Government Needs Technocrats

One of dumbest things of the Trump administration is firing many of experienced bureaucrats who have had a whole career experience surrounding the industry they help guide through regulation and policy.

Truth is government needs people who know what they are doing. Not just to implement public policy but also to protect the public and industries they regulate. Often regulation is a dirty word as it is seen as costly and protecting of incumbents, but it also protects the integrity and viability of industries and ensures they act in way that is consistent with the public’s interest.

Liberals in particular often raise objections on the revolving door between industry and government, but industry insiders are often the ones who know their industry ins and outs. They are most experienced, the ones who actually understand the ramifications of policies on the every day working of the industry. Does it not mean they have financial conflicts or an ideological predisposition towards the industry? Yes, but you can’t discount the valuable insights having worked on the ground in an industry.

America is a complicated, modern country. You need scientists and technocrats to guide industry along. While nobody likes to be told no or how to run their business, consistent government regulation that understands how an industry actually operates is valuable for all involved. You shouldn’t fire the people who know how things are actually operate.