Why do we Americans...

[Im Ted Bell]

Continue to stand by and do nothing while our government greases us up and gives it to us good every chance they get?

What will it take for things to change?

[Mini Dickman]

You know what it'll take, you just don't want to say it on a public forum.

[Vako]

You know what it'll take, you just don't want to say it on a public forum.

Agreed.

[Im Ted Bell]

a world changing event. that might cover it

[Anonymous]

Continue to stand by and do nothing while our government greases us up and gives it to us good every chance they get?

What will it take for things to change?

As a non-American, I can safely say that this is the nature of every government in the history of the world. At least the American government uses grease. Most governments hand it out dry.

[southpaw]

Continue to stand by and do nothing while our government greases us up and gives it to us good every chance they get?

What will it take for things to change?

So what have you done about it lately? (Besides sitting on the couch eating cheezy poofs, I mean). Jesus H.....If you really think you're "gettin' it dry" from our govt, then go do something about it. Whining and crying on a message board's not going to do shit, neither is waiting around for everyone else to make changes for you.

/vent

[Daniel Ruoss]

If you don't like things get out and vote. It's not that hard to get active and climb the ladder in one of the major political parties. Trust me, I'm doing it. Don't think politics is above (or below) you. While you may not agree with with everything the major parties put in their respective platforms, thats no reason not to join one. While some decry the 2 party system it has worked and makes both parties have to move to the center in order to be a nationally viable party. Calling yourself a moderate or independent (as the words are usually used) is just another way of saying you don't care all that much and you'll make up your mind as soon as enough other people have. If you join a party and work at it you'll eventually be in a position to affect things locallly and then you're on your way.

Of course, you can always sit back on your ass smoking pot and waiting for the system to miraculously change for you. I'm sure political change will show up the same day the hot babes you lust for come knocking on your door asking YOU for a date.

I guess my point is it's better to actually try to change something than to sit on the sidelines. Even if you fail at least you can die in peace knowing you did your part. There's nothing more pathetic than those old men sitting around with their "would've, should've, and could'ves".

[the deta]

Continue to stand by and do nothing while our government greases us up and gives it to us good every chance they get?

What will it take for things to change?

Have you tried going and crying to your DA DA???

[Don Berman]

Part of the problem is the attitude about the "government" and "us". As the Constitution is written, it is WE. We are the government. No matter how you cut it, voters decide who is in office. There is no X-Files faction out there running things, although I sure General Johnson Jamison would disagree. [/quote]

[Binx]

I'm quite content and happy the way things are. We have, without a doubt, the best government in the world. Yes they are underhanded and sneaky....but hey...who isn't

Infact, I don't recall the government ever shafting me or any of the people I personally know.

I think people like to have something to bitch about...and generally it's something they can't control...so it "justifies" their bitching.

either that or they are just looking for a pity party....

[Mini Dickman]

Infact, I don't recall the government ever shafting me or any of the people I personally know.


I can't see it, thus, It doesn't exist!

[Binx]

nooooo...My life isnt' bad. The governemnt has not inconvenienced me in any way. My life functions, within the law, pretty much how it should, how I want it to, or how I can manipulate it to (Funds and what not). Thus, the government has done nothing against me.

Sure, there are things I would change if I were in charge...but I'm not nor do I have the desire or aptitude to be in charge...that's why I have representatives and what not.

[GenJohnsonJameson]

Part of the problem is the attitude about the "government" and "us". As the Constitution is written, it is WE. We are the government. No matter how you cut it, voters decide who is in office. There is no X-Files faction out there running things, although I sure General Johnson Jamison would disagree.

Ever heard of the illuminati sir? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illuminati

Anyone who isn't blinded byignorance knows that they are working in conjuction with the lizard people http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lizard_people to stop me from spreading the word on their ego-maniacal ways.

Also please buy an earth handle from peenman enterprises.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_Handle

[KungFuJesus]

Well played, General. Well played.

[planetkpop]

Well played, General. Well played.


You guys are funny. :lol: I'm glad I found this place.

[Belasco]

Be careful, General. They got William Cooper (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Cooper_%28radio_host%29) - they'll be coming for you next. The Lizard People don't take too kindly to being exposed.

[The Dude]

Why do we Americans...

Speak for yourself. Some of us are doing something.

Ya savvy?

[lawyer said write it down]

All I have got to say is keep an eye on your politicians so they know we are watching them.
.
.
http://img2.postimage.org/186130/rude008.jpg (http://img2.postimage.org/forums/sweetfeatheryjesus/186130/rude008.html)

[Gave 'M a Swirly]

You should feel what it's like to take a thorough 'bucket-hooping' here in Canada. Especially our tax system. Not to mention our lax laws on criminals.

[the deta]

You should feel what it's like to take a thorough 'bucket-hooping' here in Canada. Especially our tax system. Not to mention our lax laws on criminals.

