Thank you for your thoughtful response, Paul. My takeaway is that we both loathe corruption, value ethics, and want our politics to match our ethical values. Focusing on those strategic foundations, the rest becomes the pragmatics of how to get that, but we agree on the destination. I tend to be less critical in general terms of 'professional' politicians, but just as critical of corrupt politicians. I personally would prefer a lot more expertise and a lot less corruption. You mention regular reporting from national security professionals as a disciplining tool - I would agree, and extend that review/advise/consult/restrain function to the fourth estate, its traditional mission. I never underestimate the power of witness to change the world. I I don't necessarily want a different system of government - but a much less corrupt version of the system we have. I place my trust in the power of witness and the collective wisdom of the American people to right the boat of state yet again, even if we do it by rushing from side to side and almost capsizing.
This is indeed, a valuable discussion, thank you. I suspect that we are both a lot closer on professional politicians than my normal comments convey. I have no issue with sustaining professional politicians if... they can avoid the overwhelming influence of corporate lobbying for unfair practices that continue to disadvantage working Americans, our national security etc. I actually don't even like having my first amendment rights compromised by not being able to vote for successful and ethical leadership, repeatedly. Term limits will do nothing to stop corruption. All it will do is modify its form somewhat. What's missing is integrity and this must be rebuilt, not reinforced with more of the same.
You're correct regarding the "fourth estate" as value added. This is only value so long as conspiracy theories are not part of the "estates." As a fan of Brandies, I have long believed in the concept of his quote, "sunlight is the best disinfectant."
Every voter must see in regular news reporting, who contributed to every campaign, down to the penny.
We are in absolute agreement about retaining our system of government but risk mortal injury to our founders principled construct of US governance, should we not add effective guard rails. Tragically, enormous campaign donations from super-PACs and which is largely dark money, violates every principle of a democracy, especially as the father of our constitution designed it. Madison was brilliant on government construct was built on his extraordinary research into ancient republics, a must read. This is how he prepared for Philadelphia and our Constitutional Convention. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/01-09-02-0001
Maggie, once again I thank you for this ongoing discussion. I truly believe that those who actually under our government and especially those who are elected but don't understand our founder's actual intent, must be taught before they begin exercising power. There is no place for ignorance, willful or otherwise in the halls of Congress. Today, we see the exercise of power far more often than the exercise of US values based legislative agendas. Sadly, the concept of political ethics has fallen further than in many cases, business ethics. America cannot survive as intended until we inoculate our voters with knowledge, our actual values and the braided steel resilience of integrity.
Thank you for your thoughtful response, Paul. My takeaway is that we both loathe corruption, value ethics, and want our politics to match our ethical values. Focusing on those strategic foundations, the rest becomes the pragmatics of how to get that, but we agree on the destination. I tend to be less critical in general terms of 'professional' politicians, but just as critical of corrupt politicians. I personally would prefer a lot more expertise and a lot less corruption. You mention regular reporting from national security professionals as a disciplining tool - I would agree, and extend that review/advise/consult/restrain function to the fourth estate, its traditional mission. I never underestimate the power of witness to change the world. I I don't necessarily want a different system of government - but a much less corrupt version of the system we have. I place my trust in the power of witness and the collective wisdom of the American people to right the boat of state yet again, even if we do it by rushing from side to side and almost capsizing.
Cheers, m
M,
This is indeed, a valuable discussion, thank you. I suspect that we are both a lot closer on professional politicians than my normal comments convey. I have no issue with sustaining professional politicians if... they can avoid the overwhelming influence of corporate lobbying for unfair practices that continue to disadvantage working Americans, our national security etc. I actually don't even like having my first amendment rights compromised by not being able to vote for successful and ethical leadership, repeatedly. Term limits will do nothing to stop corruption. All it will do is modify its form somewhat. What's missing is integrity and this must be rebuilt, not reinforced with more of the same.
You're correct regarding the "fourth estate" as value added. This is only value so long as conspiracy theories are not part of the "estates." As a fan of Brandies, I have long believed in the concept of his quote, "sunlight is the best disinfectant."
Every voter must see in regular news reporting, who contributed to every campaign, down to the penny.
We are in absolute agreement about retaining our system of government but risk mortal injury to our founders principled construct of US governance, should we not add effective guard rails. Tragically, enormous campaign donations from super-PACs and which is largely dark money, violates every principle of a democracy, especially as the father of our constitution designed it. Madison was brilliant on government construct was built on his extraordinary research into ancient republics, a must read. This is how he prepared for Philadelphia and our Constitutional Convention. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/01-09-02-0001
Maggie, once again I thank you for this ongoing discussion. I truly believe that those who actually under our government and especially those who are elected but don't understand our founder's actual intent, must be taught before they begin exercising power. There is no place for ignorance, willful or otherwise in the halls of Congress. Today, we see the exercise of power far more often than the exercise of US values based legislative agendas. Sadly, the concept of political ethics has fallen further than in many cases, business ethics. America cannot survive as intended until we inoculate our voters with knowledge, our actual values and the braided steel resilience of integrity.
Cheers,
P
Thank you for the link to the Madison papers - haven't seen that site before, a treasure trove! m
My pleasure M.
The site has been an occasional refuge these past few years during the Trumpist/ MAGA assault on our true national values.
I have always appreciated the old saying,тАЭ you canтАЩt know where you are going if you donтАЩt know where you came from.тАЭ
P