[matt4077]

> which we all know they'll do on the worst possible basis - publicity

That's such a cynical, nihilistic way of looking at government. I can only guess people arrive at it after being exposed to a rather superficial look at governments' work over a long time.

In reality, the vast bureaucracy that is government takes thousands of actions every single day, almost all of which are uncontroversial. They work hard to establish procedures minimising uncertainty. The work is far more transparent than any private organisations'. And all decisions are subject to judicial review–with the judiciary having its own, long tradition of thoughtful deliberation and even-handedness.

As one example, the list at https://www.regulations.gov/searchResults?rpp=25&so=DESC&sb=... shows some recent (federal) actions. Note that this list is only the tip of the iceberg, with the most controversial administration in modern history. Yet it is dominated by "Class E Airspace; Revocations: Eaton Rapids, MI" and other items of rather low publicity value.

[candiodari]

Yeah - I've consulted for years for about 4 governments, going from department to department. I still think I'm far too hopeful. The whole thing is utterly corrupt, the politicians running things have utter disdain for actually running things (to the point that they have their security agents shove them aside sometimes - seen that happen). To say that the vast majority of the government - both politicians and bureaucrats - from high to low, everyone, doesn't care about running the place is a complete understatement.

And the government is so full of abuse, it's just disgusting. The thing is even "unintentionally corrupt" as I call it. Regulations that get important things done (especially where it pertains to hiring, consulting, real estate, ...) by just asking it in the right (and "published") location and person. Then, they tell this to 2-3 companies and the rest have to figure it out on their own. Then, of course, they switch to actually corrupt, and change where they need to ask a few months later.