Cartoon 899: Visitor’s Question

We vacillate with every sway of populism and influence. The leaders are beholden. Their view is always the immediate. This results is not doing what is needed to sustain the greater good. It is referred to as “socialism” and is an anathema in American ideology. But a holistic approach yields undeniable results.

We know from the Scandinavian model that the ultimate benefit to society starts with pregnancy and not law enforcement and incarceration. Prenatal care, early childhood education, flexible work arrangements, nourishing meals, preschool and after school care, work/study programs, largely free higher education and expansive activities have far reaching benefits. The benefits are a healthy adjusted society. This is a role government is in a unique position to provide.

Politicians, particularly in America, will not act on this approach. The power of the American electorate is beyond the child baring age. There is also a cultural and racial perspective of it primarily benefiting the poor and minorities. Finally those with the means do not want these children competing with their own. The result would be social mobility in both directions.

The question is has politicians become an anarchism? They do not serve the needs of the wider audience of the people. The political system is designed so they can never get beyond serving populism and money. To what extent can we continue to put the cart before the horse with the focus on greater policing, incarceration, disdaining poor health and intellect, pushing toward increased wealth and privilege of the select?

Though we dislike the thought, there should be decades long integrated plans developed outside of politics executed by a professional bureaucracy. Tactical plans and execution would feed toward achieving the longer term plans.