>>For whatever reason, lots of conservatives would rather spend a lot of time and effort to come up with their own opinions rather than trust experienced subject-matter specialists from the government who have sifted through all the competing experts; come up with findings, conclusions, and recommendations; vetted the results ad nauseum; and balanced the competing interests.<<
Personally, and frankly, bland finds this a chilling statement. It appears to assume:
1. We are somehow better off not forming our own opinions.
2. "experienced subject-matter specialists" are in fact just that, unquestionably, in every case.
3. All competing experts are invariably consulted in a disinterested fashion.
4. The competing interests *are* truly balanced.
These are huge leaps of faith. And there nothing bland has witnessed in local, state, or federal government that leads him to believe they are justified. Public servants are no less fallible than an interested, educated, informed citizenry. There is nothing sanctified about their work, or immaculate about its results. Any organized human endeavor is subject to corruption and abuse of power. To whatever degree it is not held accountable...questioned, reviewed, examined, critiqued, from the outside looking in...abuses will take root. Especially, especially...if public money is involved. |
