Positive reinforcement used to be the new best way to get things accomplished. The concept was, that you can establish a better outlook among people by rewarding them for what they do right instead of punishing them for not doing enough.
It is a good concept that used to be one of the hallmarks of what it meant to be liberal in America. Enlightened Americans find the good in others, instead of concetrating on what's wrong with them. Back when I was well on my way to becoming a good little liberal, this was one of the concepts that attracted me to it.
It still holds today, but it's not as universal as it used to be. Now it seems like some are worthy of positive reinforcement, but others aren't. In other words, some are worthy of praise, but others are only worthy of scorn.
Apparently the United States of America falls in the second category. The American left will defend their scornful words by saying things like, "a real patriot is willing to point out the failures of the US as well as the successes", "a true American is willing to accept the fact that the US has done some awful things, as well as some really great things" or "we can't be proud of the good things while ignoring the bad thing."
But wait a minute, isn't that what the whole concept of "positive reinforcement" is about? Doesn't that fly in the face of "finding the good instead of concentrating on the bad?"
The American left seems willing to use positive reinforcement for the rest of the world. When Mahmoud Ahmadinejad came to the U.S., the left insisted that he should be given a forum to speak, no matter what differences we may have with him. Former Presiden Jimmy Carter insists that we should be meeting with terrorist leaders, and treat them like any other friend. Even as Cubans are risking their lives, hopping on doors, driftwood or anything else they can to escape Castro, the left holds him up as an inspiration to the world. Hussein's Iraq was "no threat" to the US, but we should be running to defend Darfur with all speed.
Meanwhile, mistreatment and humiliation of detainees are being likened to the massacre of Mai Lai, but when mass graves are found in Iraq, they are excused by the left with "what do you expect". Since the U.S. isn't willing to sign on to the Kyoto treaty, we are the enemy, but it's somehow "understandable" for China and India to be exempt from its draconion and useless demands. It's understandable for Cuba, Venezuela and Mexico to drill for oil in the Gulf, but its an ecological disaster when the US does.
I'm still waiting for the far left to show the balance implied in "taking the good with the bad". I listen to the liberals running for president... I'm waiting for them to talk about how great it is to be an American. I'm waiting for any lefty leader to tell me how they love the United States without adding some qualifier or exception.
So, why is it that the left talks about "positive reinforcement" but doesn't seem to apply it to the country that offers the greatest opportunity for individual achievement in the world?