The Paceline

Seems like there are more and more people who have just forgotten (or ignored) what their mothers taught them.

Mark Leibovich writes about a “celebritized” culture in This Town.  His book, subtitled Two Parties and a Funeral – Plus Plenty of Valet Parking! – in America’s Gilded Capital, is all about today’s Washington D.C.

Celebrity worship in our culture has grown beyond idolizing entertainers. Historically those entertainers have mostly been “under the lights” on stage and in sports arenas. Now celebrities – some only in the wanna-be category – appear in social media and, sadly, in journalism and public service.

Leibovich contends that punditry is replacing journalism because outrage, shouting matches, and attention-getting blogs get more notice. More notice means more popularity – good or bad. More popularity means more money.

He goes on to relate this to the political class in Washington who do very well in their personal lives while nothing gets done – no problems get solved for you and me. He believes fame itself is the defining imperative among many elected officials even though they have accomplished nothing of substance.

Some politicians pride themselves on the number of bills passed; others, on the amount of legislation blocked. Both are wrong headed and short sighted.

Isn’t it time for public servants to work together for the public instead of working apart for themselves?

Isn’t it time for them to mind their moms and play nice together?