By Slanted Light

Excuse while I reply to myself.

{{****I can think of a couple a bit more admirable than that: loyalty, friendship, bravery (putting someone elses's needs above his own)...

Of course! You're right, those are ideals, aren't they. And at least as admirable as the so-called "higher" ones for society.}}

This has made me think - always a dangerous time. As I read this I thought what are 'higher' than the ideals which help people to fight to protect our country i.e. loyalty, bravery etc.? You could argue that these are the highest ideals to pursue. Maybe. BUT, just now, watching BBC2 Newnight I saw an item about Iran, George Bush and John Bolton (US Ambassador to the UN). The reporter mentioned Bush's 'loyalty' to Bolton. On it's own his loyalty is a fine characteristic, but in this context it could mean such a f**k up for the rest of the world. So, I guess what I'm saying is that perhaps you're right not to automatically rate this as one of the highest virtues. (Maybe you weren't doing that, don't know). It's interesting though. pb