But Dont you have the heatlth care system to die for? At least thats what everyone in the states says. How is it Reeeeaaaaaalllyyyyy

[Harpoontang]

Everytime Kathy and I have to stick our beak into a can of Sheba, Johnny Depp is peein' himself.
-- Clara Bingham (or maybe Mavis...)

I think that was Clara and it was damn priceless...if yo is happy and yo know it ...clap yo hands. If you read the news and believe that we are a nation of unhappy capitalist scumbags, then you were probably educated in the public school system after 1970 or so. Quit the self-loathing that we get a daily dose of and work to make this a better place, like GW Bush.....OOOps. If you believe that we are (as a nation) the embodiment of evil on this planet, please I beg you, go live in Syria. I am so tired of all of the negative crap being directed toward the freedom engine of the planet. Clang

[Gave 'M a Swirly]

You should feel what it's like to take a thorough 'bucket-hooping' here in Canada. Especially our tax system. Not to mention our lax laws on criminals.

But Dont you have the heatlth care system to die for? At least thats what everyone in the states says. How is it Reeeeaaaaaalllyyyyy

Our health care system is BROKEN and in need of a complete overhaul. We've got a socialist country (unfortunately) and many on the 'left' here don't seem to want it fixed at all. They think it's fine and want to continue with the status quo, which is folly. We've got people going to emergency with coughs and colds! If you think I'm kidding - I assure you, I'm not. That's just one of the many problems.

[the deta]

You should feel what it's like to take a thorough 'bucket-hooping' here in Canada. Especially our tax system. Not to mention our lax laws on criminals.

But Dont you have the heatlth care system to die for? At least thats what everyone in the states says. How is it Reeeeaaaaaalllyyyyy

Our health care system is BROKEN and in need of a complete overhaul. We've got a socialist country (unfortunately) and many on the 'left' here don't seem to want it fixed at all. They think it's fine and want to continue with the status quo, which is folly. We've got people going to emergency with coughs and colds! If you think I'm kidding - I assure you, I'm not. That's just one of the many problems.

Its funny, when the election was going on in 2004, a bunch of people said they would move to Canada if Bush won. Of course none of the people i knew did. And yes i knew people who said they would. Well i would always ask them why and the number one reason is" They have free health care". Its always good to here from an actual Canadian on how it really is. Anyway I love Canada. They birthed two of my favorite things Rush , and Ice Hockey. Which reminds me... in 25 minutes Sid the Kid is about to go to town on the Habs!!!!! GO PENS!!!

[Binx]

The healthcare in Canada is hardly free. They nail you with taxes so much that you need sedatives....

And, as I recall, the Canadians that can afford it usually come to the States for important medical emergencies.

[Gave 'M a Swirly]

Its funny, when the election was going on in 2004, a bunch of people said they would move to Canada if Bush won. Of course none of the people i knew did. And yes i knew people who said they would. Well i would always ask them why and the number one reason is" They have free health care". Its always good to here from an actual Canadian on how it really is. Anyway I love Canada. They birthed two of my favorite things Rush , and Ice Hockey. Which reminds me... in 25 minutes Sid the Kid is about to go to town on the Habs!!!!! GO PENS!!![/quote]

Yes - I love hockey and RUSH too. They're local Toronto boys and the city is very proud of them. You're a Pens fan eh? (oops - sorry, a 'Canadianism'). I like the Pens. Favorite team is the Sabres and the Calgary Flames. Living near Toronto makes it difficult to be a fan of another team, but I detest the Leafs.

[Gave 'M a Swirly]

Sorry for the editing of my previous post 'etathed'. I'm still sort of new at this computer stuff. That paragraph before my response should be attributed to you.... thanks...

[the deta]

Have you ever heard of "The Orbit Room" ? I heard it is a bar owned by Alex Lifeson. Know anything about that?

[KidKnowledge]

There's nothing we can do to stop it.. It's all in GODS hands.... cause he donates the most money...

[Gave 'M a Swirly]

Have you ever heard of "The Orbit Room" ? I heard it is a bar owned by Alex Lifeson. Know anything about that?

Sounds vaguely familiar, but I had not heard that Lifeson owned it. I did meet Geddy Lee's brother many years ago (1986) at a video shoot for Frehley's Comet (Ace Frehley's band after he left KISS). Ace was talking shop with him and asking how Geddy, Alex, and Neil were doing, etc. KISS toured a lot with RUSH in the early days. I didn't know Geddy had a brother. He looked a lot like Geddy. (I don't know whether that's a good thing or a bad thing).

[Binx]

[quote="Im Ted Bell"}

What will it take for things to change?[/quote]

...a coup more than likely...but I don't see it happening.

[Belasco]

THREAD REZ:

This thread started in 2005. Have things gotten better, worse, or stayed the same?

I would say worse, but only slightly...

[Zerath]

I think they're a lot better at whining about it.

