Steer the Ship Off the Rocks

Your maps of the world are not holy scripture.

Photo by Agent J on Unsplash

The wheels of government seem to be stuck, or have fallen off.  There is more than one reason for this judgment, but the perennial problem of the principle and the practical is a good starting point. 

In complex modern societies there are many beliefs and interests.  They see in government ways to advance their causes.  They support candidates for office.  They expect faithful performance if their choice is elected. 

Such candidates campaign on the grounds of principle, abstractions that promise clear direction and rewards in heaven if not on earth.  If elected, however, they must work with others that have made different promises, have espoused different principles.  Governments avoid stalemate through compromise.  It is the basis of successful action, the life blood of stability and progress in even authoritarian regimes. 

In normal times, democracy can provide such stable rule.  Behind closed doors deals are struck.  “I’ll support your proposal if you will support mine.”  “Let’s go a little and careful way down this path.”  “Some gain is better than none.”  “Let’s keep the door open, for the present.” 

Such “betrayal” of principle, when visible, however, has always had the scent of brimstone. Note the tragedy of Senator Paine in the film Mr. Smith goes to Washington. But in the past such betrayals went largely unnoticed by the general public, who were screened from the “sausage making” of the legislative process (i. e. compromise). 

These, however, are not normal times.  (Or are perhaps the new “normal?”) There is far more awareness of government process now, and it is presented as theater and drama by both a 24-hour news cycle and social media.  Amateur “journalists” feed our love of scandal and conspiracy.  Attention is being paid.  And the general public is not prepared for what they see. 

I dealt with the American fixation with principle in another blog.  My apology for turning to it again. It actually, as you might well agree, deserves as much discussion as possible.

In my view it is good that many people in government are realists.  They are often highly qualified.  They are careerists and their careers should command respect.  It takes experience as well as skill to govern.

As long as they are able to stay in office and learn their craft and provide satisfactory representation of important interests, they govern well.  At least as well as any sane person should expect. 

But when our expectations are “unrealistic.” That is, when we expect “statesmen” not “politicians,” then “Houston, we have a problem!”

There is a solution, but it is long term.  Our educational system must teach government as a process of compromise.  We can no longer depend upon Mr. Smith to set things right.  Adults are in charge and they are facing problems that are “like never before.”  Give them space to effectively govern.