The Lessons and Validity of Public Choice Theory Applied to the Chief Justice’s Corona Impeachment

This quote of the day applies to the conviction (or the impeachment) of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona

One key conclusion of public choice is that changing the identities of the people who hold public office will not produce major changes in policy outcomes. Electing better people will not, by itself, lead to much better government. Adopting the assumption that all individuals, be they voters, politicians, or bureaucrats, are motivated more by self-interest than by public interest evokes a Madisonian perspective on the problems of democratic governance.

That’s from Professor William F. Shughart II at the Econolib.org. (bold emphasis mine)

Many see this as votes for “principle”.

Contrary to the popular, as quoted above, I see this milestone event as fundamental confirmation of the public choice theory, especially with 2013 elections in sight. Here is a list of Senators whose term expires on 2013.

Of course, there is much to deal with here, but I will leave at that.