Intellectual Honesty as the New System: No Strings Attached

In regards to science (specifically, climate science.) I heard someone bemoan the fact that people often vote straight according to the party line rather than acquiring a nuanced understanding of issues. In reply, someone else joked sarcastically that the best political strategy is to check off the #1 name on your party's ballot with no research because "they know what they're doing." It was a joke, and he was funny. I laughed, trust me.

We try, a lot of us, but nuance is hard, now. To be honest, it distressed me to remember that his joke was a little too close to how many of us feel. Why do we have to choose between our deeply held values and ideas? I know there is no such thing as a perfect candidate that completely espouses what we believe in, and in the improbable instance that we come across one for ourselves, he will be an inspiration to horror in our otherwise-minded neighbors. There is always a string attached; there is no "All-American Man" in politics.