This is a very noble point, but not a path to success. Milton Friedman explains why.
I do not believe that the solution to our problem is simply to elect the right people. The important thing is to establish a political climate of opinion which will make it politically profitable for the wrong people to do the right thing. Unless it is politically profitable for the wrong people to do the right thing, the right people will not do the right thing either, or it they try, they will shortly be out of office.
If there's one thing that can be said about Perry's mistakes, is that once the people speak, he backs off and does the right thing. For our system of government, that's the best we can expect. If we're not vigilant on whipping our politicians into line, then even the most pure of heart will just be passing lights on our way to ruin. If we are vigilant, then there is nothing we can't do.
I agree, Friedman’s comments you provide are very relevant to this and Perry seems to fit his description of a “wrong” person.
And if we take Friedman’s logic further, we must conclude that the best scenario, even though such a political climate has been established, is to have the right person in the highest office. It’s a double whammy for conservatism and against corruption.
Meanwhile the “wrong people” can carry on as Friedman describes, in the positions of more diluted power such as in seats of Congress.
Because if the political climate changes while Palin is President, we know she will continue to do what is right even though it isn’t popular.
Unlike 0 bummer, san fran nan "We have to pass it to find out what's in it" and dingy hairy who jammed the obummercare bill through even though the electorate said no.
It looks like a lot of people on FR want to see 0 bummer reelected by shooting themselves in the foot, rather than supporting a candidate who could and would tell 0 bummer "Adios, MO FO".
If there's one thing that can be said about Perry's mistakes, is that once the people speak, he backs off and does the right thing. For our system of government, that's the best we can expect. If we're not vigilant on whipping our politicians into line, then even the most pure of heart will just be passing lights on our way to ruin. If we are vigilant, then there is nothing we can't do.Well stated! Our system of government requires that we correct our mistakes.