I'm not going to talk about real politicians, current or past. Any similarities or dissimilarities between this list and current or past politicians is coincidental at worst, but more likely inconsequential to what I'm trying to say. Alright, that out of the way, what do I want:

1.) Straight talking. I'd rather a politician who told me straight up about things as opposed to weaving, dodging and recasting issues. I prefer honesty over showmanship.

2.) Respectful. You know when someone says, "respectfully" or "no offense" and you know whatever immediately follows is something that is both disrespectful and offensive? Well, I wish people would stop doing that. I think it is perfectly possible to indict someone effectively without being nasty.

3.) Logical. By this I mean, capable of making a point without resorting to the commonest of logical fallacies.

4.) Empathetic. I want someone who is able to feel with other people, even people that they don't agree with.

5.) Functionally literate. I am not entirely convinced that everyone reads the bills that they pass into laws. I may even add "compassionately literate", in that I hope they can extrapolate the anguish and trouble a single sentence can cause the people for whom these laws are written and that the people who have to figure it out are not always so legally adept as they are.

6.) Clear headed. Being a politician is stressful, so I would have my ideal politician be incredibly calm and clear headed, especially under pressure. Quick action is not necessarily good action and it is important to know the different.

7.) Wise. Notice I didn't say smart. Wisdom is about knowing how to respond and react given the limitations present in a given situation. It also means identifying assets appropriately.

8.) Good hearted. I would want someone who would want the best for others, even at their own expense. I would want someone who would be willing to lay down his or her life with as much readiness as those who would lay down their life for him or her. I would want that person to feel deeply with the pains and sorrows of others and to act compassionately. I would want someone who lived for others, not his or herself.

9.) Without excuse or pretense. I may be repeating myself but... no excuses. Admit the mistake, sure, but I would rather my ideal politician not excuse himself with flimsy rationale. Let the people make the excuses or grant forgiveness as they see fit.

10.) Innocuous. Like doctors, I would have my ideal politician "first do no harm". I would rather his actions went before his name, and that his policies be subtle, calming the public and easing the way for peace and prosperity.

What is your ideal politician?

1 and 10 are impossible in politics.
» undisputed on 2013-08-24 09:15:59

1. How can you tell honesty from showmanship? Honesty may be the intended impression.

3. What is the commonest of logical fallacies? Appeal to ignorance? Probably ad hominem, if informal fallacies count.

9. Yeah, it's important not to try to justify one's decisions in making a mistake unless it's followed by a huge BUT about what they did wrong and how it could be done better in the future.

Thinking about my ideal politician is more mentally taxing than considering candidates. But I'd like a representative to act based on knowledge and not always on guts, even though guts is the charismatic thing to have. I don't give two hoots about charisma in a representative. Charisma is valuable in wartime to help drive the masses to their deaths.
» le_battement on 2013-08-29 01:32:25

Sorry, you do not have permission to comment.

If you are a member, try logging in again or accessing this page here.