Have you ever studied John Lock or Jean Jacques Rousseau about the social contract? I think it was JJR who said that in a democracy, it has to be the majority that rules, and that the minorities have to agree with what the majority dictates or there can be no peace.

The problem with trying to please everybody is that one's man's meat is another man's poison, that one group may find it perfectly acceptable to gun other people down if they are insulted, while another group may think that' is not the way one conducts oneself.

I also think the idea that one's personal principles should be the basis of one's decisions is erroneous. Ethics are group principles, and they are based on the greatest good for the greatest number. That is how they evolved. One should base decisions on ethics, and ethics are never primarily self-interested. The individual cannot survive without the group. The group can survive without some individuals.

Catherine, the Great, of Russia, was a benevolent despot. She remained one throughout her life. These are very rare individuals. There's that quote that goes, "“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power."

I don't have a high opinion of either Biden or Trump. To be, both have been bought by others, and Biden's voting track record is dismal. That said, I think he made a tremendous effort to do good as a president, and I think it's unfortunate that it is in this time. At another time, he would have stood firm. Now, there are too many threats, and he is no condition to handle them.

As for Trump - how anyone can vote for that person, I will never understand.