
You cannot put out a fire by pouring gasoline on it. The same principle applies to political decisions. A protest may express frustration, but it does not automatically solve the problem that inspired it. Every ballot carries consequences beyond the moment it is cast. Prudence does not mean abandoning your principles. It means having the wisdom to consider the consequences of acting on them. Principle tells us what we stand for. Prudence reminds us what is at stake.

