[randysavage]

> if we had politicians who did their jobs and demonstrated competent leadership we could sort out this mess.

This feels like the crux of the problem, but we've got the politicians we voted for. I'm starting to wonder if its even possible for the average person to vote in the long-term interests of their community against their own short-term interest. Some will... but the majority?

[felix_nagaand]

The majority won't because they haven't the luxury of time to understand the consequences of the politicians being voted into office. Your average person doesn't actually understand the differences between a Republican and a Democrat. They assume the label that works for them socially and run with their herd. Both of which are aimed off the cliff by the inane policy makers elected on popularity over policy. This system works and the average person is too short sighted to see the cliff, at no fault of their own.

For the most part the average citizens do everything they should and a bit more. Sadly resources are mismanaged and citizens carry the burden because our system is collectively failing to stop bad actors at every stop.

Every good solution ive heard comes at the expense of higher taxes especially on rent seekers and high income/ wealthy individuals and families. Ignoring the political suicide of going after those classes, the entire proposal is a catch 22. How can these victims be expected to trust a politician when they've been taken advantage of by politicians their whole lives?