Self-Interest Versus National Interest in Politics

 

There is (or used to be) a myth among the general population that people get involved in politics to offer public service. Idealistic high school civics classes are probably the main reason for that view. While it is not entirely false, the myth does not encompass the many who get involved for less selfless purposes such as power, status and financial emollients

 Alas  those motivated by virtuous intentions from the start are subject to an invidious corruption conflating self-interest with national interests.

 You've heard the expression that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

 The fight over the survival of Joe Biden's presidency illustrates this very well.

 Take as a given: Joe Biden is suffering from dementia which should disqualify him from serving as president. His continuation office in office and reelection are contrary to the national interest. Our enemies are watching. A demented, senile commander-in-chief cannot protect us. Thus the drive to remove the president should be supported by all who know he is not fit to serve

 But Biden's removal will not be in the personal interest of many. Jobs, access to power will be lost.  So the truth is denied by those relying on the attitude of cynical comedian Groucho Marx:: "who are you going to believe? Me or your lying eyes?" Some will cite the fact that the president is lucid at times. (Shall we gamble for the nation that crises will only appear on the presence good days? And there are such on dementia's downward path.) Others will say we can't dump Biden because Trump will win and that will be worse (than what, the destruction of America?)

 People who believe they are motivated to do right view their conduct in a favorable light. Thus to them their actions which seemly serve their personal interests are, of course, the right thing to do.

 Power corrupts. Some are incapable of seeing that. They think that their self-interest is the same as the nation's.

 It rarely is.