What's Really Important Why Is "Mediocrity" Seemingly Acceptable?
I find it interesting that the Senate could not come up with the votes to show no confidence in the so-called “Attorney General” Roberto Gonzales. I say so-called because it indeed seems that he still believes he is Bush’s lawyer, and that Bush is under the same illusion. Of course, reality is what they make it. Perhaps this is because many others, primarily in their party, don’t actually care to tell them otherwise. The business of government has become “cover your party’s butt” at all cost, regardless of the negative impact to the nation. Simply throw out the same tired old clichés like patriotism, terrorism, national security, support the troops and 9/11 often enough, and allow whatever misbehavior and self-serving denial takes place to continue. After all, what’s more important, the welfare of the people and the nation, or getting reelected because no one knows how terribly incompetent and/or corrupt you are?
I recall the Senate, both sides, blasting this upstart AG who repeatedly and incessantly had the gall to answer questions with what will forever be known as the “I don’t know, don’t recall, or remember Gonzales defense.” Silly me, I’d always been under the impression that the Attorney General of the United States of America would be one of the brightest legal minds, or mind, the nation had to offer. I stand corrected. It appears that this individual doesn’t have much of a mind, if memory is any indication, at all. When I grew up, his inability to recall so little, would have been called incompetence at best and chronic and habitual lying at worse. Is it irony or funny business that everyone working for him could remember all that he could not?
Mediocrity appears now to be readily accepted, even when the only other possibility, corruption, is denied. When mediocrity becomes continually acceptable at the highest leadership levels it follows that it is okay everywhere else. Or, it’s at least a good excuse for covering up whatever else might actually being occuring.
Scooter Libby, for example, often heralded as an extremely bright intellect, could not recall meetings, dates and conversations, but did remember some that never took place. I’d find his defense by some political pundits, namely he simply couldn’t recall so many dates and meetings, acceptable if it weren’t in fact true that Libby is a “very” sharp guy, which was the reason why he was where he was.
Lurita Doan, the Chief of the General Services Administration in charge of all US government purchases, couldn’t recall ANYTHING about a meeting she attended just weeks earlier, except that she was a little bit late, and refreshments were served. It turns out she couldn’t even interpret some pretty obvious political power point slides that had been used at the meeting. I repeat; this is the “chief” of the GSA, and testifying before Congress.
Once again it would appear that incompetence was okay in the minds of some. Do you think the fact that the meeting was in violation of the Hatch Act, which expressly forbids political meetings at a government facility, might have catalyzed her memory loss? Was it the reason some were willing to accept obvious mediocrity? Was that perhaps preferable to acknowledging criminal intent?
I do recall that at the committee meeting in Congress where she was questioned the Democrats seemed to be fervently questioning her on the facts of the meeting. Such facts were gleaned from the evidence of the actual power point presentation from the meeting, as well, and as with the Gonzales questioning, the recalled memories and sworn testimonies of several of her colleagues who did seem to remember what took place at the meeting. The Republicans questioning her, interestingly, were more concerned about defending this petite and attractive GOP devotee and supporter, and Bush appointee, while ignoring the facts and evidence that were before them and which were the reason for the investigation in the first place. They even attacked the GSA inspector general, also testifying before them, who was investigating the incident based on evidence of wrongdoing.
I’m not even going to attempt to list what I consider the incessant instances of “acceptable” mediocrity and incompetence, and worse, at the level of the highest political office in the United States. – guess who? A blog that long would only be readable if you were perhaps serving a forty-five day sentence in solitary somewhere. Now, where did I get that idea?
I do find it interesting that mediocrity and incompetence are acceptable by all too many in government leadership, but I suspect it is only condoned because the truth would cause political damage -- the truth that corruption knowingly exists at the highest echelons of government, and it becomes one's political duty to cover it up whenever and wherever it becomes obvious.
It appears the Republicans were quite concerned about this possible kind of behavior during the Clinton years, but are much less inclined to be concerned about it during their own tenure. I find that interesting, don’t you? And I’m not saying this is only a Republican trait, but in my opinion it has certainly been more blatant, less subtle and more common in the last six plus years than I have ever witnessed in my lifetime for either party. And, it’s accompanied by a kind of “so what” attitude. It used to be that you suspected lying and cover-ups, now you are pretty certain about it, and the real question is why isn’t it being prosecuted.
