JayMatt,
Actually the Gemora is not arguing as to whether the yesod is correct the arguement (if there is one) is whether that is what is being referred to in the case at hand.
As for destruction, My point was not to state that Mishkav Zuchor is the reason what occured, I have no nevua, nor am I from the Gedolei HaDor.
I was merely pointing out,
1) If someone would state such a thing there are Talmudical Sources for it
2) there is something wrong with official recognition even in cases where one knows that it is going regardless as to whether it is recognized or not.
As to yytz points about “political opinion”.
The question at hand is not a theoretical opinion.
10 years ago you may have been correct as the personal opinions of the Politicians maid no difference.
Now-a-days that is not the case, in many cases voting for certain politicians means that the person is directly causing an action that is despicable and can lead to destruction.