Is there really any big difference between the Republican party and Democratic party ? Are there two parties to give the illusion that voters have a choice ? IMO they both seem to be working for the same masters.
Unfortunately, there is little difference in the fact that both sides lie to feed their common master, which is none other than the almighty dollar. A good politician is one who can dance along the lines, and not be so fucking extreme with a viewpoint that is massively left or right. I think this is why many people are looking towards the Libertarian party as somewhat of a happy medium. Not trying to start any political flame wars with this comment mind you, just saying that ANY party that is not as deeply seeded in greed and corruption as the "old school" Reps and Dems will likely stand a chance in the coming elections. People are looking for real change this time around, and won't be fooled again with mere talks of "change".
Well, let's see... They both want bigger, more intrusive government They both want to maintain our overseas empire, causing the world to hate and resent us They both cater to special interests much more than the people they claim to represent They both push unsustainable fiscal policy and inflate (devalue) the money supply Neither party wants homosexual couples to have the same rights as hetero Both parties want people more and more dependent on government Neither party will take an honest stance on the failure of the drug war Both parties support unconstitutional breaches of privacy (Patriot Act, for example) I could probably go on... The above are just the parties in general, as there are individuals on both sides of the aisle who are honest and decent people, they are just in the minority. Two sides of the same shit-stained coin.
The argument that the two parties should represent opposed ideals and policies, one, perhaps, of the Right and the other of the Left, is a foolish idea acceptable only to doctrinaire and academic thinkers. Instead, the two parties should be almost identical, so that the American people can throw the rascals out at any election without leading to any profound or extensive shifts in policy. Then it should be possible to replace it, every four years if necessary, by the other party, which will be none of these things but will still pursue, with new vigor, approximately the same basic policies. - Carrol Quigley Doesn't matter who you vote for, the government always gets in - Bill Hicks
Sounds like if you made this thread a poll I think we'd probably be as close to agreement as it gets in the politics forum.....
It's a illusion to make people feel like they have a choice. All the 2 party system is good for is controlling who gets into office and who doesn't. Our founding fathers were againest a two party system for very good reason because under a 2 party system the issues dont matter nearly as much as the letter next to their name. Case in point look around these boards you will see if someone disagrees with the democrats on one issue people automatically assume you republican and vise-versa. The only way to have a government truly controlled by the people is to eliminate the 2 party system all together. The problem with that is both parties are very powerful so it will take a nation wide movement by the population to get rid of the 2 party system.
There's very minor differences between them. They govern in exactly the same manner. Divide and conquer.
Wow 0 yes 7 no... where are Drone and Elliott?! We gotta have some actual debate instead of just agreement here
They are very busy at the moment. They have started basic training in preparation for the invasion of Iran...
yes, they absolutely are when you get to the federal level everything is corrupt, but on state and county levels, they are completely different
What, corruption isn't possible on a state and county level? This is news to me, can you elaborate on why the state and county level political happenings are exempt from corruption?
i never said they were exempt from being corrupt, but they are a lot closer to the people and citizens, then say higher branches of the government such as the fed or [insert any random govt] committee
yeah social things i guess.. like gay marriage, abortion etc. nation building, monetary policy, war on drugs, war on terror etc.. well not so much.
Question 2: Is there a concerted effort on the part of media and government officials to make people believe the parties differ fundamentally?