Is a citizen out of line for questioning whether government officials are acting in good faith?

[noise]

That appears to be one of the objections in relation to criticism of Obama. It's ok to say he is weak or a centrist but wondering whether he is corrupt is over the line.

Is this not somewhat authoritarian?

[Greyhound]

1. Somewhat? K&R. n/t

[BlueMTexpat]

2. "Wondering whether he is corrupt" ...

based on what facts?

"Noise" indeed. U/R

[noise]

9. Wall Street bailouts and bonuses

both the product of corruption vs. proposed social security cuts.

Does this seem right to you? Is this indicative of good faith conduct by the Obama administration?

[xchrom]

3. It's not about 'citizen' it's about 'Party' member

And are you a 'strong' 'Party' person or
Something else.

That's my take.

[Ex Lurker]

4. the presumption should be they are ALWAYS acting in bad faith

I'm a cynic, but it's based on experience.

[readmoreoften]

5. I guess you haven't seen the puppy/baby-kissing/dancing Obamas threads.

He isn't just your ordinary politician. You're supposed to fall in love with him. You're not supposed to question him. You're outta line, soldier. I'm beginning to question if you ever really loved him. To the enemies list for you!

[quaker bill]

6. An important thing to consider

your interests and the public interest may well be different things. The fact that you don't approve of something does not mean the actions are corrupt.

GWB acted in reasonably good faith to a set of values I strongly disagree with. Was he corrupt, or just a aggressive idiot?

The term "corrupt" should be reserved to situations where there is actual evidence of quid pro quo. Calling something "corrupt" is not a position on the spectrum of disagreement / disapproval. Something can still be "corrupt" even when you agree with it.

[MisterP]

7. Bertolt Brecht, "The Solution"

After the uprising of the 17th of June
The Secretary of the Writers Union
Had leaflets distributed in the Stalinallee
Stating that the people
Had forfeited the confidence of the government
And could win it back only
By redoubled efforts. Would it not be easier
In that case for the government
To dissolve the people
And elect another?

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

8. Trusting politicians is, well, undemocratic.

In a democracy it is the responsibility of the citizenry to hold government officials accountable.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

10. I rec'd this though I do not think Obama is corrupt

But it is always fair for a citizen to wonder.

[alanquatermass]

11. THIS DU'ER IS WONDERING...

-- and he would appreciate an honest and "fearlessly searching" answer as the Friends of Bill W. might say -- this DU'er's wondering if a discussion like this one could have even TAKEN PLACE on these boards, and with this much frankness, as recently as 12 months ago.

Because I don't think it could have.

I think a lot of us would've been "Tombstoned" like a shot.

Any thoughts...?

[TheKentuckian]

12. Personally, I think the President is an ideological Global Corporatist

rather than corrupt. I don't think it is about getting the cookies but just him doing what he believes in and is rather effective in getting almost exactly what he is shooting for.

When he says 90%, it is the truth and he might be being kinda modest.

The man is a conservative, not a radical regressive such as make up the TeaPubliKlans but a conservative and a corporatist.

However, being that he is a politician it is your right to question motives all you like. From my point of view my not questioning his motives is a more fierce indictment but to each his own.