4 ms·

I wonder when Americans lost the idea of 'government for the people, by the people'. They see the government as some spOoOoOKy entity when the reality is the go

by meko 8y ago

I wonder when Americans lost the idea of 'government for the people, by the people'. They see the government as some spOoOoOKy entity when the reality is the government is the only thin barrier of protection people have against actors who want to prey on them. Businesses are beholden to profit, individuals beholden to themselves. Imagine what your life would be like without the bill of rights, or the constitution, laws or courts. The government is obligated to the interests of it's constituents. Lack of trust in the government is how we end up with egomaniacs in the office trying to run the country like a business.

rapind 8y ago
I agree that some level of government is absolutely essential, and you're right, bad actors would do even more damage than they already do. I don't think it's clear what that level is (Libertarian vs. Socialist), but I'm skeptical we can have a reasonable discussion about it until we reduce financial influence in politics. The lack of trust is due to the image of politicians shaking hands and benefiting from corporate spend (Citizens United etc.). Significantly reduce that influence and work towards earning the trust of the people back. The whole "Drain the Swamp" con got a lot of votes. On it's face, the situation is obviously ridiculous isn't it? 1. Politicians need large sums of money to win elections (problem #1). 2. Corporations and wealthy individuals are allowed to provide that money (problem #2). 3. We expect politicians to police their donors (obvious conflict). When there's riches (and power... but that's unavoidable) involved you end up with more opportunists than idealists.
korantu 8y ago
Government has tendency to grab all the power it can. Combined with monopoly on violence this is a combination that rightfully makes people wary of that. So people came up with Bill of rights, constitution, and other constructs to safeguard government behaviour.

by meko 8y ago

rapind 8y ago

I agree that some level of government is absolutely essential, and you're right, bad actors would do even more damage than they already do. I don't think it's clear what that level is (Libertarian vs. Socialist), but I'm skeptical we can have a reasonable discussion about it until we reduce financial influence in politics. The lack of trust is due to the image of politicians shaking hands and benefiting from corporate spend (Citizens United etc.). Significantly reduce that influence and work towards earning the trust of the people back. The whole "Drain the Swamp" con got a lot of votes. On it's face, the situation is obviously ridiculous isn't it? 1. Politicians need large sums of money to win elections (problem #1). 2. Corporations and wealthy individuals are allowed to provide that money (problem #2). 3. We expect politicians to police their donors (obvious conflict). When there's riches (and power... but that's unavoidable) involved you end up with more opportunists than idealists.

korantu 8y ago

Government has tendency to grab all the power it can. Combined with monopoly on violence this is a combination that rightfully makes people wary of that. So people came up with Bill of rights, constitution, and other constructs to safeguard government behaviour.