive and apologetic.
- Charles Krauthammer
The liberal vision of America is that it should be less arrogant, less unilateral, more internationalist. In Obama's view, America would subsume itself under a fuzzy internationalism in which the international community, which I think is a fiction, governs itself through the U.N.
- Charles Krauthammer
Life and consciousness are the two great mysteries. Actually, their substrates are the inanimate. And how do you get from neurons shooting around in the brain to the thought that pops up in your head and mine? There's something deeply mysterious about that. And if you're not struck by the mystery, I think you haven't thought about it.
- Charles Krauthammer
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