The Relationship between Martial Arts and Politics II

I have studied the martial arts for many years. In my studies I have found that almost uniformly in the Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Okinawan traditions the concept that an interrelationship exists between the active and passive principles as examplified by the by the Chinese Taoist principle of the Yin and Yang, its Korean variant Um and Yang or its Japanese incarnation of Inyodo. Grandmaster Hwang Kee, the founder of Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan school of martial arts maintained in the Moo Do Chul Hahk the active principle and its passive balanced by the presence of a neutral element cannot survive in the absence of the other two principles. Only together can the three elements engender the substance and form necessary for the world to function id: (Hwang, 2009). This concept has a practical application within the political realm. I believe that the cyclical nature of politics lends credence to such an application. Indeed if an individual examines the history of the shifts in power within the Congress, and the Presidency a clear cyclical pattern emerges. In light of the constant shifts within politics. I would argue that a successful party is one that develops strategies and tactics founded upon the recognition of the importance of these cycles. Furthermore, the success of a party requires that they utilize their time and resources in such a way that they can maximize their acquisition and conservation of political capital in order to ensure their continued relevance during their time in the minority As such I would contend that the minority party should focus the majority of its activities on retrenchment, consolidation and acquisition of new assets. At this point it seems prudent in my opinion to choose battles with the majority selectively, being careful to avoid a wholesale disengagement and retreat from the press outlets controlled by the majority party, while, embracing only those outlets sympathetic to the positions adopted by the minority. Such an exclusive strategy could nullify efforts to expand the base to draw in more moderates and independent minded people. Some may interpret this as advocating a complete state of passivity while, being in the minority, this view is inaccurate because, the American Republic is such that it requires the presence of a majority, a minority, and an independent element to function in the way envisioned by the Founders.