First, I have resolved NOT to read anything that contains the word "shrill".
To partisan loudmouth Sean Hannity, anyone with a strong opinion that he opposes is shrill. Now, far too many pundits are using the word to describe those who are passionate about a cause. That's not being shrill, folks. Shrill is what happens to a first grade teacher after being hit with a spit wad for the third time!
The truth is, there isn't anyone on the planet more shrill than Sean Hannity. God, I hate him. Anyone who starts an interview with "Why do you hate America?" should be laughed off the air (how this question differs from "When did you stop beating your wife?" is beyond me). Yet, his ratings continue to soar. Personally, I can't watch his show or listen to him on the radio anymore. He is more embarrassing than he is infuriating.
Second, can we just agree that ALL career politicians lie? Is this news to anyone? I am happy that the Democrats and Republicans continue to confirm the fact that professional politicians will do and say anything to remain in power.
When we wake up an create real term limits, we'll get representation from fellow citizens -- not professional politicians. Two terms in any one office should be enough for an elected official to get the job done. Then, it will be time to turn it over to someone else.
By the way, if you believe that one party is more guilty of telling lies than the other, you probably also believe that Dr. Phil isn't a big fat tub of lard! Get real America. Stop buying books written by liars.
I'd generally refer you to Dean's posts on politicians, which are remarkably non-cynical on the issue. Moreover, I think he's right, in general, although his caveats are also important to a full understanding of the issue.
As a second point...term limits for legislative offices are a horrible idea for many reasons. For one thing, they destroy institutional memories, which are crucial to forming durable deals and compromises. Also, members of a legislature tend to gravitate towards policy areas that interest them and, over time, become experts in that field. Term limits kills accumulated expertise. The State Legislature in California has many problems, but several of the significant ones were created by term limits.
To partisan loudmouth Sean Hannity, anyone with a strong opinion that he opposes is shrill. Now, far too many pundits are using the word to describe those who are passionate about a cause.
Hmm. I'm not sure how much of that I've seen, but then, I don't listen to Hannity because I can't stand him.
"Shrill," so far as I'm concerned, encompasses far more than that, that's for sure.
...can we just agree that ALL career politicians lie?
When it comes to Pundits, I've also listed Pundits I respect, as well as pundits I don't. You might want to read it and see if you don't agree, at least in part. ;-)
"Also, members of a legislature tend to gravitate towards policy areas that interest them and, over time, become experts in that field."
I'm not so sure I believe members of a legislature are experts in a field other than politics without private sector experience. This is one of the problems in a bureaucracy - career politicos and fresh faces just out of grad school thinking they know something about an industry.
However, I believe that if someone runs for office under a campaign promise not to raise taxes, or increase the quality of education, etc. and they don't follow through or "change their mind" they have been deceptive -- unless they can verify a change in opinion from the electorate. Sadly, there aren't any politicians I have voted for who have lived up to their promises -- not even one. So, from personal experience, I have to disagree with the theory that not many politicians lie.
I do like your list of pundits -- except for Dennis Miller. I've found several of of statements about gays and lesbians to be bigoted and insensitive. And his smirk bothers me, too.
As for Sam's comments about term limits, I think he is dead wrong. "Institutional memories" are meant for just that -- institutions. That's what advisors are for. They can be hired as needed. I don't want my elected officials gravitaing toward areas of personal interest and sticking with that for decades -- that causes stagnation and a stortage of new ideas and solutions.
There are plenty of talented people who could devote 8 to 12 years to their country in political service. The assumption that decades of experience is needed to get the job done is the biggest lie told by professional politicians.
Think about the amount of work you have accomplished in the past 10 years. If you're like me, you've had many significant professional accomplishments since 1993. A person can learn to be a surgeon in 10 years. Why shouldn't we expect our politicians to be able to fulfill the promises that got them elected in the same amount of time. I don't think that is unrealistic?
Well, I was claiming to describe a tendency, not an inevitability, but I think it is often the case. To the extent that this is true, they become experts in the field of public policy, with a focus on a particular subfield thereof. I would draw a distinction between being an expert in a particular industry, and being an expert on regulating a particular field of policy. Sure, it may help to have worked in that policy area before joining the legislature, but there are essential parts of the process that require expertise in government.
Also, I was specifically talking about elected legislators, not bureaucrats, who are never elected--by definition. You can't term-limit bureaucrats.
