"The Green Hills of Earth" sends me to the Way-back Machine(tm). Great stories. Lot's of optimism, despite whatever problems were in the stories. He wrote a lot about dystopian societies, generally communistic or religious totalitarianisms. The plucky protagonists always found a way out. It always helped that they were independently wealthy or off the grid.
...probably during "Titties & Beer".
whoosh
Thanks, interesting. Several other posts from down under do not seem to approve of it, some are apathetic. Nice seeing an opinion from the other end of the spectrum.
"If it is clear which way the vote is before we go to the polls (and it almost always is) then why go vote?"
Because, not always?
Agreed. We make a big deal about the national elections, but don't bother informing and voting on the local elections, which can have a greater effect on your life and ideology.
Not being from a rural state, I have no dog in this hunt. The electoral college was created to help prevent the tyranny of the majority. In the long run, this is probably good.
I to have noticed how close the two populations are. Each side finds a wedge issue to support. The other side reacts by finding a wedge issue that a different segment of the population supports. It's all a big balancing act.
I remember Ralph Nader. Without him Gore would have been prez, and the whole 9/11 response would have gone down differently.
" If anything it makes it difficult when the entire country coordinates its vacations to take advantage of a 5 day weekend."
truth
Mod this up, please! Don't be afraid of four-letter words that start with F.
ftfy
Your analysis is insightful. Your attempt at a solution is problematical.
How to solve this? (If it is even remotely possible...) Demand that children are COMPETENT in critical thinking and understand that the underlying principles of this country are about taking the RISK OF LIBERTY, that government DOES NOT SOLVE PROBLEMS, and to take personal responsibility for things around them.
Problem is, who makes the tests? What is competency? Who gets to define it? Do you really think you could get a set of wingnuts in a room to actually agree about something?
I agree with you about the personal responsibility bit. I disagree with the categorical shout about solving problems, because all it takes is one (1) instance to disprove the opinion.
Some consider ignorance to be a basic right.
Which party is always clamoring to increase spending?
Both. Just in different areas.
Which party carves out exemptions and exceptions for those increases for the wealthy/ruling class?
Both. Just in different areas.
I agree. The disdain and sometimes outright hate projected at most Americans makes me wonder why I would want them as my leaders.
"And remember: Evil will always prevail, because Good is dumb." -- Spaceballs
