The denigration of public service in modern America
With the talk of celebrities and billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg possibly running for political office, I notice that there is a strong anti-public service streak in the country right now. People want "outsiders" who supposedly cannot be bought by lobbyists. I know some people who voted for Donald Trump because they thought that his immense wealth made him independent and above politics. Of course, we see that Trump is packing his administration with rich corporate types so his "outsider" status is very questionable.
Still, there seems to be a kind of revulsion toward "career politicians" and people in public service these days. I can understand this sentiment to a certain extent. If you think that our politicians and bureaucrats are overly influenced by Big Money and too many go through the revolving door from government to lucrative private sector jobs that is a legitimate criticism of our current political system.
But is the answer to elect actors and corporate tycoons? To me, the answer would be to have more respect for public servants and people who devote themselves to public issues. But too many people seem to denigrate public service as something for losers or they just don't care. Apparently many people were not moved by Hillary Clinton's advocacy on behalf of children, for example.
I guess my point in a nutshell is it seems like Americans denigrate public service and that is a big problem for liberals. Liberalism has traditionally put a heavily emphasis on public service but now it seems like people want charismatic outsiders to run for office.
Any thoughts on this issue and how we can possibly change the way people think about public service?
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