Galactica Politica

Some political lessons from the show: Lee Adama is having a crisis of conscience over the shooting of the Olympic Carrier. Lee asks his father whether or not they have a responsibility - an obligation as leaders to question their decisions to ensure that all decisions are the right decisions. The older (William) Adama informs him simply that they all did what had to be done, and that all that is required of a man is to take responsibility for his actions - right or wrong, and to accept and live with the consequences.


In Adama's quarters, Roslin reveals that water rationing is now leading to rioting aboard a cruise ship, and she requests Adama provide military personnel to provide policing efforts. Adama resists, stating there is a
reason for separating the military and the police, "One fights the enemy of the state, the other serves and protects the people. When the military becomes both, then the enemies of the state tend to become the people."
Roslin acknowledges the complexity of the issues and assures Adama she will not let that happen. In return, he agrees to send troops to the ship where the rioting has broken out.

Roslin asks Lee to become her personal military advisor- to advise her on how the military mind works. She reveals a hard decision by the former president of the colonies. She tells him that "leaders must remember and learn from their mistakes, even if they can't admit them publicly." Rationale perhaps for enforcers, but the pragmatics of politics may be more complex. Lessons are taken when applicable.