Reflecting on the System

Robert W. Mitchell, Jr. shares his thoughts:

There are few principled elected officials and political leaders these
days - if any at all. Most are just opportunists. Perhaps the most pressing
practical political problem (like the use of consonance there?) is that
good people don't run for office anymore. But then, I shall destroy my
argument and suggest they never have. There are no good people - just
reactionaries, opportunists, and rosy-eyed idealists. Looking back at
the political mistakes I have made in the past has made me keenly aware that I did not run for the right reasons. But who does? Moreover, simply because one
is "idealistic" or even "principled" in his beliefs does not mean a whole
lot and doesn't mean he will be good at governance.

The truth is that what we have is fragile - it always has been and it
always will be. It's still "bread and circuses". Our government relies on
docile leadership with our only hope that whoever is at the helm is not a total ideologue or mad man. Our leaders are merely holding back the dam with budget disputes, phony rhetoric, and apple pie. Why do we expect so much from our political leaders? Why should we not expect them to line their pockets, favor their cronies, tell us what we want to hear and pursue their own interests. It is human nature to do so.

I believe that many Reagan conservatives saw some type of decency
in the man and his beliefs that have perhaps been unrivaled in recent
American political history. But is it fair to say that his way was "righteous"
and somehow the antidote for an ailing America? Or have the Reaganites merely
committed the easy act of reminiscing and recalling the good ole days
through selective memory and post-presidency revisionism. Every time I
read a Reagan quote or see a photo-op with red, white, and blue oozing
Americana and eagles soaring, and bayonets shining, I can't help but to
believe that some Reaganites are committing political idolatry in the way
they brandish these poetic words and theatrical images. Even worse, to
hear Rush Limbaugh chant the mantra of idol worship is laughable. Look at
who he is. Surely he isn't the heir to the American zeitgeist supposedly
invented by Reagan - or his followers. But I do understand the need to
create images of comfort and self-righteousness and I would never
underestimate the value and strength of symbols. For in may ways, symbols
have become the substance of American politics.

Yet, the more I study politics, the less I believe in the system, but that is ok. Belief is to be invested in God, not in political systems. Anyone who loses faith in politics has done himself a favor.