Populism, selfishness, rejection of accountability and responsibility are out of control. We live in a Republic – an exceptional form of government established by our Founders. But people today don’t have any knowledge of that let alone any respect for its genius.
In this column, David Brooks and Irving Kristol remind us of the value of republicanism and the shortcomings of direct democracy – the need for and value of institutions. We are also reminded of the original meaning of the phrase “public spiritedness” as exemplified by George Washington.
It’s worth your time – right and left.
The Politics of Solipsism
By David Brooks
NYT, May 5, 2011
Some of my takeaways:
· “The common man is not a fool, and the proof is that he has such modest faith in himself,” wrote Irving Kristol.
· America’s founders were republicans.
· The Founders erected institutions to protect themselves from their own shortcomings of character and judgment.
· Originally, public spiritedness meant “curbing one’s passions and moderating one’s opinions in order to achieve a large consensus that will ensure domestic tranquility.”
· Today, public spiritedness means somebody with passionate opinions who signs petitions and becomes an activist for a cause – self-expression rather than self-restraint.
· Rather than study problems, issues and policies, politicians serve voters in the way a business serves its customers – the customer is always right.
· We are no longer alert to government policies that corrode the character of the nation.
· [I would add that today’s politicians, even Presidents, are more likely to remind us that “elections have consequences” rather than “I was elected to serve all the people.”]
We have a dearth of leaders; not in the nation but in politics and media. We must find people who can help us realize we need institutions to protect ourselves from our own weaknesses. We must revive the republican virtues upon which the country was founded.
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