Competence

David Hume in the first paragraph of his essay, That politics may be reduced to a science, says this.

It is a question with several, whether there be any essential difference between one form of government and another and, whether any form may not become good or bad, according as it is well or ill administered? Were it once admitted, that all governments are alike, and that the only difference consists in the character and conduct of the governors, most political disputes would be at an end, and all Zeal for one constitution above another, must be esteemed mere bigotry or folly. But, though a friend to moderation, I cannot forbear condemning this sentiment, and should be sorry to think, that human affairs admit no greater stability, than what they receive from casual humours and characters of particular men.

When you criticize the competence of government officials, you skate on thin ice. Those who idolize the people in power will grasp at any straw to prove you wrong. Those who exalt principles think you have missed the point no matter whose side you are on.

What we have in the United States is a combination of bad administration chasing bad principles. That makes it difficult to know where to start.

However, I don't think it is entirely wrong to concentrate on the competence of the governors every now and then.