5 ms·

The "rules for thee but not for me" on display by elected officials is maddening. It's certainly not unique to the US. Here in Canada the mayor of Windsor rece

• easytiger 6y ago
  It's entirely predictably that some politicians would behave in this fashion. What shocks me is that that is your reaction; not that this indicates the rules are themselves ludicrous.
  • randlet 6y ago
    You're shocked I expect politicians to enact policies in good faith and then abide by them themselves? edit: I'm no longer surprised they act this way, but it still angers me greatly.
    • easytiger 6y ago
      I'm shocked that people don't apply the basic principles of human nature. The rules are ridiculous. Some people will see that. Politicians are implementing policy because that's what they need to be seen to be doing, not because they honestly believe it should apply universally. Ergo some politicians will be found in a state of hypocrisy. The man responsible for much of the policy in the west, a UK advisor l, was caught breaching the rules to have sex with a married woman.
      • randlet 6y ago
        Please note I did not include a judgement on whether the rules are justified or not. Whether or not they are justified, if an elected official enacts a rule they expect others to follow, you can be damn sure I expect them to have the integrity to follow it themselves.
        • easytiger 6y ago
          > if an elected official enacts a rule they expect others to follow, you can be damn sure I expect them to have the integrity to follow it themselves. That isn't a rational position. Someone's office (in modern terms more a "job" than historically was the case) is irrelevant to their behaviour, as with any and all people.
    • ryandrake 6y ago
      I think OP’s point is that the governor’s hypocrisy is evidence that the sensible public health policy is actually wrong, rather than evidence that the governor simply sees himself as above the rules. Which one is more likely?
      • burnthrow 6y ago
        If these politicians had any compunction, they would repeal the restrictions which experience had taught them were intolerable.
      • randlet 6y ago
        I'm not sure if you're referring to me as OP or easytiger but my point is I have the (completely reasonable!) expectation that elected officials will act with integrity with regards to the policies they enact.
        • ryandrake 6y ago
          I was referring to easytiger. That’s the tragedy of this: People will look at this and conclude that the rules are ridiculous, rather than conclude that the governor is simply an asshole. And this conclusion will cost lives unnecessarily. (R) political leaders are already amplifying this conclusion, to the detriment of public health. Thanks, Newsom.
          • randlet 6y ago
            Thanks for clarifying. I agree with your assessment.
          • easytiger 6y ago
            Thanks for your rewording. Yes that was my intent. I do also however do not quite agree with your assertion of "costing lives", but that is another discussion.
  • teekert 6y ago
    I understand this response, because the politicians, at least in some cases, are just showing that some rules are really very difficult to obey constantly. And that deserves consideration. Of course, it's super painful when you can't go to a funeral and they person that brought you this rule is a at a party the same day. But keeping super strict 1.5 m is just impossible some times.
• korethr 6y ago
  > There's never any consequences and leaves people (me at least) increasingly frustrated, angry, and feeling a complete lack of faith in our politicians. And this why I consider displays of hypocrisy like these to be so dangerous. In order to function well, a government needs faith in its legitimacy, and a trust that it is looking out for the people's interests. And if that trust is lost, people check out and stop engaging with the government in good faith. And that is what creates opportunity for demagogues to rise and human rights to get trampled.
• mam2 6y ago
  Exemplarity is a joke whose extent is only proportional to how much you look at these guys to know what to in your life. Why would you care of anyone if you take care your own life into your hands. Everyone is human. Do what you what you want to do.
• underseacables 6y ago
  It’s maddening how people not only overlook this, but vote accordingly.