The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux) - Page 599

Alex · 05-29-2010, 04:44 PM

To the extent I have a problem with the offer it is not on the election side of the equation. Hell, I don't have a problem with it if you can convince someone not to run by writing them a check for $1 million and offering the sexual services of your wife for the weekend.

If there's an issue is on the job side where presumably we'd like there to be some balance between political considerations in awarding it and actual qualifications. That said, in this case, if the job under consideration was Secretary of the Navy, offering it to a retired admiral doesn't seem a horrible lapse in propriety.

But political jobs will be doled for political reasons (Hillary Clinton was not given Secretary of State because she was considered the best person for the job) and if we don't like it then cabinet positions should be put under the civil service umbrella. If what was done is technically illegal then I'd argue it is a flawed law and an example of the criminalization of politics that I often hear Republicans talking about. But still, if a technical violation did occur I'd rather it just be admitted and move on than play the Bush game of "it didn't happen, if it did it wasn't illegal, and if it was illegal well we'll wait until the news cycle moves on before admitting it." Of course, another big issue is that with the hypercynicism of current politics it is impossible to simply say "oops" without the consequences being outsized to the mistake.

BarTopDancer · 05-29-2010, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

But political jobs will be doled for political reasons (Hillary Clinton was not given Secretary of State because she was considered the best person for the job)

This is a huge problem. We should have the best of the best in positions of power. Not the person on the end of the "if you do [thing that will benefit the party] we'll reward you with [high power position]" offer.

Alex · 05-29-2010, 05:01 PM

But when it comes to political positions, "best of the best" is often a meaningless idea, one with no objective definition.

Ghoulish Delight · 05-29-2010, 06:12 PM

Yeah, the skillset is nebulous at best for many of the positions. As long as they aren't grossly underqualified, I don't consider political considerations an invalid deciding factor between the many many perfectly qualified candidates.

JWBear · 06-01-2010, 10:08 AM

Just read this online. It's perfect!

Quote:

(The Conservative Christian Right) use the Bible like a drunk uses a lamp post, for support rather than for illumination.

Alex · 06-01-2010, 01:56 PM

Politician accused of being reasonably educated person issues vociferous denial.

JWBear · 06-01-2010, 02:56 PM

Alabama. Why am I not suprised?

Tref · 06-02-2010, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

But when it comes to political positions, "best of the best" is often a meaningless idea, one with no objective definition.

Tell that to Eric Roberts.

(Pic related - it's Eric Roberts)

Ghoulish Delight · 06-04-2010, 09:24 AM

BarTopDancer · 06-04-2010, 09:34 AM

Tetris/SMB crossover fail.

05-29-2010, 04:44 PM	#5981
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	To the extent I have a problem with the offer it is not on the election side of the equation. Hell, I don't have a problem with it if you can convince someone not to run by writing them a check for $1 million and offering the sexual services of your wife for the weekend. If there's an issue is on the job side where presumably we'd like there to be some balance between political considerations in awarding it and actual qualifications. That said, in this case, if the job under consideration was Secretary of the Navy, offering it to a retired admiral doesn't seem a horrible lapse in propriety. But political jobs will be doled for political reasons (Hillary Clinton was not given Secretary of State because she was considered the best person for the job) and if we don't like it then cabinet positions should be put under the civil service umbrella. If what was done is technically illegal then I'd argue it is a flawed law and an example of the criminalization of politics that I often hear Republicans talking about. But still, if a technical violation did occur I'd rather it just be admitted and move on than play the Bush game of "it didn't happen, if it did it wasn't illegal, and if it was illegal well we'll wait until the news cycle moves on before admitting it." Of course, another big issue is that with the hypercynicism of current politics it is impossible to simply say "oops" without the consequences being outsized to the mistake.
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05-29-2010, 05:01 PM	#5983
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	But when it comes to political positions, "best of the best" is often a meaningless idea, one with no objective definition.
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05-29-2010, 06:12 PM	#5984
Ghoulish Delight I Floop the Pig Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alternative Swankstyle Posts: 19,348	Yeah, the skillset is nebulous at best for many of the positions. As long as they aren't grossly underqualified, I don't consider political considerations an invalid deciding factor between the many many perfectly qualified candidates. __________________ 'He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.' -TJ
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06-01-2010, 01:56 PM	#5986
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	Politician accused of being reasonably educated person issues vociferous denial.
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06-01-2010, 02:56 PM	#5987
JWBear Worn Romantic Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Long Beach California Posts: 8,435	Alabama. Why am I not suprised? __________________ Unrestrained frivolity will lead to the downfall of modern society.
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06-04-2010, 09:24 AM	#5989
Ghoulish Delight I Floop the Pig Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alternative Swankstyle Posts: 19,348	__________________ 'He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.' -TJ
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06-04-2010, 09:34 AM	#5990
BarTopDancer Prepping... Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Here, there, everywhere Posts: 11,405	Tetris/SMB crossover fail. __________________ Spork is the new MacGyver Postcards From My Edge
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