Jimi Ray Clapton
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Posts: 1974
Reg: 09-03-07
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08-29-10 03:28 PM - Post#117543
An interesting read on how we have a corporatacracy instead of capitalism. Folks like Chico and myself have been hollering from the rooftops for *years* now. It's bad... and it's gonna get worse.
God help us if we lose the internet.
Why we are totally finished
Disclaimer: I do not *entirely* agree with the conclusions of the articles author.
My friend Chris had this to say - and I do entirely agree with him:
Try dealing with any insurance company, bank, or large corporate entity of any kind…Go ahead….call your insurance company about a problem….any insurance company about any problem….IF you can get someone on the phone you’ll quickly find that you have no rights, no recourse, and they dictate the terms and conditions of everything. Moreover, they can change those terms and conditions on a whim without ever having to properly notify you. ….What’s worse is the very place that’s supposed to represent our recourse and act as a voice for the people (Washington D.C.) is owned and operated by these same corporate entities…..So, we’re getting screwed coming and going, and there’s not a damn thing we can do about it….
The fact that Americans are actually considering voting people back into office who have publically stated they’re going to extend tax cuts to the upper 1% of wealthy corporate America—essentially giving tax breaks to billionaires with offshore accounts, crafty tax lawyers and accountants, and overseas manufacturing facilities—while burdening the small business owners and poor with the tax deficits just shows how glutton for punishment we are.
Hell, the republicans want to push the new retirement age up to 70 now too. So, what we have is a proposal to keep manufacturing overseas--continuing the massive trade deficit, keeping jobs off American soil, and creating the highest unemployment rates in American history. Those who are lucky enough to have jobs can’t even think about retiring until they’re 70 years old. Oh, and let’s not forget that the Social Security you’ve paid into all your life has been squandered on two wars that they decided to start. Now, they want to sell you on the revisionist notion that Social Security is akin to socialism and communism. Of course, it’s fine that they as public officials pull from it, get to retire on their pensions, and have the best healthcare our money can buy them, but you and I….well, we’re commoners and our lives and our quality of life isn’t as valuable as theirs because as ELECTED OFFICIALS they’re special.
Yep, we get what we vote for, and those politicians we vote for are the best corporate money can buy….We really are an electorate of morons.
| I reserve the right to change who I am, my opinions, my views and my actions based on new and more accurate information that I receive. |
Edited by Jimi Ray Clapton on 08-29-10 04:12 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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bsnelson
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Posts: 754
Loc: Allen, TX 75013
Reg: 10-14-05
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08-29-10 08:57 PM - Post#117563
In response to Jimi Ray Clapton
Sadly, I think this has all been covered before. It's a bad deal, for sure.
Watch the CNBC special "House of Cards" for more insight into the housing thing. It's... shocking, what went on during all of that.
Brad
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phantomcobra
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Posts: 1408
Loc: Between Canada and Mexico...
Reg: 06-18-02
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08-30-10 06:39 PM - Post#117663
In response to bsnelson
Unfortunately, you can say pretty much the same things about Democrats. They squander money and tramp on rights too. Until the entire U.S. decides to throw the bums out, we live with what we voted for. NOTE: I have not voted for an incumbent in over 20 years. There may be some good ones but until they get a backbone and LEAD, they are as bad as the rest.
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Jimi Ray Clapton
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Posts: 1974
Reg: 09-03-07
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08-30-10 07:08 PM - Post#117666
In response to phantomcobra
Unfortunately, you can say pretty much the same things about Democrats. They squander money and tramp on rights too. Until the entire U.S. decides to throw the bums out, we live with what we voted for.
