Why is it that Americans really have no idea what it takes to be the president at war time or any other time,?

Question

And we really have no idea, but we place faith in either our church leaders to tell us that the conservative guy is great no matter what, or we place it on hollywood to tell us that the liberal guy is great. Why is it that we all judge the job when consistently since the office existed only one person in the country (the president himself) has any idea of what the president is supposed to do, or even actually does?

Answer 1

Because most people try to think in terms of right or wrong. The ability to think of what is popular or in the best political interest does not come to mind. There is also the fact that we are never told the really important parts because it considered"not in the national interest" for us to Know. One last thing. Most Americans don't have enough money to be considered for the presidency.

Answer 2

Fortunately, most people don't just place blind faith in the church or Hollywood. Those that do may be considered far right or left. Blind faith is an appropriate term here, and as you state, no one actually knows exactly what the President is thinking. It's his job to try and convey his reasoning to his constituents. Unfortunately, the current administration isn't always very good at this, and in fact often goes far beyond, by obstructing the truth, when there is no apparent reason to do so. Of course we little people don't know the whole of what's going on in such lofty places and are asked to just trust the government. Unfortunately, we've found that trusting the government often leads to fraud, waste, and corruption. That's why oversight is important. Again, unfortunately, the current admin is one of the most secretive of all times, and people with secrets usually have something to hide. Because of this, people lean towards trusting someone's opinion that they respect, often clergy or (god forbid) famous actors.

Answer 3

I guess it's because the president doesn't know what he is doing either (unless he has been reelected and even then I don't think that they are a pro at every situation). They are people just like you and me and make mistakes. Unfortunately, their mistakes have HUGE ramifications, while ours generally don't. For this reason, we have the right to criticize. The collective intelligence of the country is vital to helping the president guide the country.

Answer 4

There is no way that any of us will ever be able to understand what it is like to be another person or in their shoes.

As far as believing what we are told... some people are simple enough to take whatever they are told as being true. They don't have the will or the desire to seek out truth for themselves. There has always been that sort of people and always those who would lead them down the merry path. They deserve each other.

Answer 5

I think we all know its a tough job and thats why most of us stay away. If you tell me that you are capable and put all your money and effort into getting the job, then I think I have the right to judge you against what I think you should be acomplishing -or lets just judge them against what they promised to do and you will still see a large deficit.

Answer 6

Keep in mind, he's not alone either. He has a group of presidential aides that assist as well as his cabinet. And don't forget that he can't make any decisions (like go to war) without the approval of congress as well.

Checks and Balances

Answer 7

I base my way of thinking on me. Not a church, not Fox or CNN, not some celebrity. I think what I want to and if I don't disagree with a person that I pay with my tax dollars, I have no problems expressing that.

Answer 8

I think in general we are a peace-loving people. Once we are in a tough war where people are getting killed or injuried, we don't like it. So when the president of any war is up their make decision that effect life and death we don't like it.

Answer 9

Kind of a nonsensical question. You presume we all think alike and believe the same things. There is a LOT of differing opinion.

KooKoo ... America has the oldest government on Earth.

Answer 10

Because our country is still NEW and we're still getting used to it. The rest of the world's had societies much longer so they know how those things work better. But give us time, we'll learn.