Are you an Ideologue?

[Stinky The Clown]

Merriam Webster Online defines Ideologue as follows:

1 : an impractical idealist
2 : an often blindly partisan advocate or adherent of a particular ideology

As we face the next two judicial confirmations and the confirmation of Bolton for the UN slot, we call these three nominees, among other things, ideologues.

As I hear this, I have to do an internal compass check. Am **I** an ideologue? Am I different from these three simply by dint of the side of the spectrum on which I choose to be?

I think I *am* an ideologue on some issues. On other issues, some the bedrock of liberalism, I'm more inclined to listen to alternatives. Am I a 'part-time ideologue'? A 'selective ideologue'? A 'reasoned ideologue'?

Or is it that for one to be an ideologue one must be absolute in holding (blindly or with reason) all positions of the ideology to which one subscribes?

For me, I don't know how to answer this question.

Where do you see yourself?

Perhaps you can expand a bit on your answer so I can learn from your views.

[MisterP]

1. One Frederick Douglass is always worth a hundred Andrew Jacksons

[acmejack]

2. I am guilty!

Impractical idealist say some, an often blindly partisan advocate or adherent of a particular ideology most will agree. As one of my favorite ideologues once said "They tell me I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one"!

[Canuckistanian]

3. I find I can go off the deep end on issues sometimes

Sometimes irrationally. But usually after some reflection, I start to see other people's point of view.
But in the big scheme of things, everything comes down to practicality, logic and consistency.
Which is why
I am a liberal

[Stinky The Clown]

5. The air here must be the same as it is in Canukistan

cuz I'm the same way.

[rogerashton]

4. "Ideology" is

discourse that supports the interest of the ruling class.

So, if you are not a "conservative," you are not an ideologue.