The best and the brightest Americans are simply being run off

The politics of personal destruction, the criminalization of policy differences, the Senate use of advise and consent to black ball those of another ideology, all are having a cumulative effect. Debating and discussing ideas seems so passé these days. One might observe good job on developing and using this method of political war and ego gratification, while also saying they are running a country down. Short term gain, long term loss.

There is a repeating and cumulative pattern of the USA doing dumb things when the USA could have done things better. The first four years of winning the peace in Iraq is one, planning ahead discussing the coming Social Security and Medicare debacle is another, and defending our borders while taking advantage of immigration is another. Perhaps it is just politics gone bad, but more likely it is the poor quality of our elected leaders and their hired minions. Nothing against anyone serving, but the cohort is much reduced by all the frictions today. It is tough enough serving our country in all means, but why put up with the latest recriminations and 2 to 3 year approval processes for judges for example. Why not just stay at home and do well, and let D.C stew in its own juices?

Nothing goes on in perpetuity. This includes the best and the brightest stepping forward for a few years of American citizen public service. What has the last few decades happened nationally is against this old idea. Since there is little likelihood of politicians and hired staffs taking the initiative, it is up to the voting citizens to do so.

No “new” government program is required. Electing politicians who think this way is required. Politicians who can exist without super organized politically activist with money types are the saviors of this American dream.

Fortunately, there is payback. If they take us down the tubes through their politics, their probable benefits will also disappear. Now that is incentive.