Not Everyone is Trying to Screw You Over

Megan McArdle wrote a nice post at the Atlantic questioning the over the top criticism of Reed Hastings of Netflix and other leaders who make seemingly terrible decisions. Her post is mainly regarding business leaders, but the same logic applies to politicians and other public leaders.

It’s not a popular position to take at the moment, but the majority of elected representatives and public leaders really are generally smart, competent, and want the best for their constituents. Simply because a President, Senator, Judge, etc makes a decision that you believe is hugely idiotic, doesn’t mean the decision maker is pulling the strings on some complex web of corrupt and backdoor negotiations intended to screw you over.

Most elected representatives have built lives around public service and have sacrificed monetarily and personally by running for a position that comes with great scrutiny.

Of course there are cases of horribly corrupt politicians and staff out to gain personally at the expense of the public. And skepticism is to be encouraged in all venues, especially policy making. It is the duty of an informed public to cast a critical eye on decision-making leaders.

But assuming the worst out of every public leader without seeing an issue from multiple points is doing a disservice to the elected individual, the public he is charged to serve, and the process itself. Sometimes, there are no good decisions to be made, but it doesn’t mean someone is out to screw you over.