Nuts And Bolts

A story about California governor Gavin Newsom invoking emergency powers to enable the clearing of underbrush from areas at risk for wildfires highlights a broader reality - and problem - of political governance. Executives, ranging from President to governor to mayor, are in charge of all the mundane things that need to be done to keep citizens' lives moving smoothly. Keeping the roads maintained, the potholes filled, the traffic signals working, the buses and trains running, the water and sewers flowing, our homes and streets safe from criminals, and, yes, the myriad hazards presented by Mother Nature at bay, all that and more are the essence of why we elect public servants and task them with spending some of our money. Such order is the essence of civilization.

None of it is sexy, none of it is likely to draw much acclaim, but it's all vital. Far more vital than social engineering or imposing behavioral changes or bestowing largess upon the favored or punishing the disfavored. And certainly far more vital than attending luxury galas or dining at Michelin-starred restaurants.