A Note on Victory, and Credit.

[dave29]

When the shadow of the sash appeared on the curtains it was between seven and eight oclock and then I was in time again, hearing the watch. It was Grandfather's and when Father gave it to me he said I give you the mausoleum of all hope and desire; it's rather excruciating-ly apt that you will use it to gain the reducto absurdum of all human experience which can fit your individual needs no better than it fitted his or his father's. I give it to you not that you may remember time, but that you might forget it now and then for a moment and not spend all your breath trying to conquer it. Because no battle is ever won he said. They are not even fought. The field only reveals to man his own folly and despair, and victory is an illusion of philosophers and fools -- from William Faulkner's The Sound and The Fury.

It is extremely interesting to me to watch people seek credit in victory. Of course people should be proud of their works, and credit should be given where it is due. It is when credit is sought or expected, or an attempt is made to steal it... that one can gain true illumination into a persons character.

Howard Dean has taken credit for nothing. When describing Democratic victories, he always uses words like "our strategy" and "our efforts" in describing the countless people whom have been inspired by his call for a return to Democratic ideals. He understands that the process is un-ending, and we must always be engaged. It is this philosophy that has empowered us to shift the balance of opportunity in our favor. For now. We understand that victory is a moving target. That is the very definition of progress.

This is not to say those who seek credit do not deserve it... I seek merely to suggest that those who are now in the process of seeking it may not understand the field they stand on. They may fancy themselves generals today, and expect all of the accolades that perception entails. But true victory lies only in the hearts of the men and women who understand...

the battle is never won.

[mmonk]

1. a DLC powerplay is what most of this is IMO.