I am from Canada, and I stay some what updated on the political situations in US.
I see three major problems: 1) Special Interests: Too much corporate interest in the way the government is run. Big business has their hand in the pot of government and their is little transparency and no good solutions because the politicians won't be able to change it in the near future because they are being paid by these corporations. This affects both parties. Their needs to be electoral financial reform and transparency in lobby groups. 2) Hawkish: US seems to love spending money on wars that they should have little interest in. These might have to refer to point 1) as corporations have interest protecting their assets overseas. Democrats aren't better. 3) Partisanship: When you elect Congressmen and/or Senators you are not electing someone who will represent you, but rather someone who represents his party in Washington. Most people vote down party lines regardless of their personal views. This creates problems in both the electoral cycles and getting bills passed. Both parties also use cheap shots to characterize the other party instead of talking about their opinions and plans for the country. It creates an environment in which it is easier to be angry at the other party instead of getting things done.
On November 05 2010 04:00 skurj wrote: I happen to be a right-wing extremist because I studied economics for four years and I still follow it somewhat. I don't think Democrats understand how basic incentives work in the marketplace. Or most Europeans, for that matter.
Except the Dutch and the Swedes actually have much less regulation than we do in many areas. I admire them for that. They have higher taxes, but there is more to being "free market" than just low taxes. This video talks about the increasing capitalism in Sweden.
I do like Europe's reaction to their debt crisis - fiscal "austerity". In macroeconomics, Europe is far, far to the right of America.
Some of the points he's making are true but then again saying that socialism doesn't work because it doesn't make you rich is stupid. The whole point behind socialism is to take care of the country I don't really care of our wealth as long as we get by the main point is that your countrymen should be allowed a descent living it is about reducing the gaps in the community making everyone closer to equal.
This guy is definitely a "moderat" which is pretty much the most capitalistic party in Sweden of course he's going to look down on the socialist and say the socialistic things aren't as good as having a free market when it comes to everything. But the whole point about socialism is to make the people feel secure. If I get cancer and can't work for 3 years it's really nice to know that the Swedish government will help me out and give me free health care while paying for my living while I am unable to work.
As an American, reading this is pretty eye-opening. Either Europeans have a completely warped view on the republican party, or are just uniformed. Both parties suck, but to say that republicans are hateful, racist, and war-mongering is laughable. Our political system has plenty of flaws, but you guys are tearing it up. But i guess that's the way it is, the USA government has a huge effect on the world, so i guess everyone should be critical of it. Probably like we will when the next superpower comes about.
This may come as shocking but....I quite like American politics compared to what I got. I've got a Socialist government consisted of people that cheered on/studied in East-Germany, I don't think I need to say more. Needless to say I yearn for more economic freedom and less social policies which give preferential treatment to one group over another. Anyways, I'll get to what I like about American politics.
1) Both sides are quite right wing on economic issues, which is always good. 2) America is a giant and should act like one, don't listen to bitchy Swedes saying otherwise. I've yet to meet a non-socialist Swede in my life. 3) Ron Paul 4) The idea that people should reap the fruits of their labor. Most politicians in America follow that idea. 5) Seperation of church and state. 6) The fact that Americans can have a much more visible impact on what happens around them than in Europe. You even vote for who picks up your trash, that's true democracy.
BAD THINGS
1) Corporations having big influence in American politics, usually it's bad, not always though. 2) The FED loves to print money, did they study economics from Starcraft? MORE MINERULS, ERRYBODY BE HAPPY DEN, INFLATION? NO LOL 3) Democrats being statists, trying to put taxes on fattening food, telling people what to do and how to live. 4) Republicans having religious nut-jobs within their ranks 5) Bailout and stimulus packages, I don't even need to talk about that. 6) It seems like both parties want to take your money and spend it for you, they only seem to differ on what to spend it on.
I'm also pretty sure that America should only be fighting defensive wars, pre-emptive wars are always a disaster, America can come in and save the day if they want but America shouldn't be trying to kill the problem before it appears. I don't think the Republican party is racist and I don't think the Tea Party is either. Democrats sometimes act like politically correct fanatics, it's quite frightening.
On November 05 2010 04:00 skurj wrote: I happen to be a right-wing extremist because I studied economics for four years and I still follow it somewhat. I don't think Democrats understand how basic incentives work in the marketplace. Or most Europeans, for that matter.
Except the Dutch and the Swedes actually have much less regulation than we do in many areas. I admire them for that. They have higher taxes, but there is more to being "free market" than just low taxes. This video talks about the increasing capitalism in Sweden.
I do like Europe's reaction to their debt crisis - fiscal "austerity". In macroeconomics, Europe is far, far to the right of America.
That's funny because all our best economist say that the austerity is killing every single possibility of an improvement of our groth in the next years.
You can be a right wing extremist if you want, you won't make me buy that your arguments are not purely ideological. There are very serious left wing economists, who understand also better than any of us how the economy works.
Sure there are left-wing economists. But they still tend to be to the right of many left-wing voters and politicians. They would be more likely to support marketplace deregulation, free trade, and similar things. Economics is by far the most right-wing academic discipline.
I'm not saying you don't have a point or a valid position. But to call right-wing ideas "stupid" or "crazy" is just being a biased nutjob in the other direction. There is a reason so many countries, even in Europe, cut their tax rates in the 70s and 80s. Deregulation of the transportation industries in the 70s in America was great. And the last 50 years of global capitalism have been the best for human development in the history of the world. A smaller percentage of the world lives in poverty now than ever before.
Capitalism works, capitalism does good. It's a shame that European and American youths get so much disinformation on the issue. The anti-capitalist youths you see rioting against free trade are idiots and puppets of defunct ideas. Probably some of you guys reading this right now.
And Europe is far more racist and xenophobic than America. Maybe our dislike of illegal immigration and fear of muslim terrorists gets played up in the media, but if you visited here you would find it is a very diverse and inclusive society.
And fears of illegal immigration and terrorism are somewhat justified. There are 20 million people (five Swedens) living in the United States illegally and the United States has suffered terrorist attacks in recent memory. So it is not just people being racist, events have spurred on their fears.
So I support the more pro-capitalist party. I didn't like the Republicans under Bush, but I have hopes that the more extreme politicians from the Tea Party will be able to change things for the better. Unfortunately America has a system that favors the status quo so you need very extreme politicians to make even small changes.
On November 05 2010 04:33 Deadlyfish wrote: I like American politics, i think they're great. Hate how in europe you can pretty much only vote for socialists, it's ridiculous.
I always find it funny how Europeans think that american politics is made up of extremists and crazy people. I know many Europeans politicians that are just nutjobs or just plain stupid.
There is a reason America is the only superpower, they have great politicians. Probably the best in the world. In Europe it doesnt matter what you vote for, all you get is the same old politics, 60% taxes and all they never really do anything, they just argue about small things. And whenever there is an issue they all act like idiots, arguing instead of doing something. America does have its share of problems though, but they are nowhere near as bad as people make them out to be.
Lucky for me i dont live in Europe anymore :D
I hate people like you who discard socialism without really having had a taste for the benefits of it. Compare getting cancer in Sweden and in the US and then come back and say that socialism is crap. The only humanistic and morally right system is socialism.
I think people in general are pretty stupid. I guess this somehow includes the US Government and ours. And me, and you there reading this too. There might be exceptions, but I haven't met many of them. And then again I probably just don't know enough about those to see how stupid they really are.
So my point is: Read War and Peace and see how everything is based on circumstance, and that's pretty much what life and politics and everything is about. Thank you for your Attention kind Sir.
On November 05 2010 04:47 yema1 wrote: This may come as shocking but....I quite like American politics compared to what I got. I've got a Socialist government consisted of people that cheered on/studied in East-Germany, I don't think I need to say more. Needless to say I yearn for more economic freedom and less social policies which give preferential treatment to one group over another. Anyways, I'll get to what I like about American politics.
1) Both sides are quite right wing on economic issues, which is always good. 2) America is a giant and should act like one, don't listen to bitchy Swedes saying otherwise. I've yet to meet a non-socialist Swede in my life. 3) Ron Paul 4) The idea that people should reap the fruits of their labor. Most politicians in America follow that idea. 5) Seperation of church and state. 6) The fact that Americans can have a much more visible impact on what happens around them than in Europe. You even vote for who picks up your trash, that's true democracy.
