05-27-2003, 03:55 PM
That is the title of a pretty neat book concerning representative government. Part wry cricitism, part humor, part practical commentary. The book was written by P.J. O'Rourke in the mid to late 80's. His title alone tells a story about the inherent pitfalls of representative systems. The question he tries to answer is: 'Who is spending the public money and why? And how does that get decided?'
Your concern is one that has been troubling political theorists since before Locke and Jefferson: how do you make a perfect government staffed by imperfect people? Perfect rules? How do you create perfect rules? Each alternative has been an attempt change the 'strong man rules' model, since that model puts everyone at the mercy of the benevolence of yet another human being . . .
Oh, yeah, what the heck am I talking about, ask Mohamed, he knew all of the answers. The rest of all this stuff is a total cock up! (J/K!)
Your concern is one that has been troubling political theorists since before Locke and Jefferson: how do you make a perfect government staffed by imperfect people? Perfect rules? How do you create perfect rules? Each alternative has been an attempt change the 'strong man rules' model, since that model puts everyone at the mercy of the benevolence of yet another human being . . .
Oh, yeah, what the heck am I talking about, ask Mohamed, he knew all of the answers. The rest of all this stuff is a total cock up! (J/K!)
Cry 'Havoc' and let slip the Men 'O War!
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete