pol·i·tics
1. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) (functioning as singular) the practice or study of the art and science of forming, directing, and administrating states and other political units; the art and science of government; political science
2. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) (functioning as singular) the complex or aggregate of relationships of people in society, esp those relationships involving authority or power
Political "truth" comes down to an agreement among a particular social group as defined by the political or legal system in question. In order to be effective in these systems, one must have the power of persuasion: the ability to dialogue and simmer down disparate ideas until there is a general (though not, of course, universal) agreement. If one resorts to preaching or dictating political or legal truth, one has abandoned social discourse and so is not doing politics any longer. This is the part of the equation that our politicians seem to have forgotten.
It's not just politicians. Posted a couple of links to a blog posts on Facebook tonight that deal with something I've always known -- people, regardless of occupation, just don't like having the hard conversations, the ones that make them feel uncomfortable. Until honest conversations happen with real solutions, things will continue to decline in this world. Time to put on the big boy and girl pants and sit down to the table for real dialogue.
ReplyDeleteThinking is one of the most difficult things that a person can do. It is also why so few choose to 'think' for themselves and why even fewer follow politics closely. They would have to 'think' and that is something that is a chore. How else can you explain the hordes of people who argue for government cuts to programs that they themselves benefit from..?
ReplyDeletePolitics is starting to take on all the identifying characteristics of mental illness.
ReplyDeleteI agree with that conclusion. I find it on the local level when even the smallest of Gov't groups get together 'they' want to dictate what is for your best.
ReplyDeleteTwould be nice if they would learn better.
I may love politics, but I'll be the first to admit that I'm not very good at politicking!
ReplyDelete