Maybe once upon a time, public servants were more altruistic and less “I, me, mine.” Sure doesn’t seem to be the case, the further along one’s political career extends. We, the people, elect these folks to represent and serve our interests, not vice versa. They are not our betters or our rulers. That is what American Democracy is supposed to stand for. The fact that they can enrich themselves through service, and expect to be addressed through honorifics, stands in contrast to those ideals.
Thanks, Al. Of the half-million elected officials in the USA, I remain convinced that most are good neighbors -- folks who want to do the right thing. We hear about the exceptions -- that's the nature of news, just as reporting on plane crashes rather than safe landings is news. But the people who deliver good roads and schools, protect public health and support those most in need -- well, let's hear it for 'em. And those who betray us -- yep, get rid of 'em.
My goodness, Adam. That's quite the indictment, and I'm grateful that you nevertheless support The Upstate American as a paying subscriber, even if you and I disagree about quite a lot. I think. our j-school is doing a terrific job, by the way -- though as chair of the Alumni Board, I don't have any input into its operation, of course. Thanks, in any case, for your kind support.
Maybe once upon a time, public servants were more altruistic and less “I, me, mine.” Sure doesn’t seem to be the case, the further along one’s political career extends. We, the people, elect these folks to represent and serve our interests, not vice versa. They are not our betters or our rulers. That is what American Democracy is supposed to stand for. The fact that they can enrich themselves through service, and expect to be addressed through honorifics, stands in contrast to those ideals.
Thanks, Al. Of the half-million elected officials in the USA, I remain convinced that most are good neighbors -- folks who want to do the right thing. We hear about the exceptions -- that's the nature of news, just as reporting on plane crashes rather than safe landings is news. But the people who deliver good roads and schools, protect public health and support those most in need -- well, let's hear it for 'em. And those who betray us -- yep, get rid of 'em.
My goodness, Adam. That's quite the indictment, and I'm grateful that you nevertheless support The Upstate American as a paying subscriber, even if you and I disagree about quite a lot. I think. our j-school is doing a terrific job, by the way -- though as chair of the Alumni Board, I don't have any input into its operation, of course. Thanks, in any case, for your kind support.
My fav: "beckoned to baloney"!