That is true for people in meritous systems, but in general:
1. The level of incompetence designed into the system rises at the federal level faster than the level of average individual incompetence. For example, large municipal debt can be reduced by municipal employees and councilors who could never get a job in Washington. In Washington, there are thousands of brilliant people who can do nothing about debt and poor choices.
2. Many of the most competent believe crazy things and rise to the federal level to inflict them on the government and us. The most brilliant, careful financial manager in the world can become secretary of treasury, and all of their work can be undone with an enormous war, creation of homeland security, etc.
1. The level of incompetence designed into the system rises at the federal level faster than the level of average individual incompetence. For example, large municipal debt can be reduced by municipal employees and councilors who could never get a job in Washington. In Washington, there are thousands of brilliant people who can do nothing about debt and poor choices.
2. Many of the most competent believe crazy things and rise to the federal level to inflict them on the government and us. The most brilliant, careful financial manager in the world can become secretary of treasury, and all of their work can be undone with an enormous war, creation of homeland security, etc.