[Southack]

"You follow politicians, not principles."

That begs the question of whether the individual in question makes any difference.

Does it matter if a 5 year old girl is alone in a room with her mom? Does it matter if a 5 year old girl is instead alone in a room with a convicted serial child rapist?

If one states that the 5 year old girl should (or shouldn't) be alone in a room with any adult, then one has opined a position based upon a "principle" (such as that little girls should or shouldn't be alone in a room).

But perhaps trying to lead a life based upon 100% blind adherence to "principles" can lead to unintended consequences...

[A.J.Armitage]

Well, that's not really a good analogy. After all, the mom and the child molester will never change places, but elections do change officeholders. Suppose, however, you were deciding whether or not the little girl should be left alone with the guy who lives next door. Not that one particular person, but the person next door whoever he is (this is to make sure it stays in line with the way our political system works, powers gained by one president being almost always retained for others). Now, say the guy next door right now is a nice guy, but in a short period of time he'll move. You know that the last guy there was a child molester, and there's a very good chance whoever replaces the current resident will be like the last one. What do you do then?