BAD THINGS
1) Corporations having big influence in American politics, usually it's bad, not always though. 2) The FED loves to print money, did they study economics from Starcraft? MORE MINERULS, ERRYBODY BE HAPPY DEN, INFLATION? NO LOL 3) Democrats being statists, trying to put taxes on fattening food, telling people what to do and how to live. 4) Republicans having religious nut-jobs within their ranks 5) Bailout and stimulus packages, I don't even need to talk about that. 6) It seems like both parties want to take your money and spend it for you, they only seem to differ on what to spend it on.
I'm also pretty sure that America should only be fighting defensive wars, pre-emptive wars are always a disaster, America can come in and save the day if they want but America shouldn't be trying to kill the problem before it appears.
As I've said earlier you can't really appreciate the socialistic way of life until you had some hardships in your life. The reason why I think everything else is wrong is that it so fucking egotistical who the fuck cares about money. The important thing in life is happiness, and money can't buy happiness putting a smile on someones face is what leads to true happiness and to be honest I am totally fine giving away most of my money if it benefits someone less fortunate and if I ever go though something terrible my country has got my back.
On November 05 2010 04:33 Deadlyfish wrote: I like American politics, i think they're great. Hate how in europe you can pretty much only vote for socialists, it's ridiculous.
I always find it funny how Europeans think that american politics is made up of extremists and crazy people. I know many Europeans politicians that are just nutjobs or just plain stupid.
There is a reason America is the only superpower, they have great politicians. Probably the best in the world. In Europe it doesnt matter what you vote for, all you get is the same old politics, 60% taxes and all they never really do anything, they just argue about small things. And whenever there is an issue they all act like idiots, arguing instead of doing something. America does have its share of problems though, but they are nowhere near as bad as people make them out to be.
Lucky for me i dont live in Europe anymore :D
I hate people like you who discard socialism without really having had a taste for the benefits of it. Compare getting cancer in Sweden and in the US and then come back and say that socialism is crap. The only humanistic and morally right system is socialism.
As I've said earlier you can't really appreciate the socialistic way of life until you had some hardships in your life. The reason why I think everything else is wrong is that it so fucking egotistical who the fuck cares about money. The important thing in life is happiness, and money can't buy happiness putting a smile on someones face is what leads to true happiness and to be honest I am totally fine giving away most of my money if it benefits someone less fortunate and if I ever go though something terrible my country has got my back.
America has plenty of socialist constructs and laws in its society. Hell some states even have great socialized healthcare. America is not a purely capitalist state. America differs in that it is less socialist than a lot of european countries.
Making shitloads of money is good. Don't give my this hippie "money isn't important" crap. Money betters people's lives and gives us better technology, artwork, and videogames. Capitalism has its problems, but don't try to act like capitalism can't help people as well, because it really does.
Socialist countries have their share of economic issues as well, you know. If I'm not mistaken, France's unemployment rate may even be higher than ours.
On November 05 2010 04:49 Vanimar wrote: I think people in general are pretty stupid. I guess this somehow includes the US Government and ours. And me, and you there reading this too. There might be exceptions, but I haven't met many of them. And then again I probably just don't know enough about those to see how stupid they really are.
So my point is: Read War and Peace and see how everything is based on circumstance, and that's pretty much what life and politics and everything is about. Thank you for your Attention kind Sir.
On November 05 2010 04:54 simme123 wrote: As I've said earlier you can't really appreciate the socialistic way of life until you had some hardships in your life. The reason why I think everything else is wrong is that it so fucking egotistical who the fuck cares about money. The important thing in life is happiness, and money can't buy happiness putting a smile on someones face is what leads to true happiness and to be honest I am totally fine giving away most of my money if it benefits someone less fortunate and if I ever go though something terrible my country has got my back.
I was born into a poor family, we're doing well now though. I'm ready to pay for universal healthcare, education and the basic stuff for my fellow countrymen but I'm not willing to endure ridiculously high income-, house-, oil-, goods-, alcohol- and corporation taxes only to fulfill the socialistic dreams of people that supported the Soviet Union. Those who are less fortunate than me usually deserve it. I want, however, to give those who are less fortunate a chance of becoming fortunate by providing them with schooling and healthcare. I don't think that it will improve society to hand everything to people without people working for them.
