I thought compared to politicians of the developed West, African politicians were rather unintelligent, insensitive, corrupt, narrow-minded and undemocratic. I will still place them as far ahead in corruption and being undemocratic. But recent developments in the US and Europe, especially Greece and Ireland, have given me a rethink about intelligence. It seems politicians all over the world are actually different shades of the same colour. As someone put it, 'the abject incompetence of politicians' is universal.
Now I can understand why it is difficult for Republicans and Democrats in the US to find a common ground on the nation's debts, tax increases, spending cuts. It seems no crisis is too serious to set aside their political ambition. Over the years, Republicans and Democrats have pledged to control spending and never fulfilled it. In protecting business interests against what they termed 'big government' and in discouraging regulation of business from speculation, Republicans have created most of the current economic problems in the US. I believe that politicians can't comprehend that our resources on earth are limited, and we can't have infinite wealth.
In Greece, the older generation after enjoying years of luxury on borrowed money would now transfer the burden to the younger generation in form of austerity measures. Ofcourse there is no other solution; the younger generation must pay for the foolery and greed of the leaders among the older generation!
But can we learn from our predicament. I don't think so! It seems politics by its nature don't admit really intelligent and honest people. Sure because a good politician must be a crowd pleaser. So expect a repeat as we have the same attitude and similar crops of poor managers of earthly resources. You can be sure of human nature when it comes to seeking power and wealth.
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