The Nature of Politics and Government

Newtown PA

Description

In my last post, I expressed a view of a government unable to solve problems due to lack of understanding of the topic of the problem and due to the political nature of the government itself. But what happens when a government tries to solve a problem but fails. I am not talking about the multiple unforeseen negative consquences of the action. I am seeking to address a situation where the solution itself fails to reach its goal. In a well-run business, any problems that arise would be addressed with solutions in a manner that specifies what results define success and what results define failure. The proposed solution would also include a set date on which the results would be evaluated. However, in government, (at least to my viewing), it seems that government solutions simply say "this oughta do it" and let it fly. I can't recall any standards of success or failure being stated. And I can't recall an evaluation date being set. Basically, it is "here is the solution, see to it." If the solution fails, those who created it would not want to admit that it failed. This goes against their ego. They believe that this would give the opposing party room to critize them and use the admission of failure against them in the next election cycle. In addition, if it was discovered that the actual solution is not within the parameters of their party's platform but instead falls within the platform of the opposing party, that only cements their resolve to deny failure. So what happens when the solution fails and there is absolutely no way to deny that it failed? Put simply, throw more money at it. Take more of the money earned by the taxpayers of the nation and throw it at the already failed solution. Doesn't make sense to me, quite honestly. But that's how an ego-driven, political government seems to work. Now, what about the people solving problems instead? My thought there is that the people would work locally on solutions that work for their individual community. This prevents a "one size fits all" type of solution that a federal government would implement. But I will put out this warning; it is VERY difficult for this occur without some political tensions arising. They would need to do it in a way that says that we don't care whose solution works or which party solves the problem. They would have to ensure that the concerns of all those involved are respected, reviewed, and addressed. The bigger person would be the one who says that someone from the opposing party organized the successful solution, and I am simply glad the problem is being addressed. Maybe this post is nothing but a pipe dream. But it is my dream. And the only way this dream comes true is when government backs away from ruling and returns to simply governing -and- we re-orient ourselves to solving problems instead of holding fast to our egos.