(no subject)
I talked to my mom the other day, and mentioned our new president-elect. She kind of answered half-heartedly, so I said, "you voted for McCain, didn't you?" She did. I asked her why she didn't like Obama, and she said it was because he seemed to have different things to say about issues depending on who he was talking to. I had heard this from someone else the day of the election, so I was already wondering about it. I came to the conclusion that, depending on the point of view, it can be seen as a good or bad quality. My view is that it shows flexibility, and that I would be more concerned with someone who has made up their mind about things and won't budge. I bristle at the thought of becoming solidified in my ideas about the world, and I strive to be flexible about whatever ideas I am holding at the moment. I believe it is "conviction" that people like my mom seem to value so much. So I am wondering, what exactly is "conviction", and how, if at all, has it helped Americans as we strive for peace, happiness, and prosperity?