Psychopaths and the Republic

You've solemnly made the exact same pledge more than a thousand times. All the way from the age of five through at least middle school you'd start the school day by pledging your allegiance to the flag and to the Republic for which it stands -- to the Republic, mind you. Our discussion will center around what that means in the context of what passes for politics today,

Francis Bellamy's choice in 1892 of the word Republic in the Pledge most certainly reflected Plato's philosophical devotion to the basic ideals of good government. For our purposes, however, we will avoid an extensive discussion about America's current system, sometimes also referred to as a representative democracy, and the way it bridges the sometimes tricky distinction between a pure Republic (sovereignty vested in the people themselves) versus a pure democracy (sovereignty vested in the whole body). Rather, we'll focus on certain observations and concerns on the part of Plato, author of The Republic (focus article, Why the West Needs Plato).

First and foremost, Plato viewed democracy (at least the Athenian type characterized by direct voting on each matter of the state) with outright hostility. A society run by the masses leads to the worst of societies. Just as voters invariably favor the short-term over the long-term, they are also drawn towards the demagogues, those who deal in fanciful visions and confidence tricks. 

A successful society, in contrast, is one run by the "guardians" of people whose job it is to think about the long-term success of the republic. Otherwise, the freedom that characterizes democracy gives way to anarchy which itself leads to internecine class struggle with an inevitable disorder so intolerable that the masses turn to a dictator who can restore order. It's a story as old as empires themselves (as we'd previously discussed, click, MM (12/4/17) The Fate Of Empires).

The story may be old but the modern version contains a twist -- the rise of the modern-day psychopath. By way of supplemental (and quite optional) reading is a rather original, free-wheeling thought-piece describing our current sad situation in terms of our very deep societal pathologies  (Psychopathic Style In World Leadership). Citing such works as "Beware The Psychopath, My Son" and "The Psychopath Epidemic" comes the thesis that the rise to power in hierarchical systems is fundamentally based upon the need to control, dominate, and exploit others more than it is motivated by any regard to conscience, consequences and "externalities." A tyranny is essentially a psycho-drama in which everyone is caught up in the tyrant's raging ego.

Now before anyone invokes The Name That Shall Not Be Spoken, consider this: the unbridled drive for wealth, power, and control exists across the political spectrum, from the Marxist to the Far Right Libertarian, even beyond politics itself for that matter. It's evident in the rapidly evolving technology and social media world, this insatiable drive for control (ref. the "Social Dilemma" documentary). One sees it throughout mass media, now in the pocket of a hand-full of special interests.

There is some comfort in knowing  that the problem of good government is nothing new (and has been overcome), including the cited example of England's political system of the early 19th century known as "Old Corruption." Still, our immediate future seems somewhat daunting given the depth of self-dealing, conflicts of interest, and regulatory capture endemic to our political and financial systems. 

Just as some are prepared for a knife fight in the upcoming election and its aftermath (click, The Election That Could Break America), perhaps others will see this as the ideal time in which to actually reflect on the importance of good government. Let's begin by questioning the straightjacket of a two-party system that reduces the electorate to false choice policy options. Really, now, are these the best candidates our country has to offer?

Let's harken back to Plato and the notion of "guardians," those who might regard dignified public service as its own reward. They're out there. Now go forth and remember your pledge.  

(For access to previous Member Monday introductions, click: TOC )