An economics, investment, trading and policy blog with a focus on Modern Monetary Theory (MMT). We seek the truth, avoid the mainstream and are virulently anti-neoliberalism.
At a certain point, institutions become ungovernable, and probably societies, too. This is a problem with consolidation as the management issues that arose from firm conglomeration suggest.
This is a problem with liberalism. It tends to select poor leadership.
It is opposed by the Chinese system of actual meritocracy based on the Confucian Mandarin model of rigorous testing.
Russia is experimenting with a combined liberal-technocratic model, where local elections are democratic but higher office is by merit, selecting officials at higher levels based on actual performance.
In defense of lawyers in politics, governing under the rule of law has become highly developed and requires expertise in the law. So it is not unusual that lawyers would play a dominant role in governing, whereas in feudal times it was military expertise that was important for governing. In contrast, market-based capitalism requires a highly developed legal system to function since it is based on property rights.
And so do most politicians ?
ReplyDelete..and so do most lawyers...
ReplyDeleteAt a certain point, institutions become ungovernable, and probably societies, too. This is a problem with consolidation as the management issues that arose from firm conglomeration suggest.
ReplyDeleteThis is a problem with liberalism. It tends to select poor leadership.
It is opposed by the Chinese system of actual meritocracy based on the Confucian Mandarin model of rigorous testing.
Russia is experimenting with a combined liberal-technocratic model, where local elections are democratic but higher office is by merit, selecting officials at higher levels based on actual performance.
Well said Mike. The fawning over 'successful' businessmen makes them out to be gurus when they really aren't.
ReplyDeleteBtw, what makes for a good lawyer can translate to politicking skills. If you can persuade a jury, then maybe you can persuade bigger crowds.
In defense of lawyers in politics, governing under the rule of law has become highly developed and requires expertise in the law. So it is not unusual that lawyers would play a dominant role in governing, whereas in feudal times it was military expertise that was important for governing. In contrast, market-based capitalism requires a highly developed legal system to function since it is based on property rights.
ReplyDeleteLawyers are over represented in politics at the national level. Period.
ReplyDeleteAlso, there have been several Presidents who had business backgrounds who were terrific Chief Executives not the least of which was FDR:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/19/presidents-entrepreneurs_n_1684521.html
President Trump is going to be one of the greats, and he won't be a conservative toady either.
"If you can persuade a jury, then maybe you can persuade bigger crowds."
ReplyDeleteOf what? By that measure, all Oscar-winning actors should be leaders. :(
Persuade them to believe their arguments. Indeed, actors could qualify. The quality of such candidates is another, more depressing matter.
ReplyDelete