[antony_pond]

Interesting though!

I would gladly attribute it to stupidity if I logically could.

However - it takes quite some skills to get at the top of the food chain - I wouldn't classify physical attributes - like being a dumb athlete, good at running marathons while wearing corporate outfits - as a requirement - to fill- up those leadership roles.

Actuality quite the opposite - I would guess that someone - to get to that positions - has to demonstrate a tremendous tenacity and cunning capabilities - so they can convince they are better, stronger and more capable to take decisions - while not holding a basic degree (or even experience) in the area they are designated to lead.

Mostly exception - where you would see a minister of transport - having any experience on how to change a Tyre, a minister of health - being in good health - with at least 3 doctorates in medicine, psychology and philosophy.... Those exception are so little - that it is fair to say that it is pure con skills that get those people in position of power.

[I_Am_Nous]

Perhaps they can individually con themselves into power, but this is the largest issue I see with a grand conspiracy as they would have to essentially con the surrounding con artists into continuing the conspiracy, and those con artists would have to con any future con artists into continuing the con as they are voted out of office, resign, or die while holding office. It seems implausible that such a con would be started, continue until now, and continue in the future as more and more of the original con artists are no longer involved to keep the con going.

[antony_pond]

I believe this is where you get that view from the most optimistic side... Although I agree with you - election is all about electing the best Con man / woman , most decision are made behind closed door - government agency often have high responsibility non elected director - which is all about talk and politics.

I have myself - worked for several short term governmental contract - observed that the person at the top of the food chain in those department - don't get elected - and are often totally incompetent technically speaking. But are great at talking and doing politics. Anyone making them some shadow - or going against the established narrative quickly gets dismissed. They choose to promote ass suckers - because it makes their internal political life easier.

Once they get the seat - it is for life, they won't get fired - unless they get caught doing something really offensive, such as sexual abuse - or money laundering. But they won't get fired for making obvious mistakes...

And of course, they often have to promote the most incompetent individual - when promotion is due...

Maybe I didn't got lucky, and got to always land on that ** contract - but of what I have talked around - and observed in human nature + logic deduction, I believe this is pretty much everywhere the same.