Quote:I believe in states rights to a certain degree, but history has shown that full sovereignty for states produces many bad things as well. There are certain things that the country should not allow to happen.

 

 

That's fine. Being an anti-socialist is just another point of view. However, I assume you won't vilify someone for wanting to incorporate some socialist-style programs. Like the military. We need to be open to different view points. There are many socialist-like programs in Europe that have increased the quality of life for people. No one can deny that. Yes, it has caused financial issues, but it's all new. You have to give time to work out the "kinks" so to speak. 

 

I just can't understand how people can be so against differing opinions in this country. That's what this place is all about...there was a time in this country where having communist or socialist views would land you in jail or . That's a point that is sorely understated in American history. 

I'm al about the 10th Amendment. If you don't like the way your state does something, move to Georgia, Alabama, etc. Europe can keep their Socialist policies, I prefer to like in "America" or what's left of it.

 

Quote:It'd oppose it in my state. If other state's decided to go for it so be it but whatever state I lived in I'd try and oppose it. For me making government as small as possible is ALWAYS my goal. I know tons of people disagree and that''s fine but I try and stay consistent I'm always looking to limit, restrict, and minimize government. 

Wow, the 10th Amendment at work... Massachusetts wants to legalize gay marriage, move there. Tennessee legalizes weed, go for it.  If it's not in the constitution, it's left to the states to decide. That's really all there is to it. The Departments of everything in DC are unconstitutional.

 

Quote:The idea that the 2 party system is creating problems we've never seen before is silly. These problems have always been present and modern politics is much more civil than the early politics of this country. The problem we have is that too many people are receiving their livelihood from the government and therefore have zero incentive to reduce the size and scope of the government; the incentive is actually the opposite. But, since they don't pay for it they don't care. Just keep my check coming while I keep making more benny babies and it will be all good.

I think it was Jefferson that said if we ever got to a two party system, America has died. (Clearly the rum and my recollection are not syncing)...lol

 

Quote:I think about this exact subject all the time. 


 

I wonder what it would take to change things.  How can we make it better somehow?  Is there any hope for the "sheep"?  Why do we pick the side we chose?  
  

I'm not sure it's possible with the current two parties playing for the same side.

 

Quote:First of all, love the avatar.  :thumbsup:

 

I wish I knew the answer as to how to really fix this problem.  I disagree with you that one side or the other more so sees everything as a black and white issue.  Both sides are equally to blame.

 

There are a few different types of people that vote for our politicians.

 

1. The staunch party people that will vote a straight Democrat or Republican ticket in every election, regardless of the candidate or the candidate's stance on issues.
   
2. The "un-educated" voters that get their news and information from television shows like "Saturday Night Live" or "The Daily Show".
   
3. The "populist" crowd who votes for a candidate based on popularity rather than qualifications.
   
4. The "what's in it for me" crowd that will vote for whatever candidate offers them "more stuff".
   
5. Finally, there are some people that actually follow the news and current events.  These people are usually identified as "moderates" since they don't really lean one way or the other.
   

One change that I would like to see is how the Senators get elected/appointed.  By design, the Senate is supposed to support State's Rights and should be selected by each State's Government.  Senate members were never supposed to be chosen by the people, they were supposed to be chosen by the State.  The popular vote of the people is supposed to be the House of Representatives.  That is why each State has an equal number of members in The Senate (2 for each State) and a number or Representatives in The House based on the State's population.  This would require the repeal of the 17th Amendment.

 

Another change that I would like to see has to do with tax laws.  The income tax is unfair and is possibly a big reason why we see so much divide.  As people are more successful and earn more, they are also penalized more.  I would be happy to see a flat tax, or better yet a fair tax implemented that makes it even across the board.  We are a nation of consumption at all economic levels.  The problem with doing something like this is it takes power away from politicians and gives it back to the people.

 

I'll post more thoughts later.

I'm all for repeal of the 17th....Let's get rid of the 16th while we are at it! They want the power, to control us. Use the 2nd to protect the rest...

---