Mindless Populism
During the election process, Newsweek Magazine had a lengthy article about Sarah Palin. It concluded by saying that, while she does appeal to a lot of people, “mindless populism is just that, mindless.”
We were so pleased with that phrase that we burned it into our collective brains. Those of us who actually study politics and government tend to snicker at mindless populist politics such as those that drive Governor Palin and George W. Bush.
We pray for the day when issues are delved into much deeper than the sloganeering that is generally tendered by the populists.
Sloganeering drives us crazy. Can’t we discuss ANYTHING at length? Is there no room for subtlety in our election process? Does wearing a flag pin make you a “more American” than someone who does not?
Shouldn’t our elected officials know MORE about issues than the “Average Joe”? Average Joe is not our benchmark, he is becoming our ceiling. Ugh.
Warning to candidates: Even if you hate the sloganeering, don’t be suckered into thinking the views of Average Joe are not important. Just because a topic is being ‘slogan’d’* doesn’t mean it should be sneered at. When you heap scorn on the slogan, you risk being seen as an elitist. You must care about the issues normal people care about.
By the way, sometimes even the rednecks are right. We do waste too much money. Religions should not be belittled.
Sometimes the common man has a real, and accurate, sense of what is important. If you are running for office, make fun of those issues at your own electoral peril…
* The word “slogan’d” is trademarked and wholly owned by Winkest Link. Any use of the word without the express written consent of Major League Baseball is strictly prohibited.
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