They're all lawyers and businessmen. And most of them sincerely believe they are doing the right thing, either representing the people that elected them, or trying to keep their boss happy by doing their job and earning their pay as best they can. Sure, it would be wonderful if a set of abstract principles designed for maximum fairness and efficiency could be implemented, but how are you going to enforce them? Except for a police state, you can't. People go into public service determined to game the system, that's their job. If you are a congressman from a landlocked state you're going to fight for that Navy shipyard facility because that's what your constituents elected you to do.
It's a system that may have worked for 18th century independent states weeks apart by sail or coach, but it is cumbersome and inefficient, and yes, unfair for a modern state. And we can thank the founders for that, too.
There is only one principle or philosophy that matters: "The greatest good for the greatest number." All you have to do is get everyone to agree just what that is.
Current Events » in reply to P.S.
Whaddaya expect, TB?
The whole thread (31 posts)
- Continuing to jockey for position
- I hope I don't understand it, but it may be obvious.
- The GOP is switching constituencies...
- re: The GOP is switching constituencies...
- re: The GOP needs to return to its proper philosophical roots
- There really is only one Conservative value. Spread the wealth around.
- Just what ARE the "proper philosophical roots" of the GOP?
- again, the classic fundamentalist answer: We weren't pure enough.
- "Frontline" on Lee Atwater last night answered a big question.
- The GOP is switching constituencies...
- I hope I don't understand it, but it may be obvious.