When I opened up GraniteGrok, it was clear that one of our focuses was going to be political which meant interacting with politicians. Here in NH, it’s a bit different in that no one here does it for pay. Many are making sacrifices in order to serve but many are either business owners, made their money, or retired (or any combo of those + others).
So, the notable quote:
They shocked me a little at my first intimate contact with them, for I had never suspected, up to then, that frauds so bold and shameless could flourish in a society presumably Christian, and under the eye of a putatively watchful God. But as I came to know them better and better I began to develop a growing admiration, if not for their virtue, then at least for their professional virtuosity….
-H.L. Mencken (Heathen Days)
All because they simply got at least one more vote than the other guy?
Yeah, I can confirm that Mencken gets it right in that their performance exceedingly outweighs their personal virtue. After all, it’s not a requirement.
Remember, the ONLY thing that matters to professional politicians (and yes, there are those in NH that are “professional” in that they never go away) are three things (with the only exception of those who are in office to “get something done” and then go home) that matter: Obtaining Power, Using Power, and getting reelected in order to stay next to that Power.
Few of those that I’ve met are truly concerned about having Government leave the rest of us alone in all ways. The Power to tell others how they will live their lives is all but irresistible.
(H/T: Cafe Hayek)
