Viewpoint: America the Ungovernable, page 1

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Topic started on 26-1-2010 @ 04:49 PM by paradigm619

Viewpoint: America the Ungovernable

www.newsweek.com...

Three forces have conspired to prevent President Obama from running the country effectively: congressional Republicans, congressional Democrats, and the American people. Obama should confront them in the State of the Union.

Instead of feel-good rhetoric about everyday heroes or salesmanship about microtargeted proposals, which are the mainstays of the State of the Union, the president should speak unpleasant truths. That means condemning Republicans for their crude obstructionism and excoriating his fellow Democrats for their fecklessness. But, above all, he must explain to Americans that what they want from Washington cannot be accomplished if they are unwilling to countenance a larger role for the federal government—and remind them that the change they say they want is not possible without actual change and real sacrifice.

An article with an interesting take on the current state of politics in America. I think that the author misses the point that the left/right system itself is the root of the problem with politics. Not just for the politicians in the system, but also the electorate that has allowed itself to be convinced that Republican or Democrat is more important that finding solutions to problems.

Your thoughts?

reply posted on 26-1-2010 @ 05:12 PM by Pellevoisin

I think what is proposed would play into something that has not happened before ... namely the Republican delegation getting up and walking out on his address.

The other possibility is going well beyond the "You Lie!" (which we all recall to this day) to vigorous, outraged heckling. In toto this would be the first skirmish of the Second Civil War ... perhaps.

It is difficult to know what Obama could say that would change the direction of things in the States. Perhaps he could start with displaying his full form Hawaii Birth Certificate? I think it is more likely that he will go for rhetorical flair, complete denial of reality, and a messianic declaration of his work thus far and what is to come. (I do not wish to criticise Mr. Obama because of my remarks, but rather I am underlining what I think has been disastrous advice and counsel from those closest to the President. And were I to fault Mr. Obama it would be his willingness to believe his own press -- always a suicidal move for a politician.)

reply posted on 26-1-2010 @ 05:28 PM by Ahabstar

Odd, I thought that the change that the people wanted was a more responsible government that was less intrusive into individual lives. A government that would stand up for the people instead of selling them out to corporate interests. A government that would rid the corruption within the system and become respectable again.

Myself, I'd settle for a government that stayed within the law as established in the Constitution and worked to overturn the mistakes of the past that were deviations of those guidelines.

But I would like to win the lottery too. I still buy a ticket on the off chance now and then, but I am realistic to the odds.

[edit on 26-1-2010 by Ahabstar]

reply posted on 26-1-2010 @ 05:49 PM by projectvxn

reply to post by paradigm619

So(as the article suggests) the American people should be chastised for not wanting an already huge government to get bigger and more authoritarian?

From Article:

But, above all, he must explain to Americans that what they want from Washington cannot be accomplished if they are unwilling to countenance a larger role for the federal government—and remind them that the change they say they want is not possible without actual change and real sacrifice.

The hell is that supposed to mean? Sacrifice what exactly?

[edit on 26-1-2010 by projectvxn]

[edit on 26-1-2010 by projectvxn]

reply posted on 26-1-2010 @ 05:52 PM by endisnighe

reply to post by Ahabstar

Agreed and Star.

reply to post by Pellevoisin

Agreed and Star.

reply to post by projectvxn

Agreed and Star.

OP, the whole problem with the US is that there is no problem with the American People, there is a problem with the government.

They need to understand 1 concept and 1 concept only. The VAST majority of us think the government should leave us the frell alone.

Give up your grandiose visions of Empire.

Give up your grandiose visions of Utopian ideals.

Give up your spread of fiat money systems.

Give up your control and division techniques.

Give up your destruction of smaller business by regulating them out of business.

Give up!

Oh, I have a vision, a vision of a beautiful world with NO government intrusion in the day to day lives of the American People.

I say we start a brand new political party-

The

Leave me the frell alone party!

[edit on 1/26/2010 by endisnighe]

reply posted on 26-1-2010 @ 05:56 PM by thisguyrighthere

reply to post by projectvxn

Of course we should be chastised for it. Many are already labeled as "extremists" "(insert race here) supremacists" "anti-Semites" "neo-Nazis" "religious zealots" "gun nut rednecks" "McVeigh wannabee's" "homegrown terrorists" ...

The list goes on.

If you dont like the way the game is being played or even that there's a game at all you're some fringe lunatic who poses a threat to everyone.

reply posted on 26-1-2010 @ 06:00 PM by Subjective Truth

The progressives are scared they are corned and they know it. They have to choices to move to the center or come out swinging I hope they pick the later I am ready and so is this country we need a good deep line in the sand. Not knowing is the worst kind of torture and I would much rather know just exactly where they are coming form but I think they are to chicken to show it just yet the ducks are not all lined up----YET

reply posted on 26-1-2010 @ 06:03 PM by SpeakerofTruth

Originally posted by projectvxn
Sacrifice what exactly?

[

No offense, but that is precisely is what is wrong with America, or as I call it, Merica. Mericans don't want to sacrifice anything, yet, they expect to continue to live in luxury.

reply posted on 26-1-2010 @ 06:07 PM by Jean Paul Zodeaux

The author of this Newsweek article reveals his own agenda clearly and presumes that most Americans are like minded. While there are indeed people in the U.S. who crave a nanny state and long for more and better government handouts, there are also people who understand that the U.S. is a nation designed for self government. For those who desire big government the idea of people actually being self governed is tantamount to ungovernable and in that regard the author is absolutely correct. Tyrants will never be able to govern free people.

reply posted on 26-1-2010 @ 06:07 PM by thisguyrighthere

reply to post by SpeakerofTruth

From the sound of the quote the sacrifice is not tangible or material.

Though I do agree too many Americans are fat, spoiled children unwilling to go without.

reply posted on 26-1-2010 @ 06:08 PM by projectvxn

reply to post by SpeakerofTruth

Sacrifice isn't an issue. Sacrificing what and for what reason is.

I'm not sacrificing my rights or my liberty to purchase any comfort from the government. The American people are in a huge amount of debt, and we're being told we have to pay it down(which is fine by me but they still expect us to make up for lost consumer demand) while the government inflates their debt and saddles us with the bill. Fighting wars that have gained us nothing but death and debt, intruding for decades in the true free market system by playing with Keyensianism-whereas the government practices socialism for the rich.

Again, what am I being asked to sacrifice? I will be no lamb to the slaughter.

Edit to add:

As far as expectations, I only expect to receive what I put in. Luxuries should be a product of hard work and deferred gratification not government hand outs and fraudulent credit.

[edit on 26-1-2010 by projectvxn]

[edit on 26-1-2010 by projectvxn]

reply posted on 26-1-2010 @ 06:09 PM by endisnighe

reply to post by SpeakerofTruth

I am sorry, who created that frelling luxury?

The Canadiens are happy. So are many other countries.

What our government and the other countries of the world need to understand there is a difference between our mega corporations/banks/government and the American People.

Me and I assume many others want to end this Empire building and live our own damn lives.

Wo is me, Is all I here about us and our damn luxury. 50-75% of our labor is stolen to provide for this monstrosity we have created. How about instead of blaming the American People and our supposed luxury, you should start railing against our government and join in with the movement of Freedom sweeping the country.

reply posted on 26-1-2010 @ 06:12 PM by Jean Paul Zodeaux

reply to post by SpeakerofTruth

Sacrifice by definition is giving up something of a higher value for something of a lesser value. Such an action is a symptom of insanity.

reply posted on 26-1-2010 @ 07:44 PM by Asktheanimals

Notice what isn't mentioned - the wars. As if somehow they don't affect the Nation.