On November 05 2010 04:48 skurj wrote: Capitalism works, capitalism does good. It's a shame that European and American youths get so much disinformation on the issue.
Wait a minute, what? What disinformation? And which of it is specifically targeted at youths?
If anything, it's the other way around. A lot of people are raised by parents that firmly believe in McCarthyist rhetoric and think that socialism/communism is some kind of hideous two-headed beast that eats children. "Greed is good" and MTV and popular media have indoctrinated people, especially youth, into thinking material wealth and capitalism is sunshine and rainbows and all that matters in the world. I've never heard of a socialist version of "Get Rich or Die Trying". Kids want to be like Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton, not Karl Marx and Leon Trotsky. They want to get rich quick doing nothing like Justin Bieber, so they can not work and buy fancy cars and gadgets, not spread the wealth around and make sure their fellow man is adequately provided for.
I think it's unfair to dismiss any economic ideology and both capitalism and socialism have their ups and downs, but it's simply untrue to state that any part of the US is tilted in any way against capitalism. Capitalism is fully ingrained within the independent and self-sufficient pride of America and it's considered a sacred belief, second only to maybe Christianity.
On November 05 2010 04:33 Deadlyfish wrote: I like American politics, i think they're great. Hate how in europe you can pretty much only vote for socialists, it's ridiculous.
I always find it funny how Europeans think that american politics is made up of extremists and crazy people. I know many Europeans politicians that are just nutjobs or just plain stupid.
There is a reason America is the only superpower, they have great politicians. Probably the best in the world. In Europe it doesnt matter what you vote for, all you get is the same old politics, 60% taxes and all they never really do anything, they just argue about small things. And whenever there is an issue they all act like idiots, arguing instead of doing something. America does have its share of problems though, but they are nowhere near as bad as people make them out to be.
Lucky for me i dont live in Europe anymore :D
I hate people like you who discard socialism without really having had a taste for the benefits of it. Compare getting cancer in Sweden and in the US and then come back and say that socialism is crap. The only humanistic and morally right system is socialism.
Why do you think i havent had a taste for socialism when i just said i had lived in Europe? I get free healthcare, but i think it sucks. Got cancer? np wait 6 months to get treatment because the system sucks. I'd much much much rather get cancer in America than in Sweden. Yes i have to pay, but atleast i get proper care, and i dont have to wait ½ a year for treatment. (dont know how it is in Sweden, this is just how it is in Denmark and the Netherlands).
I've lived in a country with 0% tax, and a country with 65% tax, i liked the 0% one better, simple as that. People often get angry though, when you tell them that you dont think socialism is a good thing.
On November 05 2010 04:33 Deadlyfish wrote: I like American politics, i think they're great. Hate how in europe you can pretty much only vote for socialists, it's ridiculous.
I always find it funny how Europeans think that american politics is made up of extremists and crazy people. I know many Europeans politicians that are just nutjobs or just plain stupid.
There is a reason America is the only superpower, they have great politicians. Probably the best in the world. In Europe it doesnt matter what you vote for, all you get is the same old politics, 60% taxes and all they never really do anything, they just argue about small things. And whenever there is an issue they all act like idiots, arguing instead of doing something. America does have its share of problems though, but they are nowhere near as bad as people make them out to be.
Lucky for me i dont live in Europe anymore :D
I hate people like you who discard socialism without really having had a taste for the benefits of it. Compare getting cancer in Sweden and in the US and then come back and say that socialism is crap. The only humanistic and morally right system is socialism.
As I've said earlier you can't really appreciate the socialistic way of life until you had some hardships in your life. The reason why I think everything else is wrong is that it so fucking egotistical who the fuck cares about money. The important thing in life is happiness, and money can't buy happiness putting a smile on someones face is what leads to true happiness and to be honest I am totally fine giving away most of my money if it benefits someone less fortunate and if I ever go though something terrible my country has got my back.
America has plenty of socialist constructs and laws in its society. America is not a purely capitalist state. America differs in that it is less socialist than a lot of european countries.
Making shitloads of money is good. It betters people's lives and gives us better technology, artwork, and videogames. Capitalism has its problems, but don't try to act like capitalism can't help people as well, because it really does.
