We see political decisions as commenting on our very souls. It's not at all about competent administration. It's about being told that our fundamental world-view is right or wrong.
A lot of people find that fun. They find personal affirmation in being told that their world-view is right. They can get that every night from the TV and the Internet. And then every so often we have elections, which will be either life-affirming or soul-destroying.
The fact that we take it so personally clouds our judgment. Both sides accuse the other of putting their personal identity ahead of all other concerns, including basic decency and even truth. Those accusations are so strong that at least one side must be correct. Which makes it self-sustaining.
It doesn't help that there are a lot of influential people who benefit from the conflict.
We see political decisions as commenting on our very souls. It's not at all about competent administration. It's about being told that our fundamental world-view is right or wrong.
A lot of people find that fun. They find personal affirmation in being told that their world-view is right. They can get that every night from the TV and the Internet. And then every so often we have elections, which will be either life-affirming or soul-destroying.
The fact that we take it so personally clouds our judgment. Both sides accuse the other of putting their personal identity ahead of all other concerns, including basic decency and even truth. Those accusations are so strong that at least one side must be correct. Which makes it self-sustaining.
It doesn't help that there are a lot of influential people who benefit from the conflict.