in which I continue to be unimpressed with presdential candidates

[dsrtao]

the more aware I am that it is unreasonable for me to get what I want in a President, the less happy I am with the entire political mess.

here's what I want: someone who doesn't harbor hope that a big guy in the sky will swoop down and rescue all the deserving. who thinks that this universe is all we have to play in, so we had best not foul our nest before we get a chance to explore more than a half step outside it. that ethics is not a sometimes thing, nor is it for the little people alone - that there are no little people. that there's no chore fairy, nor a taxpayer fairy. that humane treatment of our fellows is more important than profit. that the government has a role to play as enforcer of justice and fairness, equity and mercy. that the private act of consenting adults is no business of the state. that regulation must be effective, and punishment proportional. that circumstances always alter cases. that health insurance is not the same as health care.

Comments

Goodness

[robertdfeinman.livejournal.com]

Let's assume that most people going into politics are motivated by a desire to do good (at least as they define it). When they get into office, however, things change. Why?

In our country, at least, it is because of the insidious effect of the need to raise money to pay for the political campaign. So if you want to see a better class of politicians you need to work towards reform of campaign financing.

Mediocre politicians are nothing new. De Tocqueville commented on it. His theory was that since making money was the American god, all the really bright and creative people went into business, leaving the mediocre and un-bright for public office. He may have been on to something.