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 Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 6:38 am
I know very little and I don’t care much for American politics, but what I do know is it’s better than the UK, that’s what CNN says anyway. But it seems rather stupid. You’re always complaining about the cost of living but it’s about a third of the UK. I shall never understand why religion or guns, has anything to do with voting for a left or right wing government.
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Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 9:30 am
A Lesson in American politics: To try and put it succinctly then, our politicians, both those claiming to be on the right or the left are actually not either. They have very little interest in helping the country. Rather they help themselves by helping major corporations and businesses maintain the status quo. The status quo as it stands in this country is the rich get richer and the poor get low paying jobs and debt for the rest of their lives. They don't really want to change anything, they just want to stay in office so they can continue to consolidate their own power and wealth. In order to do this they pick issues like religion and gun control that have very little to do with real government and they whip everyone up into a fervor about these issues. It's all a game of smoke and mirrors, deception by distraction or bread and circuses.
Lately they've taken to using fear to keep us distracted too. Terrorists coming to get you! Homosexuals getting married somehow threatens you marriage! China is sending us poison toys! Black people are dangerous! Hispanics are coming to take your job! It's yellow journalism at it's best. Our media outlets (like CNN) are corporate controlled and their agenda is to keep you either afraid or outraged at some non issue while they sell your future to the highest bidder.
Sorry, that wasn't terribly succinct at all. It makes me sound much more bitter and cynical than I actually am too. And I suppose it paints all politicians with a broad brush when there are most likely a few who actually believe in what they're doing.
Oh, on topic again, having two jobs isn't enough anymore for me so I'm quitting one and going back to work 50 hours a week at the other starting at the end of this week.
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Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 11:44 am
There are trade offs for costs of living. What is free in one country is not in another, or what is affordable at least. Unlike Japan the American Midwest gets beef gosh darn cheap--but seafood... c'est tres cher as the French would say. Better public programs can save people money. My friend and I always debate Socialism V. Capitalism. When you think about it, how can you really quantify the gains and losses? Example: free public roadways. I enjoy that particular use of my taxes, but could I really put a dollar amount on how different it is having taxes build the roads versus paying a toll? The presence of a toll to begin with would essentially alter my driving habits.
Is this CNN from the States or a British version of CNN (since now days channels can have different versions for different regions)?
I wouldn't base comprehension of which government is worse on the merit of a Television broadcast. If it's US CNN, the British government could get more criticism due to ethnocentric attitudes. And if it's a British version, it could also highlight the troubles in the home country. With that, I suppose Britain could be far, far worse than here. But that would be subjective.
While yes, religion and guns may not seem to have an influence on politics-- they are the platforms by which American government has battled. Your question was what things make people vote or not vote left, and so the answer is, what makes them vote right? The answer doesn't make sense, but it is what it is.
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Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 3:12 pm
AntoniaMerEnfant- i think there is only one cnn it's international, so the one shown in the uk is the same as the us. and i should have explained myself better when i said "it’s better than the UK" i meant structure wise rather than policy wise.
Yonsan- maybe because it's my up bring and what gone on around me and the culture here but i can't understand why can't all the lower social class work together to effect policy created by central government.
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Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 8:51 pm
Oh ok then, it sounds silly but I never know anymore. Sort of like how McDonalds in Japan offers different stuff than McDonalds in the US. Some things have variations regionally-- even tv.
Structure wise maybe-- I think the electoral college system puts a wrench in everything. Then again, I'm not totally versed in the Parliament system.
But yeah, the thing is there is no logic in American politics. Our ad campaigns are prime example. They don't appeal to logic or rational appeal for feasible legislation-- oh no. Instead they target votes based on defamation of one's opponent. It's like when we were kids and the best retort to anything was "Well you smell!"
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Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 1:53 am
So basically America the land of the free, home of the brave isn't. because you can't even choose who runs the country.
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Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 4:50 pm
I am not much on the political views but you are right.
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Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 8:01 pm
The Full English So basically America the land of the free, home of the brave isn't. because you can't even choose who runs the country. Well, sort of. People as a whole aren't self aware enough to rally together and actually effect change critically, I think. In many other places, though, it seems to be pretty much the same. *sigh*
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Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 1:04 am
kekadu The Full English So basically America the land of the free, home of the brave isn't. because you can't even choose who runs the country. Well, sort of. People as a whole aren't self aware enough to rally together and actually effect change critically, I think. In many other places, though, it seems to be pretty much the same. *sigh* i wouldn't agree, the only other place where people don't effect changes, would be in place where the army would have them shot. You Know like in a Directorship or something like that.
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