In an essay in the book Changing Community, Vaclav Havel says society mirrors its politicians. He notes that politicians can call out the best instincts in people.
I read this essay a long time ago. I don’t remember if Havel said the opposite was true, but obviously it is. If the politicians preach hate, tell lies, spout nonsense, then the society will reflect that as well. Politicians can bring out the worst instincts in people. I think we are seeing that. Look at the Republican members of the House. How many are inspiring their constituents to be kind, to care, to honor democratic values, to show courage? Now that sounds naive, even silly.
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