Why we should feel sorry for politicians

Jonah Goldberg is one of my least favorite pundits. He's a columnist for the LA Times (the conservative one), and I don't just disagree with him ideologically. I find that I don't try to argue with him, because I think his writing is usually sloppy and facile.

But this is hysterical. It's an explanation of why we should feel sorry for politicians: because they have to listen to us.

"Ever have someone comment on your job who has absolutely no experience whatsoever at it? It's quite annoying. Now imagine millions of similarly unknowledgeable rubes constantly heckling you, but now they actually have a say on how you do things and could have you fired for disagreeing with them. If you can begin to fathom how unfair — downright mean — that would feel, then you'll have some understanding for the plight of the politician at the hands of voters."

Right! You know how, sometimes you hear someone express a political opinion, and it's so completely whacked that you just roll your eyes, and/or walk away? You don't even bother trying to argue with them, because you know it's a hopelessly lost cause - they know they're right and you're not going to change their mind, no matter what kind of evidence you provide. All you can do is nod and smile and think to yourself "get me the hell out of here."

You know what politicians have to do with those people? Smile, nod, and then respond intelligently. And not piss them off. Do you know how hard that is?

"not only do our laws permit laggards, professional nose-piercers and porn movie gaffers to have opinions on complex budgetary and foreign policy issues, but our Constitution also says their opinions matter! What mad man thought of this? Was his wig powdered with cocaine?"

Probably not. Somehow, for some reason, the Founding Parents had enough faith in humanity that they gave average people the power to change society. But fear not! The Democratic party is on the right track!

"Democratic politicians are leading the way by putting their fates in the hands of the only people truly qualified to make the important decisions: politicians. There's a reason they're called "super delegates," after all. "

All of you voters who think you're so smart, with your right to vote! Just you wait! The people who are invisible to you now will strike and determine your fate! From God knows what corner of this democracy they will come, and voila! a nominee will be chosen!

Ahh, elections. Such a glorious dance between order and chaos, ignorance and expertise, passion and apathy. You know, sometimes I think it's great to just sit back, reflect on the wonderful madness that is democracy, express yourself in a way that even you didn't expect, enjoy a little intellectual mini-adventure, and say to yourself, "Thank God for the First Amendment."