It has been told that people can not govern themselves, but a select few can govern millions?

That’s a direct quote from either Moses or Daffy Duck, I forget which.

I’m not taking credit for the quote @ucme I just would like to know why?

Ego. Can’t run your own life but feel perfectly capable of running others. haha
The more egocentric someone is the more they are convinced that they, and only they, know best.

“The major problem, one of the major problems, for there are several ,one of the many major problems with governing people is that of whom you get to do it; or rather of who manages to get people to let them do it to them.
To summarize: it is a well known fact that those people who most want to rule people are, ipso facto, those least suited to do it. To summarize the summary: anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job. To summarize the summary of the summary: people are a problem.” -Douglas Adams

I never suggested you were @SQUEEKY2 , definitely sounds Moses-ish to my ears…eyes.

Well, based loosely on fluther philosophy, everyone’s good at something but not everyone is good at the same things.

So, while some people may be great at governing people (including perhaps themselves and others) others will be good only at other things. However, those who are good at governing people won’t themselves be good at many other things which others would be good at.

Because those in power have a vested interest in staying in power, and one of the best ways to remain in power is to convince people that you, not they, know what’s best for them.

If the statement holds true the issue then centers on the word “select”. To what extent are the millions allowed to participate in the selection of those governing? What’s the best way to design a system for governing those millions that provides them the illusion that their participation matters? How about restricting the political parties to 2, then buying them both?

@stanleybmanly I think I get what your getting at, with that out look, those select few are being governed by a select few??

Yes. Politicians are like sheepdogs.. The sheep don’t realize that both they and the dogs are owned by the same master, let alone that equally as important as guarding the sheep, it’s the dogs’ function to keep the sheep in line. The dogs howl endlessly about their own lives being dedicated to the well being of the sheep, The sheep are a bit suspicious yet continue to be fleeced while the dogs’ coats grow ever thicker and more luxuriant. With the arrival of the inevitable winters (recessions), the sheep stand shivering and complaining about their plight. The dogs (and the dumber sheep) searching for an explanation, seize upon the queer notion that is the starving chickens sneaking under the Southern fence in search for sustenance which account for their plight, as wagon loads of wool parade unnoticed past the flock toward the big comfortable farmhouse.

@stanleybmanly interesting, thought provoking answer well done.

No one can manage themselves or others, perfectly.