I always knew that politics is a complex and “dirty” area. But Trump managed to push me to an even more cynical view about how the government operates. His comments that “most of the people would do it” left me no doubts that what he had seen time and again in his environment.
He never wore shoes of “ordinary” people – those, who raise their children with traditional values of honesty, integrity, and commitment to the rules established in the society. He lived among “elite” only and now tells us how these people view the world.
So, here you go. That is what we have up there. How many of our leaders were publicly infuriated by this or other cynical Trump’s statements? Almost nobody.
Of course, it’s more important what one does that what one says. Well, Trump did not do much either.
Then I recall Bernie’s refusal to talk about Hillary’s emails: “Enough of the emails – let’s talk about the real issues facing the American people.” It seems to me an exemplary attitude. He also discusses the current real issues (health care bill, budget, etc) much more often, forcefully and eagerly than the scandals around Trump. This attitude probably has cost him the election.
And here is the question. Do you prefer a not exactly “clean” politician who is effective in bringing you benefits or a person of a solid integrity, who does not deliver benefits to you as quickly?
The answer, of course, is “Depends.” But I observe that this focus-on-the-bottom-line-only approach continues to push out any other considerations and criteria. That what business approach does to our views. And I am very afraid and saddened when it remains the only one approach during the discussion of the current issues our society faces.
Not everything is just a business. Integrity and trust matter. Without them, the society falls apart. Those cold-headed-and-calculating cynics are free riders on the back of the honest majority. But they will go under as everybody else as soon as the invisible soft social infrastructure cracks.
When everybody is on his own is not a good life to anybody. I saw it, I lived through it and I don’t want to live through it again. If you doubt that sticking to the “free competition” (as the only answer to all the problems) can lead us to a trouble, look at Russian oligarchs. They are the winners in their country but prefer to raise their children and live themselves abroad.
What do you mean?
– My toothbrush cleans the teeth in the least accessible areas. What about yours?
– I don’t have teeth in the least accessible areas.
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