A critical characteristic of a statesman is to understand that all economic intervention lacks moral authority and is really just a cause of the corrupting of the economy and beyond that of the society.
As you can see very, very few have ever had this noble characteristic and so it is a true statement to say that there have not been many statesmen or women throughout the entire history of humankind.
That does not mean that it is not possible, especially now that a succinct definition is available to aspire towards.
One thing seems clear: the person would have to be a classical liberal.
If you know of anyone like this please let me (and others) know!
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http://bruce-koerber.squarespace.com
