Strider was just home for lunch and we discussed how people we know change so drastically when they get into office. This coincided with an email from a pal back home who was lamenting the same thing about someone we used to think we knew well.
How and why do people change from what they purported to be into political pod people? Were they always like that, secretly, chameleonlike to the nth degree? Do they not have the strength of character to stay who they were? Were they ever who we thought they were? And if not, after knowing them well and personally for years, are they then psychopaths? And how can you trust them ever again?
This seems to grow into a stronger personality change the longer they're in office, and so do their egos. They have a little power over others and for whatever is lacking in their lives they pump up their self-importance to make up for the deficit of happiness in themselves. It's kind of pathetic.
And what happens to the Good they used to represent? Does that go away, or was it all a sham, an appearance, in order to get where they are? And doesn't that point to some antisocial disorder? How can someone do such a 180 with a straight face?
Unfortunately I've seen this in almost everyone I've known in politics recently. And like most lousy things, it's always still a surprise when I see it happen again. But I think this is what's at heart wrong in my country now. It wasn't always like this. In the 70s and 80s people didn't pander nearly as much. There were passions and oppositions amongst the politicos I knew then, and they didn't back down or change to suit anyone. At least you knew what was going on then.
MYSTERIOUS GARDEN
10 months ago
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It's not just politics. I've seen it in the workplace as well. Someone you talked to every day and had coffee with and shared your "if only I was in charge" stories with will completely change once they are "in charge". I came to believe that these people never did have the common good in mind. It was just a front to get them where they wanted to be. Politicians are no different. They do and say what they have to do and say to get in power and then they do what they planned to do all along...whatever benefits them. Sorry to sound so cynical but I guess old age and experience does that to you.
It's a terrible trend. It really is a psychopathy or something, a character flaw... We need to stop it.
Have you ever seen the movie The Candidate, with Robert Redford? It was made in 1972 and shows how the political machine corrupts. I do think that many people go into politics for the right reasons, however, the price for getting anything done is usually their integrity.
But it doesn't have to be. That's a lie, something used as an excuse. Bernie hasn't sold out.
I have seen that too, like Delores, in the work place. I basically wouldn't trust anyone with the "gift of the gab" anymore. Unfortunately, those are always the ones who seem to get ahead as people don't seem to care what you can do and who you are, just if you can "talk the talk, walk the walk" type of thing.
Cheers to Bernie, for holding the candle. Let's hope we evolve through this selfish role-playing mentality.
Carrie- Selfish role-playing mentality! That's perfect. It really is just that.
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