I've not seen it mentioned here yet that Robin Cook, former British foreign secretary and one of the country's leading left-wing intellectuals, died yesterday at the age of 59. Cook was my first hero in politics - a genius at exposing the corruption and moral bankruptcy of the Thatcher and Major administrations - and he was one of the few in the Labour party who did not turn his back on his ideals once in Government himself.
Just wondered whether there are any other inspirational politicians out there, and why there are so few?
Rich.
Originally posted by richhoeyI'll tell you why there are so few worthy politicians.
I've not seen it mentioned here yet that Robin Cook, former British foreign secretary and one of the country's leading left-wing intellectuals, died yesterday at the age of 59. Cook was my first hero in politics - a genius at exposing the corruption and moral bankruptcy of the Thatcher and Major administrations - and he was one of the few in the Labour pa ...[text shortened]... ther there are any other inspirational politicians out there, and why there are so few?
Rich.
To get on in politics you have to pragmatic. That's the way the game works. Compromise, and you prosper: idealize, and you fail.
Hence, all the idealists, with very few exceptions, are weeded out along the way, and you are left with the pragmatists. Alas, it's the survival of the least fit to govern.
I think it's that simple.
Originally posted by PawnokeyholeHmm, I see your point, but I don't totally agree with it. It implies that compromise is automatically bad, yet when I look at the Middle East, or Northern Ireland, or many countries in Africa, I can't help thinking a little more compromise wouldn't be a bad thing. Nelson Mandela, in my opinion, only became a great politician when he took a consensual position, following his release from prison. Before then he had been just another charismatic freedom figher (for which it is only too easy to read terrorist).
I'll tell you why there are so few worthy politicians.
To get on in politics you have to pragmatic. That's the way the game works. Compromise, and you prosper: idealize, and you fail.
Hence, all the idealists, with very few exceptions, are weeded out along the way, and you are left with the pragmatists. Alas, it's the survival of the least fit to govern.
I think it's that simple.
But you raise an interesting point. Is it possible to be an inspirational leader, and a politician of principles, and yet at the same time be a moderate? Do we only respect extremists these days?
Rich.