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johnnyFive · 2589 days ago · link · · parent · post: Comey: FBI is investigating Russian election interference, Trump ties
The answer to your last statement is right there--we stop saying that it's "stupid" to apply virtue to large-scale decisions.
Ok, replace 'stupid' with 'completely ineffectual' and what changes? I'm sorry to sound snarky about this, but it seems to be unsolvable. We're American. We're embarrassed by the actions of our political system/politicians. TFG is Russian, he's embarrassed by the actions of his political system/politicians. Now what? Go 'Our politicians are slightly less corrupt than yours because they aren't literally murdering rivals in the streets?' Sure, we can say that a lot, but then what? What value is drawn by comparing them? What value is there in saying, in isolation 'Our politicians are completely lacking in virtue.'