Wherefore Art thou Nobility?--Phillip

Are the politics of the United States noble? Do the gladiators of this fierce colosseum
possess elements of heroism in their character or are they Machiavellian imposters? There is an accent of nobility in a citizen devoting himself/herself to representing the common man in the body politic, flinging one’s character in front of the unrelenting gaze of public life. Names such as Lincoln and Roosevelt fill the hallowed halls of our republic’s history with grandeur and provide the framework for resplendent leadership. Perhaps many politicians today are the stoic statesmen read about in the annals of the world. Conversely, is the nobility of politics simply a facade, or as Roger Stone quips, “show business for ugly people.” This view certainly holds merit. The airwaves of this nation are drenched with politicians pontificating, lying, fearmongering, and dousing the general populous with partisan agendas. The demagogue is in vogue while the statesman is increasingly exotic. Bombastic or disingenuous rhetoric take precedence over meaningful legislative work. President Truman scorned the 80th congress as the “Do Nothing Congress”. The 114th congress of 2015-2016 passed less than half the bills passed by the “Do Nothing Congress”. One finds difficulty in comprehending the lack of productivity from our nation’s legislators. Lessons from the political foils of ancient Rome to the Weimar Republic seem to pass over deaf ears as a plutocratic economic system marches ever closer and the poor are often ignored. Yet, despite the endless barrage of dysfunction, glimmers of

statesmanship and nobility can be found. There was nobility to be seen when Senator John McCain rebuked a supporter for questioning whether then Senator Barack Obama had family values. There was nobility to be seen when Republican Senator Bob Dole struggled out of his wheelchair and saluted Democrat Senator Daniel Inouye’s casket with the utmost reverence and respect. There was nobility to be seen when thousands upon thousands of people throng to the streets in support of equal rights when the leadership of the nation spew forth hateful language. Though countless political actors shame the political system of this republic, nobility persists. There is nobility to be seen when statesman continue to rise to the arduous task of governing equitably and honestly, regardless of rebuke. Aside from the valor of people, the very idea of this country’s political system is noble. The medium of politics has the potential to unite and heal a broken nation. Democratized power is at once insatiably radical and a noble experiment of profound consequence, engraving the intrinsic right of every human being into the tablet of law. A system designed with the ethereal hope that abuses of power can be banished from a nation state is one that deserves admiration, love, and active cultivation. Contemporary American politics may be falling further and further into the chasm of decadence and avarice, but this does not detract from the nobility of the system. Altruists and the inherent value of the American political system redeem it. Are the politics of the United States Noble? The answer is a resounding yes.

Works Cited
“Vital Statistics on Congress.” Brookings , Brookings, 7 Sept. 2017,
www.brookings.edu/multi-chapter-report/vital-statistics-on-congress/.