King Joffrey Would Have (Eventually) Become a Good King

I thank CON for a substantive case, although I note that because PRO/CON are very much in agreement about most aspects on Joffrey, and to the extent that we agree, I would think that I've easily provided my burden.RebuttalAgreementsPRO/CON agree on many, many aspects:1) Joffrey was a mix of "tyrrany [sic] and incompetence" at the time of his death.2) Power corrupts3) Joffrey has many characteristics of a psychopath (not psychosis)4) Joffrey lies, is violent, and is arrogant in excessThis is the majority of both PRO/CON's cases, and PRO readily agrees to all of it.DisagreementsThe disagreements are few, but significant:D1) CON: "Joffrey was not very young--easily past the age of adulthood in Westeros"100% incorrect. Joffrey was young enough to require a Queen Regent. (http://www.merriam-webster.com...) () This means that Joffrey was recognized as still having a LOT of growing up to do. Most of his mistakes are a result of the rashness and impetuousness of youth, something he will grow out of as he matures.D2) That power corrupts is not something we can hold against Joffrey, as power would corrupt anyone and everyone who would seek the crown or had it thrust upon them.D3) Joffrey indeed exhibited many traits of a psychopath per Hare's checklist (http://www.minddisorders.com...). However, there are several things to note about CON's characterization:a) Psychopathy is synonymous with sociopathy, and not psychosis (i.e. Joffrey was not deranged). "In contrast to people with psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, who often lose contact with reality, psychopaths are almost always rational." [1]b) It's commonly accepted in the business world that sociopathy is a desired trait for people in power - "Psychopaths appear, through some Darwinian practical joke, to possess the very personality characteristics that many of us would die for...A number of U.S. presidents exhibited distinct psychopathic traits..." [2]This all points to my observation in round #2: "Many of the qualities that made Joffrey despicable to the layman are actually qualities that, with moderation, would have made an excellent king."CON is also flat out wrong that psychopaths cannot change their recalcitrant behavior. "...psychopaths may benefit as much as nonpsychopaths from psychological treatment...their criminal behaviors may prove more amenable to treatment." [1]Just to put all this in perspective, I have to note that Tywin is the supreme sociopath - no one really likes Tywin, and Tywin doesn't really like anyone - he didn't like Robert Baratheon because he was a friendly, gregarious guy. () He even treats his children as if they were pawns on a chessboard instead of human beings...how's that for empathy? Still, he's THE MAN of Westeros when it comes to ruling.Finally, I will note that CON's points on psychopathy are all sourced from a no-name blog, whereas I am sourcing an established scientific journal and one of the nation's leading business publications.D4) CON provides no evidence that Joffrey is becoming "less heeding of advice as he grows into power." On the contrary, he began attending small council meetings at Tywin's suggestion and acted upon all of Margeary's suggestions about helping the poor.D5) On responsibility, I'm sure we've all heard of people who take all the credit, and none of the blame. While certainly morally questionable, one has to admit it's an effective strategy to get ahead, and to stay ahead.CerceiJoffrey takes very much after Cercei, and that Joffrey is freeing himself from his mother is a good thing:C1) At Tyrion's birth, she twisted his cock to the point of nearly pulling it off in front of Oberyn Martell. Cercei also sadistically had Ros beaten thinking that she was Tyrion's whore, demonstrating that she is the source of Joffrey's sadism.C2) Cercei has no idea how to administer a kingdom - she has no idea that the gold mines of Lannisport are dry, that the Crown is heavily in debt, or that a content populace is one that would not rebel.Instead of Cercei, Joffrey is attaching himself to Tywin and Margeary. Tywin, on top of possessing all of Cercei's ruthlessness, is the most capable administrator in Westeros, has a tempered sadistic streak, and is well-respected. This can only be viewed as a positive.ConclusionIn the end, what seems to make CON's case the strongest is actually what makes PRO's case even stronger. Unusual traits that most people would classify as a mental disorder are actually exceedingly prized traits when it comes to a position of power. Joffrey is indeed an unusual boy, and under good guidance and with temperance of his sadism, would have (eventually) become an excellent king.[1] http://www.scientificamerican.com...[2] http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com...