To paraphrase an Obamanism, hehey.  Combining the basic tenent of classic idealism, "I think therefore I am" with the Obaman (standing on the shoulders of Ghandi,etc.) political/philosophical ethos: become the change you wish to see in the culture, politics, and world.  Yes we can!

As usual the mighty Colbert, master of media space/time explains it all in his "Formiddable Oponent" segment.  Socratic dialogue with himself.

"Those who learn from history are doomed to watch other's repeat it" (drx), yes that's truism.  But with pragmatic idealism maybe we can cancel the murderous sequels, like oil wars, climate disaster, and economic depression? It's worth a try.