Reply #133: yes, the party has money, structure, power... [View All]

[GreenArrow]

but it is a self-perpetuating machine, incapable of hearing criticism, resistant to change. It uses its power only to maintain its power. If the party wins, it asks for more money. If the party loses, it asks for more money.

"But there are somethings you can only understand from the inside, from active involvement and risk taking, by being willing to contaminate yourselves in the dirty world of electoral politics. Politics is not a spectator sport." Politics is a spectator sport, (and it is largely ego gratification and power lust; true altruists seldom get very far, or else become tyrants), and as with other activities, spectating often allows for a clearer view of the proceedings. As with any other game, sides are chosen, bets are taken, campaigns devised, and game plans executed. The crowd roars for its champion, and jeers its foe, and in the end, one head is raised and one bowed...the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. It's all a game.

You're right of course; there is a difference between playing in a football game and watching it from the stands, or running for office and following it through the media, but in the end it's all a game.