“To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.” - Theodore.
The man knew his shit.
All who serve the public are human- imperfect. Police, teachers, soldiers and politicians. We can be understanding of this- accept that they aren’t gods, and forgive them their human failings at times- but in serving the public one aspires to more. One has pledged to TRY to be better- to be the best among us. There is an accountability to that- because if we just accept that corruption or greed or failure, sloth, pride, ignorance etc are part of the job- they become part of the job- and that isn’t aspirational, that isn’t trying to do better. How can someone better the world if they can’t better the worst of themselves? We ask more of these people because they’ve taken a mantle and an oath that’s given their word that they will do more than just some random person. They have hard jobs- We need to understand and appreciate that- but if you can’t give ALL the people you serve better than your best- you shouldn’t take the job.
Yeah. The “Everyman” isn’t who I envision running the world. The “Everyman” has enough trouble keeping their own home or life in order and realizing the narrow ambitions of a single person let alone a large group. “Show up to work most of the time” and “not get convicted of any crimes” is maybe too low a bar to set for those who serve the people. Of course- our system of democracy has shown on the last 10 or so years that it is far too easy to control the outcomes of things under the current rules as well. Perhaps it’s time for the people to ask for more than just what they want- and ask for professional standards and servants dedicated to the people and not just the people who think like them or support them.
The man knew his shit.