Our system is broken. Badly. The leadership fraternity part of that system is a club where you play by the rules or you don't play... so voting any *real* change in doesn't look likely... Money driven big business and elite interest(s) reign supreme and I don't see that changing. A radical shift in how we see ourselves is in order. I think that a majority - consisting of left, middle, and right leaning folks not to mention those who pay little or no attention - are not even clear about the difference between what they think is best for *them* and the type of policies that serve the group as a whole. Folks, in majorities, go to the polls and vote in policy makers who do not even serve their best interest. It's insanity. And it's real.
| I reserve the right to change who I am, my opinions, my views and my actions based on new and more accurate information that I receive. |
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Maringa
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Posts: 331
Reg: 11-06-08
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08-31-10 08:49 AM - Post#117691
In response to Jimi Ray Clapton
I'm generally conservative, and do not have much to love about the current direction of our government. That being said, all forms of political mediation are out the window. The extremes of both parties have taken over. Republicans and Democrats are not allowed to reach over the aisle without a huge risk to their supporters. The Media does not help the situation either - they thrive on controversy and division. I'm sure that Internet Media also plays an important part in this.
I honestly don't believe that there can be any president that can be elected at this time from either party, that will have more than 40% support of the general population. RINO's and Blue Dog Democrats are considered outcasts and probably are most in danger of losing incumbancy. It feels like we are at a point of no return to civility. Disagreements between parties/ideologies are no longer expressed in terms of point by point reviews, but rather by whole sale shouts of racism, bigotry, slander, name calling, etc...(by both parties).
I think if you take away the fear of being singled out of your party for "giving in", I think a lot of sensible legislation can be passed. I also think if you get away from the influence of PAC's, corporate and banking interests, good legislation can be passed. I'm not sure how this would work, but it would require a change in constitution, legislative procedures. It would seem that a secret congressional committee (house and senate) could be created (away from the media, supporters, PAC's) to develop, create and approve sensible policy without fear of retribution. The names of the committee members would never be publically released, and new members would be rotated in every session (ratio determined by current congress make-up).
There are so many common sense legislative ideas that can be shared across the aisle:
1. Financial - Both parties agree on the state of the financial deficit..both parties would have to give in to taxation issues, budget cutting and expenditure allocations. They create new means of revenue generation that don't affect the economy drastically. Both parties fear giving into union, welfare, no tax increase, defense budget (defense contractor interests), etc.
2. Financial Reform - There is no way that both Dems and Repubs can agree that the current financial regulations are ethical...This is complicated and I'm not sure how both parties can come to an agreement on how to repair this...I just noticed no down payment mortgages being offered again...This is suicide...
3. Healthcare - Both parties need to overcome their pride and address this. No - it's not going away. It is desperately needed, but not in its current form. This could be a win-win for both parties if they do it right, and if they are willing to share the credit...Tort reform, under-insured, non-insurable (pre-existing conditions) are things that both parties can agree on easily. Start from there and work you way up.
4. Social Security Reform - Clean up house and rid the rampant corruption going on. Congress, quit raiding the fund. This not a Republican or Democrat issue. We can agree that privatizing is not the righ direction, but individuals should have the option or right to put their SS funds into some Government insured funds so each individual can see exactly what they have in their fund, without fear of government raiding...
5. Moral issues - Abortion, Marriage. I'm a Christian and reserve my right to have my opinion of those issues...but I agree the government is the wrong place for imposing our beliefs on others. If people want others to live a moral, spiritual life based on their own moral, religious standards, you have give them a good reason, example for them to do so. I don't believe for a moment that Democrat/liberals are chomping at the bit to purposely kill/abort babies. I also don't believe that we as Christians are willing to adopt babies and care for the non-aborted children - we may say so, but there are orphanages full of children. Combination of education, abstinence and prevention is the correct approach that both parties can agree to. Marriage - my personal belief is that it is between a man and woman, but that has been argued heavily here. I can agree that legally, something can easily be agreed to that would address both views to satisfaction without each giving into their base.
There are many other issues than can be addressed in a bipartisan way, but we need to create/foster an environment that would allow this happen. I'm not very hopefull right now - it will take a wholesale change in our culture which lives on immediate satisfaction and one-upmanship.
Sorry for the rant...
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MissingChico
enthusiast
Posts: 2228
Reg: 02-13-06
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08-31-10 09:13 AM - Post#117692
In response to Maringa
Where have you been the last three years? That was amazingly well though out, rational and I agreed with nearly everything you said. I'm a huge supporter of a single payer, not-for-profit health care system, but you hit the nail on the head. I believe corporate money needs to be absolutely removed from out political process. Publicly funded elections and term limits would correct a multitude of ills we now live with. Your point of leading by example as a Christian and not necessarily legislating morality is a fantastic point. If you do not feel an abortion is for you, don't do it. Gay marriage, we may disagree slightly there, however your point was so reasonable, I can't imagine level heads such as yours not being able to reason with both sides.
