Episode 213: Political Provocations (August 25, 2021)

In this episode of The Open Door, panelists Jim Hanink, Mario Ramos-Reyes, and Christopher Zehnder discuss some political provocations. We’ll tell you why we’re provoked and what we think. Please don’t hesitate to tell us what’s on your mind!1. An old Jesuit, a priest of blessed memory, once observed that “we pretty much get the political leaders we deserve.” If that’s true, shouldn’t we blame ourselves more than we do? If it’s false, well, who should we blame? Or is it, despite appearances, a happy fact that not much is rotten in Denmark after all?2. St. Augustine writes that:If the people have a sense of moderation and responsibility, and are most careful guardians of the commonweal, it is right to enact a law allowing such a people to choose their own magistrates…But if, as time goes on, the same people become so corrupt as to sell their votes, and entrust the government to scoundrels and criminals, then the right to appoint their public officials is rightly forfeit to such a people and the choice devolves to a few good men. (De Lib. Arb. i.6)Is Augustine correct? And, if he is, where are we to find these “few good men”?3. A commentator on California politics, noting that Governor Newsom has mountains of money from special interests, says that it won't hurt him because everyone knows that all politicians are on the take. Is the commentator right?4. And speaking of money, since most of the money is spent on mindless ads, why does anyone give politicians money in the first place? Hmmm. If it’s money that makes the wheels go round, and it turns out to be our money, do we get the leaders we deserve? If so, what should we do? (August 25, 2021)