ABSTRACT
Compromise has as one of its meanings self-betrayal as well as the betrayal of others. But extreme, principled views can also have tyrannical resonance as in Barry Goldwater's affirmation of liberty extremism in defence of liberty is no vice. Lincoln was a principled compromiser in the evil matter of slavery. He limited his resistance to the westward expansion of slavery before his election to the presidency to the displeasure of the abolitionists, because he viewed its complete elimination as politically not feasible until the Civil War was won. It is customary to view principle and compromise as antagonists, and sometimes they are. But there is also the principle of compromise essential to the democratic process. Ideally, it is a bringing together of opposing sides in a peaceful and rational manner. Compromise has as one of its meanings self-betrayal as well as the betrayal of others.
