A general question re politicians and competence (GOPer not knowing female anatomy)

[DetlefK]

This:
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/293718211.html

""Can this same procedure then be done in a pregnancy? Swallowing a camera and helping the doctor determine what the situation is?" Barbieri asked."
...
"Barbieri, who sits on the board of a crisis pregnancy center in northern Idaho, ..."




My question is:
Shouldn't there be some kind of quality-standard when it comes to politicians?
Like an IQ-test? Or a college-degree? Or 10 years of job-experience in something?

For example:
Should a politician who doesn't understand the difference between science and religion be allowed to sit on a committee that deals with scientific questions?
Should a politician who doesn't have the medical background be allowed to make decisions on abortion?
Should a politician who doesn't have the psychological background be allowed to make decisions on homosexuality?
Should a politician who never served be allowed to become Secretary of Defense?

I know, my proposal sounds a little bit like a step towards closed professions and a caste-system, but...

Would you want such people around you in real life?
"I'm not a scientist but here's my advice about the asbestos in your house..."
"I'm not a doctor but let me tell you some things about female anatomy and abortificients..."
"I'm not a lawyer but here's what you should do right away..."
"I'm not an engineer but from my point of view this looks stable..."
"I don't know much about economy or stocks, but here's my investment-tip..."
"I have never met these foreign people but I know exactly how they think..."
"I have never teached but I know exactly how make successful students..."

You wouldn't take that advice in your private life, but you are comfortable with politicians making those decisions for the whole nation?




"If the people elect a potato, then, BY GOD, we will follow that potato."

[monmouth4]

1. I totally agree with you. We used to say these things jokingly, but lately it almost seems

a necessary requirement. Wouldn't you think this nimrod would be embarrassed to ask such a question? Nope, he truly does not know anatomy, science, etc. but sits
on the board of a crisis pregnancy center in northern Idaho, ..." He is not only very stupid but dangerous...

[BlueJazz]

2. We, as a people, SHOULD make sure that all politicians have a modicum of knowledge ...

....regarding a vast number of subjects or the ability to recognize the intelligence of someone to advise them.

Yes, I would make that a law.

[Blue_Adept]

7. We, as a people, SHOULD make sure that all PEOPLE have a modicum of knowledge ..

..regarding a vast number of subjects or the ability to recognize the intelligence of someone to advise them.

[BlueJazz]

8. Wonderful point.

[procon]

3. My fave:

"I'm not a woman, but since they are submissive to dominant male authority, I'll force them to comply with my religious laws and taboos whilst tossing in some junk science gobbledygook to deny them the basic right to control their own bodies."

[world wide wally]

4. I totally agree with most of what you said, and you make great points until you mention

being a teacher. Having been a teacher, I can assure you that every living person in Ametica is a self proclaimed expert on education and how to manage a classroom....... At least until you put them in one.

[jberryhill]

5. The requirement is "getting the most votes"

It's up to the voters to determine whether a candidate is qualified.

[DetlefK]

9. Do you trust your politician when it comes to...

...human-animal-hybrids?
...the conflict between governments demanding more and more control over technology while science has reached a dangerous stage where an average person can manufacture far-reaching instances of technology like organic photovoltaics, 3D-printed guns and mini-drones at home?


What if somebody gets elected because voters like his tax-stance, but he's a religious whacko and gets put in charge of science?

[jberryhill]

10. Then he/she gets elected

What is it you are suggesting?

Some kind of group that is going to decide who is "allowed" to run?

If voters want idiots, the voters get idiots.

[DetlefK]

11. I think, the freedom to be ruled by idiots, if you want to, is overrated.

[onyourleft]

6. I agree...

...with you. The level of ignorance regarding anatomy, physiology and science in general has reached astounding levels. I can think of nothing worse than having these men sitting on boards making life and death decisions for women. If we would not put up with this ignorance from physicians and other health professionals, why are we putting up with it from politicians?

[JHB]

12. Why that would be eeeeeeeleeeetist!

I just use them to remind the people who voted for them that...