The record of the Bush administration makes it clear that we need to find a more effective way of choosing our presidents.
We can no longer afford to hold a simple popularity contest every four years, installing either the most pleasant or the least offensive candidate. Or the one with the best hair. Or biggest campaign war chest.
We’ve seen what happens when we elect a president who is ignorant of history, who confuses bluster and swagger for statesmanship, who makes decisions on the basis of preconceived notions that aren’t supported by empirical evidence.
We need to do a better job of identifying the qualities that make for an effective leader: a sense of history…a willingness to embrace and consider different opinions… the humility to accept that he may not always be right and the courage to admit when he’s wrong.
Above all, we need to be smarter about seeing through the empty platitudes and the pandering that pass for campaign rhetoric. And that means becoming an informed electorate – studying the issues, examining the candidates’ records and positions.
It’s true that we get the government we deserve. But if we set higher standards for our candidates (and ourselves!), maybe we can avoid electing another George W. Bush.
An argument I had set forth for years, and which I support.
Unfortunately, the likes of Regis Philbin and the genre of his ilk,are a far more interesting subject to pursue as and escape fromthe everyday vital matters associated with getting through it all from sun up to sun down. Poltiical candidates understand this profoundly and capitalize on the ignorance and lack of motivation of the electorate. The most vigorous campaigning will take place in the last 10 days before the vote,
What you ask for demands a life-long committment to worldliness which most, unfortunately, lack the motivation and, yes, the intellectual capacity to bring to bear. You’re certainly not going to get much input from the Jerry Springer Group on this one.
Sad but true. We get what we pay for.
Reluctantly, I agree. And I’m afraid that it’s just too much to ask of the electorate.
How sad is it that so many Americans lack the desire and the intelligence to understand the issues and evaluate the candidates, and that they know (and care) more about Paris Hilton than about the people who would be their leader.
As long as we continue to be a Culture of Celebrity rather than Knowledge, we’ll continue to get Presidents like George W. Bush.
……or worse.
Clinton/Obama?
…mmmmmmmmmmmm……could be.