Funny how people keep saying politicians are getting dumber, as if it’s a mystery. They’re just a reflection of the electorate. If voters reward cheap slogans over actual ideas, why would anyone expect leaders to be any smarter than the crowd cheering them on?
Instead of stupidity, what we are seeing may simply be how these guys engage in politics. They’re rewarded for saying ridiculous outlandish statements and not on the truth or falsity of such statements. They know this, and staying in power is all they care about, so why would they bother to “get the facts straight”?
I don't know about an IQ test, but a general competency and knowledge test is highly desirable! But then on the other hand, Just imagine the arguments in the government over competent or appropriate knowledge? Sigh...
"— electromagnetism is everywhere, and it is never harmful to living tissue."
I have had quite a few sunburns in my life that will prove otherwise. I'm not saying Chinese melting Indians with sci-fi weapons is a thing, but don't overstate your position, Brian.
Funny how people keep saying politicians are getting dumber, as if it’s a mystery. They’re just a reflection of the electorate. If voters reward cheap slogans over actual ideas, why would anyone expect leaders to be any smarter than the crowd cheering them on?
As Brain said, Mark Twain noticed this long before our current dilemma.
Instead of stupidity, what we are seeing may simply be how these guys engage in politics. They’re rewarded for saying ridiculous outlandish statements and not on the truth or falsity of such statements. They know this, and staying in power is all they care about, so why would they bother to “get the facts straight”?
Hanlon's razor
Philosophical adage stating "Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity."
Sometimes, though, you do have to attribute malice.
Recalls Sen Roman Hruska: "Mediocre people deserve representation too."
I don't know about an IQ test, but a general competency and knowledge test is highly desirable! But then on the other hand, Just imagine the arguments in the government over competent or appropriate knowledge? Sigh...
"— electromagnetism is everywhere, and it is never harmful to living tissue."
I have had quite a few sunburns in my life that will prove otherwise. I'm not saying Chinese melting Indians with sci-fi weapons is a thing, but don't overstate your position, Brian.
I *knew* someone was going to say this — but I thought it best not to detour here into the whole ionizing-vs-non-ionizing thing. I'll add a note.