Comments
I agree completely with everything you've said.
I think you're doing a kindness by labeling it "incompetence", however. I don't see what's going on in our highest levels of government as incompetence. Incompetence is the result of the problem, not the problem itself. The corruption, the pay-offs to political donors of high profile jobs, and the hiring and appointing loyal party members to key positions, rather than putting people in those positions who have the ability and the willingness to truly serve the nation, rather then the narrower interest of their party are the root causes of why our government is functioning so very poorly.
There is nothing wrong with giving preference to members of your own party, as long as they are capable of doing the job you give them. As a point of comparison, look at James Lee Witt, then at Michael Brown.
I worry more about "we the people". Why we accept this as the norm is beyond me. "Oh well, it's just politics. It doesn't affect me". or "I don't care what they do in Washington" or " I really hate politics (so I ignore it)" seems way too pervasive these days. Our country depends on an informed and active citizenry to support and continue this experiment in governmening we call democracy.
When we accept this level of malfuntion and corruption in our government, we are putting the entire system in danger.
That's my opinion, for what it's worth.
Posted by: mary^ | June 15, 2007 02:32 PM
We are in total agreement mary. It goes way beyond incompetence, which is why I have the word mediocre in the title in parentheses. I do believe the root of this present problem is primarily corruption, and that "they" are hoping people will only believe it's incompetence or mediocrity.
They can't totally hide anything because it's so obvious that things are wrong on so many levels. I'm sure they don't even actually expect most people to believe that Libby, Gonzales and Doan actually have memories like sieves. When you cloak actions in terms that can on some level be construed as human frailty, the more serious reality of intention to deceive, manipulate and commit criminal action is masked from those who don't or won't think more deeply, and those who are just misinformed.
It's ashame that so many Americans buy into the sham, and equally sad that so many who are elected to positions of responsibility and trust, are so completely unworthy of them.
Posted by: Stephen | June 15, 2007 04:14 PM
Gonzales has been a huge success! Abu Ghraib, secret rendition, torture, voter fraud, GITMO, illegal NSA and FBI domestic spying, lying before congress, the list goes on and on... unfortunately it's a success for a government from a nightmare world of Orwell and Kafka rather than Thomas Jefferson... it's a full-time job just to keep aware of the scandals... and when citizens get a little too upset for a little too long then suddenly somebody decides it's time "to spend more time with my familly" or with a slap on the back and a "you're doing a heck of a job" gets put out to pasture... mediocrity? Gonzales has excelled in thuggery and protecting the actions and agenda of the bush regime... only Scooter may face a penalty so far, meanwhile billions upon billions have been looted for the war, for Katrina, without oversight, without any fear of reprisals - the fox watching the chickencoop lol... blame citizens? approval for both bush and the congress are in the toilet - people are aware - even with mainstream media that distracts and propagandizes... people voted for "leaders" that would end the war and got escalation... perhaps it's not that the government is full of mediocrity - perhaps it just doesn't work for the people.
Posted by: heartfood | June 15, 2007 08:59 PM
All that you say is true and shameful to us as a Nation. The worst thing that upsets me though is how apathetic we have become. We talk and chat about all the terrible things this administration is doing,and how they are absolutely taking complete control over our lives and even our media and communications. They lie,cheat,hurt and dismantle other cultures leadership and even easily alter our own constitution . We are slowly losing our very freedoms and our sovereingty yet all we do is talk about it. I dont really see any uproar from the masses and rallies, and demostrations that even smaller nations peoples hit the streets and protest against. We bitch but do nothing. Our world is changed forever because of this administration. Its total disregard for our environment; its just opening our borders to whoever will help our true Government > aka Corporations and Banks. We are no more then corporate whores. When a nation allows an administration made up of a Cabinet and high level advisors who also have and hold interests in the major energy,defense,agriculture and pharmaceutical corporations make decisions which directly effect their own interests and we just stand by and let it happen; then we deserve what we get.
