This Election: The Magic Word Is Change
Posted in Elections, General Politics, Government, Political Reform | 36 views • No Comments »A magic word has appeared in the political lexicon of this election. Change. At first it was just the usual political rubbish candidates like to use when they want to bash incumbents. But then our politicians noticed something remarkable. The electorate really does want change. The idea of change resonates with the sweet scent of promise. To the disillusioned, change means hope, opportunity, and security. Some how. Some way. Things will be better.
But if Americans want change, what exactly does that mean?
For starters, American’s are tired of self-serving political rhetoric, lousy institutional management, constant acerbic infighting, and endemic legislative failure. The economy is in big trouble. There is a long list of unresolved issues. Most Americans believe Washington is incapable of doing its job. We no longer trust the administration. Many believe Congress is useless.
Yes. We want change. Big time. We want a government that actually works. Like the one described in my book “Detensive Nation.”
Fat chance. Political instability is inevitable.
Our political institutions and the people who run them are far more interested in self preservation than reform. Sure. Hillary talks about change. Barack uses the word freely. And even John seems to understand something is wrong. But none of them has the intellectual depth to comprehend the scope of the changes America so desperately needs. And then there is the issue of leadership. Although Barack has the requisite skills, he doesn’t have the wisdom. John has the wisdom, but not the charisma. Hillary has neither the personality nor the wisdom. Given our choice of candidates and the institutional obstacles they face, constructive institutional transformation is highly unlikely.
So here we are. In this election, most Americans will go to the polls with a vague fear that something is wrong. If our political institutions fail to deliver meaningful leadership on the issues of change, then voters will go to the polls in 2012 with a sense of outright desperation. And if our politicians, – be they democrat or republican, liberal or conservative – fail to deliver meaningful reform by 2016, then I predict we the people will be looking for alternative political institutions.
What do you think?
Ronald R. Cooke, author, Detensive Nation
Originally published on SearchWarp.com for The Cultural Economist Tuesday, March 04, 2008
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