I gots a question . . . .

[rah]

I am always surprised why people just don't get the concept of 'the opposition party'. It's politics. While I don't always agree with the methodology the concept to me is clear. The opposition party wants to be the ruling party. It's politics. It's never been about what's good for the country, it's always under the guise of that but in reality it's what's the best for their power base. While I always am not thrilled when the repugs use fear mongering, it's not limited to just the repugs. The demons use fear on every issue that involves minorities. Both parties will use any strategy that they think will work. People really shouldn't be surprised anymore. Geeze.

The opposition party opposes by definition in the hopes that things will stay screwed up so people will want a change. It's not a difficult concept.

[MikeH]

It always surprises me when you have this view in the US that politicians behave badly on both sides so you should just accept that's the way things are.

No way. Demand a higher standard.

[Krill]

That requires that Americans exercise their anger. Big problem with that.

[rah]

It always surprises me when you have this view in the US that politicians behave badly on both sides so you should just accept that's the way things are.

No way. Demand a higher standard.

And what have you done politically to change this in your own country?
Or are you under the illusion that all your politicians are saints?

In the US you have two choices, running for office yourself or voting for those with different attitudes about this. Voting is somewhat rigged against that by the current powers and the structure. I do try to vote for the mavericks that I believe will help change that, but there aren't many. (Every politician claims they'll reach across the aisle but once they're elected all bets are off, even Obama comes to mind here)
When I was younger I fell for this and volunteered to help a candidate only to later see that it was just a promise.

And unfortunately my past probably wouldn't stand up to the scrutiny if I was to run for office so that option is out also.

So it's easy to say demand a higher standard but just how do you accomplish this?

[Japher]

I don't understand why I haven't seen any coverage of the largest march/rally on the capital has not made the news here and was buried in all the newspapers, and instead I get to watch how some black ******* steals some white chicks thunder on some f'd up teeny-bopper awards ceremony, as well as coverage on Jay Leno's tv show which I care nothing about... That perplexes me. Really, actually, it angers me.

Oh, and why all the lies about the numbers? From what I heard the place was swamped. And that's from people who were there and live there.

[MrFun]

I am always surprised why people just don't get the concept of 'the opposition party'. It's politics. While I don't always agree with the methodology the concept to me is clear. The opposition party wants to be the ruling party. It's politics. It's never been about what's good for the country, it's always under the guise of that but in reality it's what's the best for their power base. While I always am not thrilled when the repugs use fear mongering, it's not limited to just the repugs. The demons use fear on every issue that involves minorities. Both parties will use any strategy that they think will work. People really shouldn't be surprised anymore. Geeze.

The opposition party opposes by definition in the hopes that things will stay screwed up so people will want a change. It's not a difficult concept.

I know what you mean. So the reason the same tea party protesters are howling about their fear of a larger government against Obama but never came out to protest Bush's government excesses is because they have no understanding of what you've explained above.

[David Floyd]

The answer, which should be obvious, is that most Americans don't care about terrorists, people who look or sound like terrorists, or people who act like terrorists, nor do Americans care about the so called rights of the above mentioned terrorists. Duh.

[MrFun]

Extraordinary wiretapping powers and search of property with normal warrant procedure can affect ordinary Americans who are not terrorists.

duh

[David Floyd]

As long as it inconveniences people who look and believe differently than me, I'm in

[C0ckney]

you are the ****test libertarian ever.

[Elok]

all these Americans who are angrily protesting what they perceive to the direction our country is heading in over the issue of health care reform - where were all these angry protesters when the Bush administration dramatically increased the power of the government through extraordinary wire-tapping, searching of property, torture of detainees, and so on?

I believe they were protesting your sexuality at the time. Not sure though; that was a rather lengthy period, after all.

[Japher]

Was? I thought he was still on his period.

[Riesstiu IV]

The reason these same troglodyte turds didn't protest Bush's security initiatives and his rampant warmongering is rather sample, they get off seeing Arab and Pashtun children being bombed and shot, knowing that their government is torturing random Muslims, and watching PMCs waste their tax money by getting drunk and hiring underage prostitutes. Trying to actually help another human being is too much for them.

[ricketyclik]

Well put Riesstiu.

[Straybow]

[Q=MrFun;5674241]all these Americans who are angrily protesting what they perceive to the direction our country is heading in over the issue of health care reform - where were all these angry protesters when the Bush administration dramatically increased the power of the government through extraordinary wire-tapping, searching of property, torture of detainees, and so on? [/Q] Let me do the statistics for you. While expanded wire-tapping and searches have a tiny chance of harming the average joe, this health care power grab has a 100% chance of harming the average joe.