We live in a society built around the basic capitalistic ideas, that self interest acting in a free economy will bring the services we need. Also the law of supply and demand works to set a fair price.
However can the idea that self-interest is a completely acceptable behavior be reconciled with the life of a politician? We elect a politician to work for us, not so that they can express their self-interest. Surely what any rational politician will do is to try to amass the maximum of personal benefit in their short time in power!
Perhaps a politician always wants to get re-elected? So therefore its in their self-interest to keep the needs of their electorate before their own? Its unlightly! There is a saying, "better a bird in the hand than 2 in the bush". In any case, they are supposed to represent all the people in your community, not only the ones who voted for them. So they can take any decision they want and justify it by saying that it was important to a part of the electorate.
Re-election is a competition with a large part of chance. Past actions are part of the mix, but perception is the key. That's why professional politicians have a team to polish their image. Many politicians say that their actions speak for themselves, but its never true.
So, the only good politician is an anti-capitalist? I'd like to see that one on a campaign poster ;)
No comments:
Post a Comment