[下册]Unit11.ppt

Part Summary [1] We probably will not expect politicians to be able, diligent, candid, or honest if we consider how they are elected into public office. Politicians are often chosen for their power to impress and enchant the intellectually underprivileged. Part Summary [2] Although the intricate problems of statecraft demand a high degree of technical proficiency, and an adamantine kind of integrity, the politicians learn in the election campaigns that they can only win the elections by talking nonsense, for truth often makes the voters uncomfortable. Part Summary [3] Most politicians are decent individuals, often with qualities above rather than below the average person. Part Summary [4~5] But in public, especially when they are running for public offices, they will not dare to tell the plain truth but have to resort to demagogy. They will divest themselves of their private characters and become simply candidates for office, determined to get the most possible votes at all costs. And the winner will be whoever promises the most with the least probability of keeping the promises. Part Summary [4~5] But in public, especially when they are running for public offices, they will not dare to tell the plain truth but have to resort to demagogy. They will divest themselves of their private characters and become simply candidates for office, determined to get the most possible votes at all costs. And the winner will be whoever promises the most with the least probability of keeping the promises. Text Summary Mencken mocks political process under democracy, e.g. the presidential elections which inevitably turn any decent human being into a fraud. He describes how, in the election campaigns the candidate soon discovers, assuming he doesnt know already, that only by giving empty promises will he be able to please the voters, and thereby getting their votes. As he summarizes at the end of the text, In politics, man must learn to rise above principle. 全文翻译 政治家 门肯 全文翻译 [