the philosophy of policy
by Mark Hunter Mulvey
Published: October 19, 2008
“The promises of this world are, for the most part, vain phantoms; and to confide in one’s self, and become something of worth and value is the best and safest course.”
- Michelangelo, (Renaissance painter, sculptor, and architect. 1475–1564)
There is an ongoing philosophical argument in regards to “The Self,” the basic premise centering on the fact that people change over time. While most people would agree that they believe themselves to be the same person they were 5-10-20 years ago, their cells, organs, synapses, water content, arteries, scar tissue, and hair would indicate otherwise.
The average human body has shed countless cells and bodily tissues over the course of its life, yet still retains memories and the conscious notion of its “self.” Clearly we must look outside the physical characteristics of a human to find their character. As David Hume has stated, “Man is a bundle or collection of different perceptions which succeed one another with an inconceivable rapidity and are in perpetual flux and movement.” Our character and sense of self, he argues, is a slippery thing and cannot be found in a particular part of the body. Much in the same way a restored roadster, though composed entirely of new parts, is still considered “classic” and embodies the essence of the car it was in 1960.
So, what of politics?
I bring this up in light of the opposing healthcare policies being shepherded by our two presidential candidates. Barack Obama is proposing a “managed competition” solution, resulting in a healthcare offering for every American who needs it. McCain’s strategy is to lower the cost of existing healthcare offerings through a “market-based” approach with tax incentives for both employer-based plans and private insurance. This is a neat distillation of two complex healthcare ideologies, but the essence is there. Here’s the rub:
These plans will change when the winning candidate steps into the White House.
Unforeseen circumstances will occur, adjustments will be made, concessions will occur, dollars shaved off, taxes buttoned on. A litany of recalculation, advice, and global reaction will usher an inevitable change of policy. A flip-flopping will occur, and people will be incredulous at the emergence of the lie laid out to them back on the campaign trail.
But this is life. The policies and ideas of each candidate are akin to the physical body parts of their underlying competency and character. While they must posit something to voters as a form of persuasion to win votes, they will not be bound to those promises by anyone. Nor should they be. People change, and so do their ideas.
I will not be scrutinizing the nuts and bolts of each plan on November 3rd, desperately trying to decide my vote by sorting through the practicality and feasibility of the healthcare solutions themselves. I am more interested in the mind behind each plan. It is an indication of the general direction and leadership qualities that will be present in the Oval Office.
These candidates should not be accountable for the exacting completion of their specific proposals, no more than your lover is accountable for the skin cells in their lips on the day you first kissed.
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October 19th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Mark,
In one sense I agree with you: politicians should have the integrity to base their views and policies on the facts, and when the facts change they should have the integrity to change their positions accordingly.
However, I can’t support the argument that a politician should not be held to his or her promises. In fact, I would argue that there is too little accountability among politicians, many of whom become elected and then proceed to “mail it in,” beholden only to the special interests that got them into office and more interested in lining their pockets and the pockets of their supporters than doing any real good for the American people. Politicians are all big talkers. Someone needs to back it up. If Obama or McCain can get themselves elected with eloquent promises then they hold a responsibility to the American people to back them up.
November 15th, 2008 at 7:18 am
U know how to tell if a politician is tell a lie?
His lips are moving.
U know how to tell if U live in a banana republic?
When U ain’t got no bananas.
November 23rd, 2008 at 9:29 am
Happy Holidays Everyone, breaking news,,,,,enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiZlIlEj89g&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqvZwo2qhIo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qph6ofuSBlw&feature=related