In private conversation, a friend called me “bullheaded.” That was a sincere compliment, I believe, intended as such and well received. I offer this as an apologetic for bullheadedness, as well as a serious condemnation of it in the wrong hands or in questionable circumstances.
Favorably, bullheaded means resolute, tenacious, determined, and I am each of those in certain intellectual ways. In fact, while it seldom serves its purpose among the obstinate, unreasonable, or stubborn antagonists, bullheaded arguments strictly assure that a perspective remains in focus. Points remain until they are made and understood.
Arguments inevitably arise from flaws — usually ignorance, missing information, altered truth, redefinitions, or simple lack of depth. Desired outcomes also create serious problems. Most wars develop from projections. Outcomes, regardless of reality, require means, and remaining arguments center around the ways of getting what we want.
Currently, elected senators and representatives align with the President of the USA. The House of Representatives have voted democratically to retain the existing laws. The margin is very slim. Senators also agree, by simple majority, with the House. And the President approves of the majority view of both Houses of Congress. In this precise set of conditions, the Democrats reject the democratic majority. In spite, they blame the Republicans for shutting down the government, They are using legal rules to prevent a majority of democratically elected legislators from passing a resolution.
No matter what your opinion is, the Democrats — not the Republicans — are fully responsible for the government shutdown. They reject the majority opinion.
That is an example of my bullheaded thinking. Our national concerns can be blamed on whoever you like, the faults with government are broad and unipartisan, idiots exist in multiple places, but the Democrats almost universally get the full responsibility for the shutdown. Republicans, in principle and by vote, agreed in majority, with some changes, to continue the budget.
Any further discussion is useless if you cannot or will not accept that.
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