Greg is a Canadian conservative still hung up on the fact that Justin Trudeau won the past election. After all this time, he still can’t believe this guy is PM. The situation was eating at him so bad that he called upon his old friend, Socrates, for advice.
Socrates: “Hello Gregorus. You seem upset.”
Greg: “Upset! I’m pissed. This Trudeau kid is getting under my skin. I’m used to following leaders who are strong, intelligent, and visionary. This guy is a dud. And for a man of my space and time, it’s bothersome.”
Socrates: “Then are you saying that only a lawyer or businessperson of substantial success should be allowed to hold such a position? That in fact, the doctor, the dentist, and the engineer must be discounted though they are surly citizens of able intellect? And what is democracy if not the ability for anyone to run? What of the meteorologist, the dog catcher, and the acrobat? Should they too be banned from winning?”
Greg: “No, no. I guess anyone should be able to run.”
Socrates: “And is it not true that this Justin is somewhat of an educated man with at least some knowledge as to the workings of government? So in essence, it could be said that he is in fact, not the absolute worst choice?”
Greg: “Well ya, I guess he’s not all that bad.”
Socrates: “And can it not also be said that one person alone does not run a nation? That in fact, many qualified others stand firmly behind the office to help government accomplish what it must. And that in reality, it’s the quality of the committee that determines the quality of government?”
Greg: “Well ya, I guess it takes more than just one person.”
Socrates: “And is it not true that no one person has ever been fully qualified to hold such a posting. That in all cases, governments are run by a committee. So that even if a particular boss is light on economic or legal matters, it’s the committee’s job to govern the nation—while the PM acts solely as a front man? And that this notion is in fact not only plausible but perhaps better than strong man rule?”
Greg: “Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Okay, you’ve got me. I was being unreasonable and am now willing to give this guy a chance. But there’s one thing that’s still bothering me—this name, committee. Couldn’t we come up with a better term? Something with a little more sense of competence and foresight? Have you any ideas?
Socrates: “Oh, I don’t know. How about the politburo?”
P.S. For the real answer see Modern Decision Making.