On the Nature of Politics

A while ago, I bemoaned the lack of great leaders among our current politicians. I suppose that this post is a follow up.

In the novel the Tides of War by Steven Pressfields (a great book), two characters, Alcibiades and Socrates, have a discussion about politics. Although it is a fictional book, I feel like the fundamental arguments they convey are still true and applicable today.

Socrates began by arguing for the debasement of politicians. Can there be nothing more debase than the demagogue speaking to the masses, changing his every belief to match those of the mob (*cough* Mitt Romney *cough*) to seek their validation? He becomes the tool of the mob, he becomes their slave.

But then Alcibiades counters. What if the politician speaks not from the desire to appease the masses, but from the deepest precincts of his heart? What if he speaks not to their beliefs, but to his own, to persuade and lead the public? Can there be anything more noble?

I feel like modern conveniences have irrevocably changed the nature of politics. Now, when every statement can be instantly analyzed by the 24-hour news cycle, the only type of politician that can survive that gauntlet is the debase demagogue. This is perhaps why there seems to have been great men in the past, while few in the present.

I think this is why Mitt Romney is so universally despised; he is the archetype of the debase politician. This is also why, while everyone doesn't necessarily support him, Ron Paul is almost universally admired. While his ideas may be a little whacky, he is still striving for Alcibiades's noble form of politician.

We have been inundated by debase politicians. Let's hope that more noble ones can rise in the future.

Also... I could really use some more input: answer the poll por favor