Rulers unknown to us

When politicians become like deities

It would be irresponsible to not know the names of your president, governor, members of Congress, and local officials. A republican form of government, more than any, depends on an educated electorate. Understanding their voting records and administrative habits and priorities is essential.

But something is wrong if your day-to-day existence is almost entirely dependent on some action taken or not taken in the halls of power.

Is this not the case today? Have not politicians left people with an impression there is nothing that you can do for yourself?

The modern politician has made himself a central figure in almost every aspect of life:

“Your kids will be smarter because I voted to fund the new school!”

“Your smart kids will be able to get a job in our community because of the business subsidies I voted for!”

“The subsidized company receives money on the condition, set by we politicians, that it offers its employees health insurance!”

“The health insurance includes free cancer screenings because I voted for a law to mandate it.”

“If you have cancer, the local hospital is staffed with doctors because of the medical training program I funded.”

But observe what else is happening in the above, very real examples: The politician makes himself well known to his constituents. The people become dependent on him to act. They shower him with love and admiration, and he constantly searches for new ways — new actions — to ensure their admiration. New programs. New laws. And importantly, the suggestion that nothing in society could be accomplished without the direct participation of political figures such as himself.

The politician becomes like a deity. The people have great love for what him and what blessings he might give them. With this, they have great fear for what that he might take it all away. They pray he will vote for this or that. They cry “why have you forsaken us!” when he doesn’t.

Eventually, the people no longer trust in themselves to accomplish what needs to be done. They tremble in fear: “Only the government is able to help! Without government action, I will die.”

The supreme rulers are hardly known by their subjects.
The lesser are loved and praised.
The even lesser are feared.
The least are despised.

Those who show no trust will not be trusted.
Those who are quiet value the words.
When their task is completed, people will say:
We did it ourselves.

Chapter 17, Tao Te Ching translation by Stefan Stenudd