I think this is close, but the real reason to me is the barrier to entry raised by the current state of campaign finance.
Elections are bought today. No caps on spending. No limits on individual contributors. In addition, not just billionaires electing politicians, corporations get to throw in their millions now too. It's worse today than it's ever been before.
Gingrich has largely been financed by one guy the past month or so. Romney out spent Gingrich in Florida at least 5 to 1. Current governor of Florida bought his seat.
To win today, rich entities have to want you in power. The understanding is that they pay for your allegiance. To get this sponsorship, and NOT be a crook, takes a special person; a true politicker capable of raising the money, keeping them happy enough to sponsor you again the next round, but still work for the citizens of the country as much as possible; rare and difficult.
A scientist is not a politicker. Scientists like facts, scientific laws; concrete and measurable realities. Not deception and corruption (manchurian candidates instead of democratic republic). If a scientist was not completely disgusted by the political arena, they would not get far without pretending or actually being bought by some rich entity.
Elections are bought today. No caps on spending. No limits on individual contributors. In addition, not just billionaires electing politicians, corporations get to throw in their millions now too. It's worse today than it's ever been before.
Gingrich has largely been financed by one guy the past month or so. Romney out spent Gingrich in Florida at least 5 to 1. Current governor of Florida bought his seat.
To win today, rich entities have to want you in power. The understanding is that they pay for your allegiance. To get this sponsorship, and NOT be a crook, takes a special person; a true politicker capable of raising the money, keeping them happy enough to sponsor you again the next round, but still work for the citizens of the country as much as possible; rare and difficult.
A scientist is not a politicker. Scientists like facts, scientific laws; concrete and measurable realities. Not deception and corruption (manchurian candidates instead of democratic republic). If a scientist was not completely disgusted by the political arena, they would not get far without pretending or actually being bought by some rich entity.