Recently started a book about politics and the author argues that we (the educated, professional class) are to blame for polarization. Since we are well paid and generally unaffected regardless of who is in power, our positions on issues can be uncompromising. Furthermore, we don’t go out and really engage in campaigns. This is because we’d rather argue amongst ourselves from home. This leads to vacuums where bad actors can take up the mantle of leadership. What do you think about that?
I largely agree with it not impacting me.
I remember (vaguely) Carter was the US on its heels. Remember the odd/even gas rationing and the Iranian embarrassment. Day to day was unaffected.
Reagan brought optimism. Fired PATCO, get off your ass and get after it. Day to day was unaffected.
Bush/Clinton/Bush career taking off. Day to day was unaffected.
Obama, more pragmatic than I thought. Was OK with him. Day to day was unaffected.
Trump, a guy like me. Imagine if Congress (esp Ryan) wasn’t largely never Trumpers what could have been accomplished. Got off the Corp hamster wheel. Day to day was unaffected.
Biden, seems weak and prices higher. Don’t believe he as actually setting the policy direction. Playing golf in semi retirement. So far day to day have been unaffected.
PMC status matters more than fake woke points.
Chief
I’m not sure if it’s that we’re uncompromising. Most of what I see from people like us is apathy. They don’t vote or care because they’re insulated from the impact.
I don’t agree with being lumped in with vapid tax haters who are deluded into thinking they don’t need society and bear no risk of inequality causing social collapse, because that’s definitely never happened anywhere else.
But I do believe they are the problem, as they have the means and education to do better, yet look the other way on all the garbage so they can line their pockets and get a new media room.
What's the name of the book?
Chief
Yeah, conservatives figured out that they were really unpopular, and rather than deciding to change with the times, they chose to fight furiously to create a system that allowed them to remain static.
If you look at the two political parties, the democrats have evolved (gay marriage, climate change, income inequality) while republicans have devolved (white supremacy, alternative realities, facism). But you can very persuasively argue that the deevolution is much more effective politically.
The PMC and particularly consultants their firms, and expectations. Add in a total lack of self reflection on firms financial priorities over the last 30 years driving worse Pareto outcomes.
https://amp.theatlantic.com/amp/article/605878/
Weekly reminder.
So it’s resolved. We offer up the worldly possessions of consultants and their firms to the socialist do gooders first. See how that works out. Kulaks walk first.