... and quite another to exploit ignorance, pander to bigotry, and/or promulgate the perpetuation of institutionalized privilege. I hold it as axiomatic that learning and education is a 'public good.' I hold it as axiomatic that any form of bigotry, whether it's based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or national origin is toxic both to individuals and to our society. I know that people who personally benefit from any condition have a tendency to perpetuate that condition, good or bad. "Problems" are often seen as "rice bowls" ... like a medical industry that's enriched more by treatment than by cure or prevention. I know that many see such campaign themes as justified under the theory that the "ends justify the means." But I also know that's a morally bankrupt theory, since the means almost always become the ends.