We Aren’t Governed by Scientists, Nor Should We Be
MINOT, N.D. — America has long sought to protect itself from being governed by technical experts.
The best example of this is the military and law enforcement. The person at the top of the chain of command for cops and soldiers is always someone who is neither (at least not actively).
Police chiefs report to mayors and city councils. The commander-in-chief of any given state’s National Guard is the governor. The commander-in-chief of the U.S. military is whoever is occupying the White House.
This is by design. While we acknowledge that generals and police chiefs have technical expertise in their fields which is owed respect, we also understand that policy decisions must be made by political leaders.
Which is why it’s frustrating to see so many, in this time of pandemic, braying about letting the scientists lead us.
