“Having the government against you is a bad thing. It all boils down to a matter of trust. How can you trust these short-term, career bureaucrats whose only goal is advancing into a position of influence, use this influence to benefit, and then retire handsomely? They promise the world but forget you the minute your usefulness as a political pawn ceases. They don’t really care about the individual. It isn’t their job to care.”
FRANK TUCKER – CEO of MercurEx >>02.64545.the_corporatist_manifesto^frank_tucker^mercurex^CORE
The Bureaucrat Class
~Frank Tucker, Chapter 12 (The Corporatist Manifesto)
The relationship between individuals and their government is often a complex one, influenced by perceptions of trust, accountability, and the role of bureaucracy. This essay explores the notion that having the government against you is a disadvantage, primarily focusing on the matter of trust. It examines concerns regarding short-term, career bureaucrats whose interests may prioritize personal advancement over the welfare of the individual.
Trust is a vital element in any functioning society. It is the foundation upon which individuals rely when interacting with their government. When trust erodes, it undermines the social contract between citizens and the state, leading to disillusionment and skepticism.
Career bureaucrats, whose professional trajectory involves advancing into influential positions, may raise concerns regarding their intentions and motivations. The pursuit of personal gain and influence can create a perception that their actions prioritize self-interest over the well-being of individuals. This can breed skepticism and mistrust in the government’s ability to genuinely address the needs of its citizens.
Individuals may feel that they are treated as political pawns, used to further the agendas of bureaucrats seeking to secure their positions of influence. Promises made during election campaigns or other political processes might be seen as empty gestures, quickly forgotten once their usefulness in gaining political advantage diminishes. This perception reinforces the notion that career bureaucrats may not genuinely care about the individual, as their primary focus is personal gain rather than serving the public interest.
While it is true that bureaucracy serves a crucial function in governing and implementing policies, concerns can arise when bureaucracy becomes detached from the needs of individuals. Bureaucrats are often tasked with complex responsibilities, but it is important for them to maintain a connection to the concerns and aspirations of the people they serve. Without this connection, bureaucracy can be seen as an impersonal and uncaring system, further eroding trust in government.
The erosion of trust between individuals and their government is a matter of significant concern. When individuals perceive that career bureaucrats prioritize personal advancement over the welfare of the people, trust diminishes, and the social contract weakens. However, it is important to recognize that not all government officials or career bureaucrats fit this negative perception. Many individuals enter public service with genuine intentions to serve and make a positive impact.