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Jimi Ray Clapton
enthusiast
Posts: 1974
Reg: 09-03-07
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08-31-10 09:40 AM - Post#117694
In response to Maringa
 
| I reserve the right to change who I am, my opinions, my views and my actions based on new and more accurate information that I receive. |
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bsnelson
enthusiast
Posts: 754
Loc: Allen, TX 75013
Reg: 10-14-05
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08-31-10 10:00 AM - Post#117695
In response to Jimi Ray Clapton
Wow, Maringa, welcome to the debate club! Great post!
To expand on what others have said regarding our legislators, honestly, a big part of the problem is that they're only ever in one of two modes (particularly the President): (1) Re-election push, or (2) Lame duck. The first, you pander to any and everything you can to get re-elected, the second means others don't want to work with you because you're outta there anyway. I almost wonder if Mexico doesn't have it right here (their president serves a single six year term, period).
I also agree that something has to happen vis a vis lobbying and special interests, but how is THAT ever going to happen? Lobbyists mean money, parties, junkets and overall "good times" for legislators, they're not going to vote to take those "perks" away.
Brad
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Maringa
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Posts: 331
Reg: 11-06-08
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08-31-10 12:04 PM - Post#117701
In response to bsnelson
Wow, Maringa, welcome to the debate club! Great post!
To expand on what others have said regarding our legislators, honestly, a big part of the problem is that they're only ever in one of two modes (particularly the President): (1) Re-election push, or (2) Lame duck. The first, you pander to any and everything you can to get re-elected, the second means others don't want to work with you because you're outta there anyway. I almost wonder if Mexico doesn't have it right here (their president serves a single six year term, period).
I also agree that something has to happen vis a vis lobbying and special interests, but how is THAT ever going to happen? Lobbyists mean money, parties, junkets and overall "good times" for legislators, they're not going to vote to take those "perks" away.
Brad
Good points - I think many countries adopt a one term president with six years being the common denominator. I think it has worked well in many cases. I wish it would apply to the senate and congress (three to four terms for a house member and two terms for senator???). One downside is that it's possible that a politician could be more corruptable (under term limits) knowing that he/she is got to get what they can before their term is over since they can't fear losing an election.
As far as giving third party a better chance...Do what most other countries do...do runoffs after primaries. During primary election, the electorate selects top two candidates for final election runoff (they could even be from the same party). A third, fourth or fifth placed candidate can't run in the finals and can't act as a spoiler. If you're not in the top two, you can't become an independent to run in final elections. In essence, this helps a third party because voters would not fear that selecting a third party candidate is vote for the "other" party. Our country needs a variety of parties to become successful - we need alternatives (whether conservative, liberal, libertarian, etc.) to the current monopoly out there.
Also, primaries from all states should be done on the same day. I think this has kept some of the best candidates from each party winning. This thing of taking an political eternity and $$$$$million$$$$$ wasted, should be done away with! Allow the candidates to campaign for three months (with their own money and without restrictions from where it comes from), beginning in May of the Election year, then perform the primary election. The top two candidates move on and campaign for three more months until the finals. During the final three months, the top two candidates are only allowed to use Government funding (equally split) to campaign. All forms of political donations/spending is cut off/illegal from that time.
Again something like this or a variation would require those who currently make the laws risk their livelyhood. It would be very difficult to instute sensible election reform.
One final humourous tidbit...make the congress payrate increase be inversely proportional to the rate increase/decrease of the annual deficit. If the deficit goes up 5% vs. the previous year, their pay decreases by 5%...I think you would finally see some action there...
Edited by Maringa on 08-31-10 12:08 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Al C
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Posts: 5538
Loc: McKinney/Allen, TX
Reg: 02-16-01
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08-31-10 01:01 PM - Post#117704
In response to Maringa
If the deficit goes up 5% vs. the previous year, their pay decreases by 5%...I think you would finally see some action there...
I like the way you think. 
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