Or - at the least - one honest and brave man.  One out of so many, yes.  But, it is wise to notice honesty in the camp of one's chosen foes - whoever they may be. That is the narrow edged way which avoids demonization.

There is an ancient tradition, mentioned in Islamic, Jewish and Persian writings, that the world is prevented from being submerged in its follies and wickedness by the presence in each generation of a small number of just men who, through their conduct and good deeds, ensure the safety and survival of the people. They operate inconspicuously: scarcely recognized by others or even themselves.

The legend is widespread in Jewish folklore, but accounts vary as to the quality or number of these 'Zaddikim'. Some are hidden, or take action to avoid being noticed; others are known and subject to public attention. Proverbs X praises the just man as the foundation of the world; early Talmudic writings give the number as thirty (from an interpretation of Genesis XVIII: 18 whereby God promised Abraham that the world would never lack so many such as he; and the Babylonian section refers to forty-five. The number was rounded-off to three dozen by a Babylonian teacher in the fourth century from a numerical interpretation in Isiah XXX: 18 of the word for 'Him'.

It is thought, however, that the idea of thirty-six is not specifically Semitic, being taken from an Egyptian/Hellenistic notion of 36 celestial decans, each of which rules ten days of the year, and personifies them into watchmen of the Universe....

Whatever the details and origin of the legend....The world is maintained by quite small numbers of ordinary people who, by their presence, with no special claim to merit or distinction, go about their affairs in times of upheaval to provide oases of sanity and continuity. Those who claim to be in control of events strut about in the limelight and manipulate the levers of power without considering that these are not necessarily connected to anything behind the panel and any that are connected may do considerable damage before being reversed...[ source ]

by Bruce Wilson on Fri Jan 27, 2006 at 12:48:37 PM EST

It is embarrassing that religious leaders generally (left, right, and center) have not spoken out more about convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his ties with religious right leaders and gamblers. Ralph Reed, in campaigning for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia, likes to claim that those who criticize his 25-year friendship and strategic political alliance with Abramoff are promoting "guilt by association." It's fine for Reed to point out that he hasn't been charged with any crime (yet), and that he's cooperating in the federal investigation. However, Reed's political career is based largely on trading on the concept of "innocence by association" with religious right groups. So, it's fair to point out that he's a big hypocrite when he preaches against gambling while taking gamblers' money to advance their interests in limiting competition from other casinos.

by jhutson on Fri Jan 27, 2006 at 11:31:51 PM EST