Why is Flip Flopping such a bad thing? One definition of a Fool is to do the same thing over and over again expecting positive results. In the fools case it is negative results. George Bush ring a bell? So why is changing your mind such a bad thing?

6 Comments so far

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   If it became clear to a politician that their previous thoughts had now become dangerously incorrect, I would pray to God that they would flip-flop.

2. ---

   I have no issue with people changing their minds, dude! I commend them for coming out and saying, “I was wrong about this, and after further study, I’ve changed my stance.”
   No Problem
   But if you adamantly stand there and say, “This is what is right.” Then when you are faced with an election, or if you are in front of a difference audience you change your tune, or maybe put it in a different key – you are a flip-flopper and that shows me that you can’t stand for anything.

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   In reality flip-flopping is a term that refers to stating you support one issue a certain way, to gain support, but after being elected, completely doing a 360 degree and supporting the complete opposite, because you don’t need to worry about votes anymore.
   But to right-wingers who believe that there is only one way to view each issue, and that is there way, any deviation is being wishy-washy, and rearranging your view of an issue, which all intelligent open-minded people do, is called flip-flopping.
   In other words, to right-wingers having an open-mind is anti-American.

4. ---

   Doris Kearns Goodwin, an historian, was asked what Abe Lincoln would say if he were charged with flip-flopping. She said Lincoln would say he’s smarter than he was in the past, and that his position has evolved.
   I think that point is an important one to remember. No one wants to support someone who changes positions because of the political winds, but no one wants someone who is completely inflexible despite changing events.

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   “do” is the point being.. Candidates are flip flopping on issues before they are in place.. It’s one thing to flip after trying.. It’s another to flip before hand.. To change positions because the issue itself has changed, like Iraq.. Would be a differant story.. Though, neither candidate has changed on that issue..

6. ---

   people who flip flop are only pacifying other people! changing your mind is 1 thing but flip flopping (j.kerry) is another. the definition of a fool (you gave) does not fit in the “context” given. not sure what your point is besides flip flopping. sorry