You are welcome to your opinion, but what you are advocating is frankly undemocratic. Knowledge is power. If the people who know how to get stuff done are "hired advisors," then the people who will make public policy--wield the power--will be unelected staff who are not responsible to the public. If the legislators themselves have solid experience in public policy, then they hold the power given to them in their own hands--and they, at least, can be dismissed by a disapproving public.
By the way, do you think that Washington, Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, etc. were anything other than politicians? They were great men, known for their honesty, and served the country with distinction. Were they flukes?
The United States is a war with the terrorost who alreasy crashed planes into the World Trade center and the Pentagon, Kiloing thousands of innocent Americans.
Dean, and the other Anti-American Presidntial candidates. tellies about our military and President Bush, buidling the morale of the terorst, while herting the morale of our brave military members fighting terrorsit for us.
The Democtrats have been come an Anti-American, eveil party, working for their own greed, and against American Interest.
God Blesss George Bush. Whag an honest man, a blessing after the criminal Clintons.
Merry Chistmas. Jesus is the reason for the season.
The United States is a war with the terrorost who alreasy crashed planes into the World Trade center and the Pentagon, Kiloing thousands of innocent Americans.
Dean, and the other Anti-American Presidntial candidates. tellies about our military and President Bush, buidling the morale of the terorst, while herting the morale of our brave military members fighting terrorsit for us.
The Democtrats have been come an Anti-American, eveil party, working for their own greed, and against American Interest.
God Blesss George Bush. Whag an honest man, a blessing after the criminal Clintons.
Merry Chistmas. Jesus is the reason for the season.
The United States is a war with the terrorost who alreasy crashed planes into the World Trade center and the Pentagon, Kiloing thousands of innocent Americans.
Dean, and the other Anti-American Presidntial candidates. tellies about our military and President Bush, buidling the morale of the terorst, while herting the morale of our brave military members fighting terrorsit for us.
The Democtrats have been come an Anti-American, eveil party, working for their own greed, and against American Interest.
God Blesss George Bush. Whag an honest man, a blessing after the criminal Clintons.
Merry Chistmas. Jesus is the reason for the season.
A pox on both their houses.
First, I have resolved NOT to read anything that contains the word "shrill".
To partisan loudmouth Sean Hannity, anyone with a strong opinion that he opposes is shrill. Now, far too many pundits are using the word to describe those who are passionate about a cause. That's not being shrill, folks. Shrill is what happens to a first grade teacher after being hit with a spit wad for the third time!
The truth is, there isn't anyone on the planet more shrill than Sean Hannity. God, I hate him. Anyone who starts an interview with "Why do you hate America?" should be laughed off the air (how this question differs from "When did you stop beating your wife?" is beyond me). Yet, his ratings continue to soar. Personally, I can't watch his show or listen to him on the radio anymore. He is more embarrassing than he is infuriating.
Second, can we just agree that ALL career politicians lie? Is this news to anyone? I am happy that the Democrats and Republicans continue to confirm the fact that professional politicians will do and say anything to remain in power.
When we wake up an create real term limits, we'll get representation from fellow citizens -- not professional politicians. Two terms in any one office should be enough for an elected official to get the job done. Then, it will be time to turn it over to someone else.
By the way, if you believe that one party is more guilty of telling lies than the other, you probably also believe that Dr. Phil isn't a big fat tub of lard! Get real America. Stop buying books written by liars.
Fritz,
I'd generally refer you to Dean's posts on politicians, which are remarkably non-cynical on the issue. Moreover, I think he's right, in general, although his caveats are also important to a full understanding of the issue.
As a second point...term limits for legislative offices are a horrible idea for many reasons. For one thing, they destroy institutional memories, which are crucial to forming durable deals and compromises. Also, members of a legislature tend to gravitate towards policy areas that interest them and, over time, become experts in that field. Term limits kills accumulated expertise. The State Legislature in California has many problems, but several of the significant ones were created by term limits.
Fritz:
To partisan loudmouth Sean Hannity, anyone with a strong opinion that he opposes is shrill. Now, far too many pundits are using the word to describe those who are passionate about a cause.
Hmm. I'm not sure how much of that I've seen, but then, I don't listen to Hannity because I can't stand him.
"Shrill," so far as I'm concerned, encompasses far more than that, that's for sure.
...can we just agree that ALL career politicians lie?
Well, no, I can't agree to that.
Indeed, as I've said in the past, Politicians don't lie very often, at all.
When it comes to Pundits, I've also listed Pundits I respect, as well as pundits I don't. You might want to read it and see if you don't agree, at least in part. ;-)
"Also, members of a legislature tend to gravitate towards policy areas that interest them and, over time, become experts in that field."
