We all have private ails.  The troublemakers are they who need public cures for their

private ails.    Eric Hoffer

Years ago, politicians worked through their self esteem issues just like every one else.  They got drunk, fought with their spouses, broke up with their girlfriends, embarrassed themselves publicly and made intemperate remarks around a reporter.  Shortly thereafter, they sobered up, took four aspirins, apologized to their loved ones and prepared clarifications of their thoughtless remarks.  Humility was, ironically, the cure for low self esteem. The politician kept a low profile and the passing of time restored their self respect.

Today, politicians suffer from a more virulent strain of self-esteem disorder.  They still drink and they still act out.  They have exotic mistresses in Argentina or they father children with their videographer.  But the troubling moment of humility has been sidestepped.  Humility is so inefficient without the “sorry” part.  Self esteem issues are now a lifelong affliction, not a passing moment of weakness.  It requires Prozac or Zoloft, not aspirin. 

Nothing pains a politician more than insecurity, the looming thought that they are not essential, perhaps not even relevant.  Serious medicine is called for and it comes out in the form of social policy.  The environmental catastrophe of global warming will be addressed with the economic catastrophe of Cap and Trade.  The federal government takes over private companies and Speaker Pelosi?  How else do you explain a 1,990 page health insurance reform act?  The Republicans don’t have enough votes to address their self esteem issues.  Their wound will fester until they are once again the majority.  Then, watch out.

Low self esteem is a mental health crisis for politicians.  It goes into a brief remission following elections, but it haunts them.  They undertake big initiatives to quiet the demons, but the urge is never sated.  

As of 12/31/08, for the first time, the combined present value of the national debt coupled with the unfunded future obligations accruing to Social Security and Medicare (53 trillion) exceeded household net worth (51.5 trillion).  Since that time, the first number has increased and the second number decreased.  Think about that.   And we are still talking about more spending. 

Grandiose ambition is now therapy and the country can't afford it.  Politics has become reality television with actual consequences.  We can’t afford to indulge the actors because of the money involved.  Voters need to restore the missing element of humility.  When your elected representatives are arrogant and surly, withhold your applause.   When financially reckless, withhold your vote.