Some interesting quotes on government from an old Sci-Fi book by James P. Hogan (Code of the Lifemaker, 1983): That was already clear back then. Now, with the Clinton, Bush and Obama administrations behind us (mostly so, for the latter), it is clearer than ever. Unfortunately, I still don't see any really good alternatives. At least Hogan explains why both parties continually propose candidates who are not really good at governing. Anyone have any bright ideas?
I don't have a bright idea, because all of this is governed by the Churchill paradox. As for Hogan, i'm not familiar with him, but that sure looked like something Vonnegut or Heller might have written.
The problem I see it is generally, Americans are not interested in politics or governing. About 20% on the right are interested and follow issues, politics, and government. Same with the left. That leaves 60% who don't give a damn until a war breaks out or the economy heads down the toilet. And by then it's too late and everyone is wondering "How the hell did this happen?"
I think it paints with too broad a brush. Not all elected offices are the same or require the same skill set. If you want to make it about the president, then I agree, I think the position has outgrown the system a bit.
Excellent points. Some degree of consolation, for me, rests in reading those two paragraphs bottom to top. Yes, elections aren't good selectors, but they're not supposed to be; they're supposed to give everyone participation, and that they accomplish. And while the basic problem will never go away, it can be massively mitigated: By limiting the power of offices as opposed to fixed values (laws vs. constitutions); by good and open journalism, by limits on campagin financing, and by educating the electorate.
Who knew that the first part of Maxwell's user name was actually an acronym for his favorite pastime as a Big Erection Nuzzler?
