Excellent post, especially the important point that conscious dishonesty or specific conspiracy aren’t required for this to happen.
Robin: If politicians are in fact implementing the policies that the public wants them to implement, and if this is what the public wants politicians to do, then it is hard to see the basis for your complaint that politicians neglect their duties as employees.
The best doctor isn’t the one who just gives patients whatever treatment they ask for. It may be the one who gives them what they would ask for if they were equally informed.
In Tony Blair’s first term, he made policy largely based on popular opinion. They asked focus groups their priorities, railways scored low, money was poured out of railways, the railway infrastructure fell apart, people were understandably angry. Joe Public can’t be expected to have the knowledge and experience to judge the possible implications of every political decision.
Tony K: Better would be some kind of ranked voting or even approval.
Here, here. But it would weaken both sides of the currently in power, so...
Excellent post, especially the important point that conscious dishonesty or specific conspiracy aren’t required for this to happen.
The best doctor isn’t the one who just gives patients whatever treatment they ask for. It may be the one who gives them what they would ask for if they were equally informed.
In Tony Blair’s first term, he made policy largely based on popular opinion. They asked focus groups their priorities, railways scored low, money was poured out of railways, the railway infrastructure fell apart, people were understandably angry. Joe Public can’t be expected to have the knowledge and experience to judge the possible implications of every political decision.
Here, here. But it would weaken both sides of the currently in power, so...