We now have a government made up of two divisions - administrative and Military - I dont know who is in control. Everything we supposedly stand for - freedom,government for the people, is down the damn tubes. We entered a country solely for their resources and fabricated stories of great WMD's - We want and need the friggin oil and by any means control the dispursement of it; regardless of almost 1 million people dying to attain this. I am ashamed and so fucking mad at myself and our nation for allowing this to continue. The Democrats have failed to do what they are in power to do since the election. They also have become corporate whores as far as I am concerned. Enough of my rant but i would suggest you stock up like it was Y2K again. Teach your family how to plant gardens and learn to eat what is grown locally and in season. No more frills and foods we were never meant to consume anyway. Whatever created this world made sure that all we really need is here to survive and take care of ourselves naturally.
One last thought - we have spent over 70 billion dollars to restore power and water to our enemy (Iraq) they are now at 30% lower supply then when we invaded? Haliburton and Carlyle are reaping all the rewards. Screw the poor bastards over there who really don't have a clue as to why we entered their country. You must remember more then 1/3 of these people had no power-no tv-no radio-no media and boom there we were at their door. Would you hate us if we entered your property with no warning and flames and smoke surrounded your family. Sorry - i forgot i am not supposed to be serious. I am so angry and pissed I have a hard time accepting all this nonsence. Peace to us all - I understand if you don't print this as I don't know what the hell I am doing anyway. Good stuff to ya - Ray
Posted by: Rsittinhere | June 15, 2007 10:17 PM
I have an old boss who voted twice for Bush, though I know he wouldn't have voted to hire Bush to teach in our little boondock community college English Department.
Why the disparity? Because of wedge issues that make people sign off on incompetence if they feel their pet issues are nonetheless being served.
Posted by: Jaime O'Neill | June 16, 2007 09:26 AM
I would like to speak about bitching but doing nothing. I am still naive enough to think that information is power, and that the pen is mightier than the sword. The trick is to get the word out, to make people think, to point out the things that are wrong and the things that are right.
Unfortunately, we are currently living under a regime that is blatantly and consciously yanking power away from the people. The stacking of the Supreme Court, the overtaking of the airwaves, the turning over of power to the president, the giving of passes to people, corporations, and systems which act contrary to underlying American values.... all has taken place with the tacit permission of Congress, of the media, of the body of people itself.
Speaking up in a small-town newspaper is good. It helps solidify and clarify thoughts. So why not take those same words, edit them for length as needed, and submit the same words to your local newspapers?
I still believe that community activism happens in small ways, that all politics begin at the local level.
Who are you voting for for school board? For judges? For your county supervisors, your mayors, your city council representatives?
Bitching is good. Acting on that bitching is even better.
Posted by: Renee | June 16, 2007 09:39 AM
Ray, I think you said it very nicely. You've put into words all the frustration, anger, disappointment, outrage and so many other emotions that SO many of us have been feeling for several years now. It started for some of us after the election/selection of 2000. We knew what kind of "leader" George Bush would be, and pretty much worried that this was a bad thing for our nation. Of course, most of us would not have imagined just how bad it would become.
That worry quickly morphed to high anxiety and horror as the years progressed and we witnessed the appalling apathy of the administration and NSA Rice leading up to the events of 9/11, and to outrage at the manufactured and distorted lead up to the invasion of Iraq, and the growing unwillingness of Congress to act in their role of oversight and accountability of the Executive Branch.
The horror story continued as tax cuts for the very wealthy proceeded onward during a time of war, when both that action and the war costs greatly bloated at a rapid pace, both the national deficit and debt, and the "war" sunk into a greater and greater quagmire with each passing day, month and year. As you deftly point out, Iraq is a greater mess today than it has ever been, with the infrastructure in ruins, people dying every day (theirs and ours), and a government that Bush labels a "fledgling democracy" which would be a joke, if it weren't such a disaster.
And the bogus "war on terror" which drains our national resources and our psyche at an alarming rate. No doubt the USA has enemies in the world, but to simply label them "terrorists" is as misleading as it is meaningless. This is like declaring war on hate. Terrorism is a tactic, not an ideology. Such a label makes the enemy impossible to truly identify and deal with on all the levels of military and diplomatic action required to bring some completion at some time, instead of continuing indefinitely for only God knows how long, and for what purposes.
