Principles Vs. Pragmatism

Something I thought of today-or read somewhere, and think I thought of it-was a distinction of Principles and Pragmatism. To make a sweeping generalization, I think what we call 'right wing' people are too obsessed with Principle-they often support policies without really thinking about the people that will be hurt by them, just because they are the right thing to do.

On the other hand, 'left wing' people tend to be all about pragmatism-let's just keep everybody fed and happy. Sometimes, though, they support things that will hurt people and society in the long run, to make them feel better now.

Anyway, just a thought...