I'm not so sure I believe members of a legislature are experts in a field other than politics without private sector experience. This is one of the problems in a bureaucracy - career politicos and fresh faces just out of grad school thinking they know something about an industry.
Dean,
I think you make some points worth considering.
However, I believe that if someone runs for office under a campaign promise not to raise taxes, or increase the quality of education, etc. and they don't follow through or "change their mind" they have been deceptive -- unless they can verify a change in opinion from the electorate. Sadly, there aren't any politicians I have voted for who have lived up to their promises -- not even one. So, from personal experience, I have to disagree with the theory that not many politicians lie.
I do like your list of pundits -- except for Dennis Miller. I've found several of of statements about gays and lesbians to be bigoted and insensitive. And his smirk bothers me, too.
As for Sam's comments about term limits, I think he is dead wrong. "Institutional memories" are meant for just that -- institutions. That's what advisors are for. They can be hired as needed. I don't want my elected officials gravitaing toward areas of personal interest and sticking with that for decades -- that causes stagnation and a stortage of new ideas and solutions.
There are plenty of talented people who could devote 8 to 12 years to their country in political service. The assumption that decades of experience is needed to get the job done is the biggest lie told by professional politicians.
Think about the amount of work you have accomplished in the past 10 years. If you're like me, you've had many significant professional accomplishments since 1993. A person can learn to be a surgeon in 10 years. Why shouldn't we expect our politicians to be able to fulfill the promises that got them elected in the same amount of time. I don't think that is unrealistic?
TheYeti,
Well, I was claiming to describe a tendency, not an inevitability, but I think it is often the case. To the extent that this is true, they become experts in the field of public policy, with a focus on a particular subfield thereof. I would draw a distinction between being an expert in a particular industry, and being an expert on regulating a particular field of policy. Sure, it may help to have worked in that policy area before joining the legislature, but there are essential parts of the process that require expertise in government.
Also, I was specifically talking about elected legislators, not bureaucrats, who are never elected--by definition. You can't term-limit bureaucrats.
Fritz,
You are welcome to your opinion, but what you are advocating is frankly undemocratic. Knowledge is power. If the people who know how to get stuff done are "hired advisors," then the people who will make public policy--wield the power--will be unelected staff who are not responsible to the public. If the legislators themselves have solid experience in public policy, then they hold the power given to them in their own hands--and they, at least, can be dismissed by a disapproving public.
By the way, do you think that Washington, Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, etc. were anything other than politicians? They were great men, known for their honesty, and served the country with distinction. Were they flukes?
Sam, I gotta tell ya man, that's a crazy question.
Washington was a career military officer and never ran for any office until he became President.
Teddy Roosevelt had a long career before entering politics.
Lincoln ran a couple of different businesses AND a private law practice before getting deeply into politics.
So, in short, ALL of those men were "other than politicians" for huge chunks of their lives.
Dean, not to nit-pick too much, but wasn't Washington in the Virginia House of Burgesses before becoming President?
The United States is a war with the terrorost who alreasy crashed planes into the World Trade center and the Pentagon, Kiloing thousands of innocent Americans.
Dean, and the other Anti-American Presidntial candidates. tellies about our military and President Bush, buidling the morale of the terorst, while herting the morale of our brave military members fighting terrorsit for us.
The Democtrats have been come an Anti-American, eveil party, working for their own greed, and against American Interest.
God Blesss George Bush. Whag an honest man, a blessing after the criminal Clintons.
Merry Chistmas. Jesus is the reason for the season.
The United States is a war with the terrorost who alreasy crashed planes into the World Trade center and the Pentagon, Kiloing thousands of innocent Americans.
Dean, and the other Anti-American Presidntial candidates. tellies about our military and President Bush, buidling the morale of the terorst, while herting the morale of our brave military members fighting terrorsit for us.
The Democtrats have been come an Anti-American, eveil party, working for their own greed, and against American Interest.
God Blesss George Bush. Whag an honest man, a blessing after the criminal Clintons.
Merry Chistmas. Jesus is the reason for the season.
The United States is a war with the terrorost who alreasy crashed planes into the World Trade center and the Pentagon, Kiloing thousands of innocent Americans.
Dean, and the other Anti-American Presidntial candidates. tellies about our military and President Bush, buidling the morale of the terorst, while herting the morale of our brave military members fighting terrorsit for us.
The Democtrats have been come an Anti-American, eveil party, working for their own greed, and against American Interest.
God Blesss George Bush. Whag an honest man, a blessing after the criminal Clintons.
Merry Chistmas. Jesus is the reason for the season.