And Congress continued to do nothing as an Executive Branch out of control, eroded personal freedoms at home, and continued to sacrifice the most precious resource of our young men and women in the military across the sea. All this, in the name of making us safer, and from what exactly? Certainly not safer from them!
And, it's rather obvious the world has become a more dangerous place, not less. Just as the tactic of divide and conquer through political and religious polarity in the US has weakened our nation from within, the indiscriminate use of violence, finger pointing and unwillingness to talk with other nations in the world has created more enemies for the US, not less, and weakened us from without. Many who would have been sympathetic to our cause after 9/11 have become our enemies as we have invaded their nation and threatened to invade others.
Thanks Ray for expressing the angst, outrage and impotence that so many of us are feeling at present. It feels like we are being led down a path of destruction by self-aggrandizing, self-serving, arrogant and totally inept fear and control peddlers, and are powerless to stop it.
I agree with you, where is the externalization of this outrage? Why aren't people in the streets, on the phones and inundating our "leaders" with emails, demanding to know why our nation is being stolen from us? Perhaps this Republic has never been as secure or as noble as we have been led to believe, but the current government as exemplified by all three branches makes it clear that we are in danger of becoming extinct, if something is not done, and done soon.
And the idea that government by Corporation is the next phase is not very reassuring. Capitalism is good when it serves both the companies and the people. When it becomes a dispassionate and uncompassionate cold-hearted vehicle serving only the bottom line, it becomes another evil; and the world already has had enough of them. What ever happened to “serve no idol of gold” and “have no other God before me?” Have so many people become so shallow they can’t even interpret such text, while at the same time claiming to be people of faith?
Posted by: Stephen | June 16, 2007 10:15 AM
What I have to wonder Jaime is why people actually believe any issues will be ultimately served by incompetence. Why are so many in this nation fooled by political and religious snake oil salesmen? It's as if they have the inability to perceive what is behind an individual's words. When they hear the mimicking of the words, labels and sounds with which they themselves concur, they automatically assume the source is credible. Why is that?
Posted by: Stephen | June 16, 2007 10:26 AM
Heartfood perhaps the government is not working for the people? Obviously we do not have a pure democracy since that would require a much greater level of awareness, education and sense of duty by the masses. So what was established instead was a republic, which is supposed to be government by elected representatives, people who are expected to be more aware, educated and dedicated. Unfortunately there is no guarantee that said representatives will represent the voter. There is only the next election, and people often have a short memory, and a tendency to support the same someone they don’t trust entirely, rather than someone they have been told would be much worse, such as a member of another political party.
I suspect the republic has been hijacked by people who serve themselves first. Why, because they can! Most people do not want to govern, they want to be represented by those whom they believe can. They trust to political rhetoric and to elections in which they vote for the people who say they will do the things they promise. Unfortunately promises even if meant, are not often fulfilled. Elected representatives end up compromising, something is given away for something else that is wanted. After awhile it becomes a club, isolated from the voters, and motivated by a sense of entitlement that they know what is best for the people, and what compromises are necessary, and which are not. Later on this morphs into what might be best for them as well. After all, they do so much for everyone else, and deserve something in return. The rest is history.
The real question now might be – the thing is broken, how do we fix it?
Posted by: Stephen | June 16, 2007 11:12 AM
Fix it? Could it be fixed by blaming everyone else? The shootings in Colombine were blamed on terrorists. I wonder why no one mentions that the terrorists in the long trench coats were initially bullied? And those who are bullied long enough seem to have nothing left but retaliation. Are the Palestinians bullied by Israel which in turn are protected in a sense by the Americans? Bullys are usually arrogant. Is there anyone more arrogant than the Bush Administration? "They hate us for our freedom" What a crock!! They hate us for our arrogance. I wonder what Americans would think if England had wandered into our civil war arrogantly demanding that we do their bidding. All this reminds me of a Viet Nam era bumper sticker that read "Fighting for Peace is like Fucking for Virginity!"
Fixing "it" could happen by accepting the reason why "it's" broken.
Posted by: Andrew | June 18, 2007 08:50 AM