Politics

Wondermark by David Malki

I am trying to avoid hearing any of the bullshit emanating from Washington D.C., but even with all my shields up, some of it still gets through. This cartoon is like totally apropos, man.

There are three factors affecting politicians. One is their beliefs, another is practical matters and the third is playing to the crowd. Playing to the crowd is necessary as that is part of the job, representing your constituents is what you are supposed to do, and if your crowd of constituents is howling for blood, well then, you too are obligated to howl for blood.

But all that noise is just entertainment to keep the masses entertained while the congressional staff hammers out the deals necessary to actually get anything done, like build stuff, or keep useful services running. Or stealing all the monkey biscuits.

Beliefs, well, they may be in line with what you are saying, or they might get lost in the shuffle of all the shouting and horse-trading. But if you are a talented person, you can probably come up with some rationalization that shows how your beliefs align with your words and actions. And the people will love you and you will get elected to another term.