[Mr. Irrelevant]

The state of America is a very complicated issue these days. Increased global competition, corruption, bad economy, etc... I'd like to think that things are just hunky dory n' shit, but China keeps loaning us money and our deficit and debt continues to grow. Big companies are making billions while the heart and soul of capitalism (the small businesses) is getting eaten alive. Oil, or lack thereof will become a HUGE problem if the demand outweighs the supply.... Something will give at some point and when it does, it's going to make The Great Depression look like a picnic.

And that's just one facet of the decline- if you wanna call it that. This national healthcare thing is a colossal mistake. Forcing millions of people to pay into a system that is substandard (because it's run by the government) is asinine. I'm not saying that I like the current system, but this national healthcare thing is worse. For starters, if I don't want healthcare, at least I have a choice in the matter. If I break my leg, then I have to pay out of pocket. That's the risk I take. If I don't want to take the risk, I can choose what kind of coverage I feel is appropriate for my needs and pay the premium for said services. But it's MY CHOICE regardless. Now... I'm told that I don't have a choice, that I MUST have it because it's for the "greater good". And if I don't pay... Fine, Uncle Sam will just jam his grubby paws into my yearly tax return and yank the healthcare premium from that. Meanwhile, congress, the same people who forced this new healthcare system onto the American people, have the option of not being apart of this new system. So even they think it's shit.

[Dr. P]

Look up how much of Australia China has bought up sometime. And that's not the only place. Holy shit, if I want to get anywhere in a few years, I need to learn to speak Asian.

[Mr. Irrelevant]

Well no one buys our debts like the fuckin' Chinese do. Japan also holds a considerable amount of our debt. Australia has been loaning us a lot of money lately. But I don't mind them buying up our debt too much because they're white like we are. lolz

Another thing that is really bothering me about the good ol' US of A is this lean toward socialism. You see it with Obama and Pelosi and that bunch, and you also see it with the media and Hollywood. That inevitably leads to a trickle down effect on more and more citizens. Newsweek had a cover called "We're all socialists now" basically sugarcoating the "upside" of socialism and talking about how in this century, nations have found a balance that suggests that "socialism can work given the right circumstances". Are you kidding me? The NAZIS were SOCIALISTS! Socialism didn't work for the Russians and it definitely didn't work for the countries that were absorbed into the USSR. Socialism never worked in Latin America. They're always revolting over something down there. Yet, despite the countless examples of the fail that is socialism, there are people in this nation that insist that it is the way to go. Wouldn't it be nice if we could ban free speech for the "greater good"? Wouldn't it be nice if we could force everyone to make the same amount of money at work? You know... in the interest of fairness. Wouldn't it be nice if we could brainwash kids into thinking that our government will provide EVERYTHING we need? Because they're looking out for what's best for us.

[Booze]

I decided long ago, along with Howie, never to debate politics on this site (& never to walk in anyone's shadow, of course).

But it does seem to me that unbridled capitalism is just as flawed as you rightly point out that extreme socialism is, Sav. The Nazis weren't socialists, by the way, any more than the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is democratic.

[The BYP]

I decided long ago, along with Howie, never to debate politics on this site (& never to walk in anyone's shadow, of course).

But it does seem to me that unbridled capitalism is just as flawed as you rightly point out that extreme socialism is, Sav. The Nazis weren't socialists, by the way, any more than the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is democratic.

We have both. That's our problem, if that makes sense. We have the fattest poor people in the world. We have politicians from both parties in bed with big business. We have unions that have driven a lot of our businesses out of country, We have miltary bases scattered all over the world. We have illegals that are helping to drain our resources. That said, there has never been a country with as many people live a better quality of life than we do.

[Booze]

It's not just unions that have driven businesses (or at least jobs) out of the America, though, Beepster. I don't remember call centre workers having a staunch union that frustrated companies to the point where they had no choice but to outsource all their customer service to the India.

It seems that was just pure, unadulterated maximising of profits. Or greed, to give it another name.

[The BYP]

You can thank the tech boom of the 90's for creating call centers. If you look inside a Hewlett Packard computer you won't find much of anything that is made in the US. Unions worked great when most people in the US bought US made products. When Japan started their industrial onslaught in the late 60's things changed. Union wages / demands increased while company profits decreased. US companies had to start negotiating overseas just to remain competitive. Toyota has plants in the US that are non union and from what I understand they pay a fair wage / benefit. If we relied on companies with collective bargaining agreements to compete with that market then they just wouldn't exist. Much like our long gone electronics industry.

[moneymaker]

Nuke em. Nuke em all. USA, USA, USA, USA...

[Dr. P]

We tease him a lot, cuz we got him on the spot. Welcome back.

[Jdiggity Dee]

Slightly off topic yet certainly part of the problem.
http://i39.tinypic.com/10zpwnt.jpg

Hey, lookie, Ed found some food coloring left over from Easter.
http://i42.tinypic.com/5n206b.jpg

[Mr. Irrelevant]

Why JD? WHY? GOD!!! That post should be deemed as NSFW and promptly deleted from this thread... this forum... the site... the internets... everything.