My feelings on Congress are best describe in the movie “American President.” Michael Douglas summed up politicians with the line, I was to busy trying to keep my job that I forgot to do my job.
Local Government is suppose to take care of the cities/counties.
State Government is suppose to do what is best for the state even if it is wrong for the district you come from.
Federal Government is suppose to do what is best for the Country even if it is wrong for your district/state.
Pamlicorat, I don’t mean to disagree but might not that line have come from the movie DAVE instead? I think he delivered it during his address to Congress just before his fake stroke.
The only “legitimate” reason for government of any kind is to protect your rights and property from whomever/whatever wants to abrogate them or seize it!
A winner take all system, like we have, encourages a 2 party system. Most countries use a parliamentary system, which is why they have multiple parties. The difference is they have to form coalitions regularly instead of before the election.
Robert A Heinlein once wrote: “There’s only one reason for using any government system - it works.” Recent evidence shows ours doesn’t. ^_~
Nabuquduriuzhur said, about 8 filibusters ago: “Nah, we need a dozen like most European parliamentary socialist nations to truly ruin it properly.”
I thought that’s what we have. I counted at least five parties in the health-care fiasco: the traditional Roosevelt-Johnson Democrats, the Clinton Democrats (aka Eisenhower Republicans), the Blue Dogs (aka R’s elected as D’s by fluke of geography), the Neocon Republicans (heirs to the Reagan/Bush philosophy) and the Fox Tea Partiers. The so-called “D supermajority” was never anything more than a media fantasy, about as sturdy as the current governing coalition in the Knesset.
All the politicians/parties are fine on paper. It’s after they get elected that they mess up. I’m from Massachusetts, and it’s happening here, as usual.
Nabuquduriuzhur - I initially mis-read your comment and thought you said, “..to truly run it poorly.” but, in retrospect, I think that was your intent and I heartily concur.
The two-party system is an abject failure. Anyone who believes that Democrats or Republicans have the answers to this country’s problems is delusional.
GROG Premium Member almost 14 years ago
All you needs are 2. Three would be over-kill.
GROG Premium Member almost 14 years ago
That’s the last thing we need, Clark. The Dems are bad enough.
Olddog1 almost 14 years ago
Clark Kent ≠ Superman
pouncingtiger almost 14 years ago
The Dems are no way as bad as the Lex Luthor Rethuglicans.
jscam Premium Member almost 14 years ago
Why not a third one?
pamlicorat almost 14 years ago
My feelings on Congress are best describe in the movie “American President.” Michael Douglas summed up politicians with the line, I was to busy trying to keep my job that I forgot to do my job.
Local Government is suppose to take care of the cities/counties. State Government is suppose to do what is best for the state even if it is wrong for the district you come from. Federal Government is suppose to do what is best for the Country even if it is wrong for your district/state.
Sandfan almost 14 years ago
Clark needs to get out his phone booth a little more often. Viable socialism? Check out Greece, Portugal, Spain, et al.
wicky almost 14 years ago
You want socialist? there are many countrys who would love to have you.
TexTech almost 14 years ago
Pamlicorat, I don’t mean to disagree but might not that line have come from the movie DAVE instead? I think he delivered it during his address to Congress just before his fake stroke.
But then I have been wrong before!
Whatroughbeast almost 14 years ago
The only “legitimate” reason for government of any kind is to protect your rights and property from whomever/whatever wants to abrogate them or seize it!
Kerovan almost 14 years ago
A winner take all system, like we have, encourages a 2 party system. Most countries use a parliamentary system, which is why they have multiple parties. The difference is they have to form coalitions regularly instead of before the election.
Robert A Heinlein once wrote: “There’s only one reason for using any government system - it works.” Recent evidence shows ours doesn’t. ^_~
puddleglum1066 almost 14 years ago
Nabuquduriuzhur said, about 8 filibusters ago: “Nah, we need a dozen like most European parliamentary socialist nations to truly ruin it properly.”
I thought that’s what we have. I counted at least five parties in the health-care fiasco: the traditional Roosevelt-Johnson Democrats, the Clinton Democrats (aka Eisenhower Republicans), the Blue Dogs (aka R’s elected as D’s by fluke of geography), the Neocon Republicans (heirs to the Reagan/Bush philosophy) and the Fox Tea Partiers. The so-called “D supermajority” was never anything more than a media fantasy, about as sturdy as the current governing coalition in the Knesset.
scrabblefiend almost 14 years ago
All the politicians/parties are fine on paper. It’s after they get elected that they mess up. I’m from Massachusetts, and it’s happening here, as usual.
Dtroutma almost 14 years ago
The wonder of schizophrenia is that it only takes one person to have an argument.
treBsdrawkcaB almost 14 years ago
Nabuquduriuzhur - I initially mis-read your comment and thought you said, “..to truly run it poorly.” but, in retrospect, I think that was your intent and I heartily concur.
gofinsc almost 14 years ago
Batson Belfrey is more worried about cocktail parties anyway.
SaunaBeach almost 14 years ago
I’m for another party! Tonight! 8PM. Bring your own paraphernalia!
benbrilling almost 14 years ago
Not exactly a new joke…
“No one party can fool all of the people all of the time. That’s why we have two parties.” -Bob Hope
(And he probably stole it from someone before him.)
WaitingMan almost 14 years ago
The two-party system is an abject failure. Anyone who believes that Democrats or Republicans have the answers to this country’s problems is delusional.