Of course I don't think capitalism is shit. It's good and helps some sectors. But having a socialistic basis makes the country more humanistic and making money is of course good but it doesn't mean that all of it needs to go to you. Having a balance is the important part going to far left leads to communism although it's a great idea it will never work and has a lot of problems too. But having socialistic health care, education and law enforcement are essential for a country to be successful in the long run.
On November 05 2010 04:33 Deadlyfish wrote: I like American politics, i think they're great. Hate how in europe you can pretty much only vote for socialists, it's ridiculous.
I always find it funny how Europeans think that american politics is made up of extremists and crazy people. I know many Europeans politicians that are just nutjobs or just plain stupid.
There is a reason America is the only superpower, they have great politicians. Probably the best in the world. In Europe it doesnt matter what you vote for, all you get is the same old politics, 60% taxes and all they never really do anything, they just argue about small things. And whenever there is an issue they all act like idiots, arguing instead of doing something. America does have its share of problems though, but they are nowhere near as bad as people make them out to be.
Lucky for me i dont live in Europe anymore :D
I hate people like you who discard socialism without really having had a taste for the benefits of it. Compare getting cancer in Sweden and in the US and then come back and say that socialism is crap. The only humanistic and morally right system is socialism.
Actually, America has some of the best cancer treatment and research centers in the world. Everyone seems to think we're just a bunch of whack jobs prescribing Viagra to each other.
On November 05 2010 04:33 Deadlyfish wrote: I like American politics, i think they're great. Hate how in europe you can pretty much only vote for socialists, it's ridiculous.
I always find it funny how Europeans think that american politics is made up of extremists and crazy people. I know many Europeans politicians that are just nutjobs or just plain stupid.
There is a reason America is the only superpower, they have great politicians. Probably the best in the world. In Europe it doesnt matter what you vote for, all you get is the same old politics, 60% taxes and all they never really do anything, they just argue about small things. And whenever there is an issue they all act like idiots, arguing instead of doing something. America does have its share of problems though, but they are nowhere near as bad as people make them out to be.
Lucky for me i dont live in Europe anymore :D
I hate people like you who discard socialism without really having had a taste for the benefits of it. Compare getting cancer in Sweden and in the US and then come back and say that socialism is crap. The only humanistic and morally right system is socialism.
Why do you think i havent had a taste for socialism when i just said i had lived in Europe? I get free healthcare, but i think it sucks. Got cancer? np wait 6 months to get treatment because the system sucks. I'd much much much rather get cancer in America than in Sweden. Yes i have to pay, but atleast i get proper care, and i dont have to wait ½ a year for treatment. (dont know how it is in Sweden, this is just how it is in Denmark and the Netherlands).
I've lived in a country with 0% tax, and a country with 65% tax, i liked the 0% one better, simple as that. People often get angry though, when you tell them that you dont think socialism is a good thing.
The reason we get angry is because it's selfish thinking that yeah I am the most important person in the world and those kids who were born on the street should not get a chance in life because their parents aren't rich. It's just a bad system. I am not saying that our health care system is perfect but putting values on someones life is just inhuman. Saying that yeah I'll patch you up but only if you pay me X amount of dollars. For a really rich person of course it's more beneficial for you but if you look at the country as a whole it really isn't.
On November 05 2010 04:33 Deadlyfish wrote: I like American politics, i think they're great. Hate how in europe you can pretty much only vote for socialists, it's ridiculous.
I always find it funny how Europeans think that american politics is made up of extremists and crazy people. I know many Europeans politicians that are just nutjobs or just plain stupid.
There is a reason America is the only superpower, they have great politicians. Probably the best in the world. In Europe it doesnt matter what you vote for, all you get is the same old politics, 60% taxes and all they never really do anything, they just argue about small things. And whenever there is an issue they all act like idiots, arguing instead of doing something. America does have its share of problems though, but they are nowhere near as bad as people make them out to be.
Lucky for me i dont live in Europe anymore :D
I hate people like you who discard socialism without really having had a taste for the benefits of it. Compare getting cancer in Sweden and in the US and then come back and say that socialism is crap. The only humanistic and morally right system is socialism.
As I've said earlier you can't really appreciate the socialistic way of life until you had some hardships in your life. The reason why I think everything else is wrong is that it so fucking egotistical who the fuck cares about money. The important thing in life is happiness, and money can't buy happiness putting a smile on someones face is what leads to true happiness and to be honest I am totally fine giving away most of my money if it benefits someone less fortunate and if I ever go though something terrible my country has got my back.
