Criticism of Politicians

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

Something that has been getting to me for a long time is the criticism of politicians. No, not criticizing politicians on individual issues, but criticizing the entire class. Informed criticism of a politician, or even an entire party, based on an actual issue, is perfectly fine and necessary to a democracy. However, the villainization of the class is, in my mind, completely unacceptable. Why?

1) It is a blatant and unnecessary generalization.

2) There exist many, many decent politicians. The only problem is that they don't get press, or at least not for the good deeds.

3) It is a difficult job, and it is understandable that a politician may slip up. Ask yourself - could you do that job just as well or better? The answer, in the vast majority of cases, is no.

4) A politician cannot always be honest;
4a) due to preservation of the security of the state, and/or;
4b) due to slip-ups, and/or;
4c) due to not having all necessary information at the time, and/or;
4d) because not all information is necessarily correct.

5) The political class, as a whole, does a good job. This does not mean consultation of the people is not necessary, but that politicians as a whole should not be condemned.