[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fqPvgWJfN2dZjhSOQZUSBI2ubJfXGI9_VumUuxEG6sWY":3,"$fiG6fqBmXXiV8BAPrKb8Xu4RrX1qIBrkfCsKWpDaa0KQ":12},{"author":4,"tags":11},{"author_id":5,"author_name":6,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"bio":9,"short_bio":9,"slug":10,"image_url":9},191229,"Phil Trounstine","P",5,null,"phil-trounstine",[],{"quotes":13,"pagination":72},[14,27,38,49,61],{"id":15,"quote_text":16,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":19,"source":20,"quote_tag":21,"commentary":9},2640072,"In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, it's surprising to find that nearly half of Californians believe that state, local and federal government are prepared for a major disaster. Let's hope they're right.",4,false,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[22],{"id":23,"tag":24},5617929,{"id":25,"tag_name":26},23892,"aftermath",{"id":28,"quote_text":29,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":30,"source":31,"quote_tag":32,"commentary":9},2640051,"So there's a base for the president's program -- but it's among Democrats, independents and a portion of the Republican Party. The president is on the side of public opinion and clearly in step with the mainstream of California -- but perhaps out of step with the conservative portion of his base.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[33],{"id":34,"tag":35},5617918,{"id":36,"tag_name":37},25502,"among",{"id":39,"quote_text":40,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":41,"source":42,"quote_tag":43,"commentary":9},2640042,"To the extent that he has moved back to the middle, Democrats, independents, liberals, moderates, like that better, that's why his numbers went up. The downside for him is that conservatives and Republicans like it less.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[44],{"id":45,"tag":46},5617902,{"id":47,"tag_name":48},291428,"downside",{"id":50,"quote_text":51,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":52,"source":53,"quote_tag":54,"commentary":60},2640022,"I think people's faith in government is somewhat wishful thinking.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[55],{"id":56,"tag":57},5617884,{"id":58,"tag_name":59},85,"faith","**The Backstory**\nPhil Trounstine, a renowned journalist and editor, likely shared this sentiment during a time of great disillusionment with government in the United States. The 1970s and 1980s saw widespread distrust of institutions, and Trounstine's words may have been a commentary on the erosion of faith in government's ability to effectively serve the people. As a journalist who had worked in the trenches, Trounstine may have been observing a disconnect between the ideals of government and its practical implementation.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nThe hidden insight in Trounstine's quote lies in its acknowledgment of the inherent limitations of human institutions. He is not suggesting that people should blindly trust government, but rather that their faith is often based on a romanticized notion of what government should be, rather than what it is. This tension between idealism and pragmatism is a fundamental aspect of human nature, and Trounstine's words invite us to consider the complexity of our relationships with institutions.\n\n**How to Use This**\nIn today's complex, often polarized world, it's essential to approach government and institutions with a nuanced perspective, recognizing both their potential for good and their inherent limitations. By acknowledging the disconnect between idealism and pragmatism, we can cultivate a more realistic and effective approach to engaging with institutions, one that balances hope with skepticism and encourages constructive critique.",{"id":62,"quote_text":63,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":64,"source":65,"quote_tag":66,"commentary":9},2640014,"Remember when George Bush (Senior) went through a checkout line and was unfamiliar with how scanners work at the supermarket?",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[67],{"id":68,"tag":69},5617874,{"id":70,"tag_name":71},69861,"bush",{"currentPage":73,"totalPages":73,"totalItems":8,"itemsPerPage":74},1,10]