America has plenty of socialist constructs and laws in its society. America is not a purely capitalist state. America differs in that it is less socialist than a lot of european countries.
Making shitloads of money is good. It betters people's lives and gives us better technology, artwork, and videogames. Capitalism has its problems, but don't try to act like capitalism can't help people as well, because it really does.
Having a balance is the important part going to far left leads to communism although it's a great idea it will never work and has a lot of problems too.
How the fuck is communism a "great idea"? It ignores everything we know about human nature, history, and economics. It's not a noble idea. It's an idea that is stupid and can be dismissed a priori.
On November 05 2010 04:33 Deadlyfish wrote: I like American politics, i think they're great. Hate how in europe you can pretty much only vote for socialists, it's ridiculous.
I always find it funny how Europeans think that american politics is made up of extremists and crazy people. I know many Europeans politicians that are just nutjobs or just plain stupid.
There is a reason America is the only superpower, they have great politicians. Probably the best in the world. In Europe it doesnt matter what you vote for, all you get is the same old politics, 60% taxes and all they never really do anything, they just argue about small things. And whenever there is an issue they all act like idiots, arguing instead of doing something. America does have its share of problems though, but they are nowhere near as bad as people make them out to be.
Lucky for me i dont live in Europe anymore :D
I hate people like you who discard socialism without really having had a taste for the benefits of it. Compare getting cancer in Sweden and in the US and then come back and say that socialism is crap. The only humanistic and morally right system is socialism.
Actually, America has some of the best cancer treatment and research centers in the world. Everyone seems to think we're just a bunch of whack jobs prescribing Viagra to each other.
It's not about the quality of the treatment it's that it's inhumane to deny people treatment because they don't have the money for it.
On November 05 2010 04:33 Deadlyfish wrote: I like American politics, i think they're great. Hate how in europe you can pretty much only vote for socialists, it's ridiculous.
I always find it funny how Europeans think that american politics is made up of extremists and crazy people. I know many Europeans politicians that are just nutjobs or just plain stupid.
There is a reason America is the only superpower, they have great politicians. Probably the best in the world. In Europe it doesnt matter what you vote for, all you get is the same old politics, 60% taxes and all they never really do anything, they just argue about small things. And whenever there is an issue they all act like idiots, arguing instead of doing something. America does have its share of problems though, but they are nowhere near as bad as people make them out to be.
Lucky for me i dont live in Europe anymore :D
I hate people like you who discard socialism without really having had a taste for the benefits of it. Compare getting cancer in Sweden and in the US and then come back and say that socialism is crap. The only humanistic and morally right system is socialism.
As I've said earlier you can't really appreciate the socialistic way of life until you had some hardships in your life. The reason why I think everything else is wrong is that it so fucking egotistical who the fuck cares about money. The important thing in life is happiness, and money can't buy happiness putting a smile on someones face is what leads to true happiness and to be honest I am totally fine giving away most of my money if it benefits someone less fortunate and if I ever go though something terrible my country has got my back.
America has plenty of socialist constructs and laws in its society. America is not a purely capitalist state. America differs in that it is less socialist than a lot of european countries.
Making shitloads of money is good. It betters people's lives and gives us better technology, artwork, and videogames. Capitalism has its problems, but don't try to act like capitalism can't help people as well, because it really does.
Having a balance is the important part going to far left leads to communism although it's a great idea it will never work and has a lot of problems too.
How the fuck is communism a "great idea"? It ignores everything we know about human nature, history, and economics. It's not a noble idea. It's an idea that is stupid and can be dismissed a priori.
I said it's a great idea because it is if you live in an utopia. But in the real world it sucks. But the great thing about it is that everyone is equal it's idea is that we're not on our own we're all together and we share our wealth. But as I said it doesn't work in the real world however it's a beautiful idea.
I like how page 1 is "lol, America so stupid and crazy" and page 23 is "you guys have some good ideas, I just prefer different ideas". That's a lot better.
I like how in America people believe different things and can debate them and have a real choice between ideas. It seems like everybody in Europe all believes the same things.
EPT
