I am sitting in a coffee shop which I entered with the intention to do some grading. There is a table of Boomers next to me who are talking about some local elections. I am not eavesdropping but they are really loud and the way they are talking about politics and power games rather than policy, has driven me to write this blog post.
Theoretically, in a democracy, the power to vote is the highest power. The elected officials are public servants. However, most voters think of elected officials as powerful overlords fighting for power with each other. The voters are just gossipy spectators in the power game and like to align with someone who exerts more power, is relatively good looking, and exudes charm. They hardly discuss policy proposals of each candidate that will affect the voters' live the most. This gives the elected "leaders" the freedom to wield power for their ego, shower in fame for their narcissism, and worst of all, make a lot of money by aligning with corrupt interests.
Call it plutocracy, oligarchy, or feudalism - the main problem is not elected officials. The main problem is the voters who volunteer to be oppressed. This shows that humans have not progressed much since perhaps 1000 AD or even before in their mindset.
I am also writing this in light of yesterday's devastating Primaries where someone with serious issues in his political record as well as a melting brain dominated over someone who only talks policies and has a record of being right multiple times in hindsight. I can *sigh* and say that people get what they deserve. However, progressives like me are also "people" and we deserve better!
