Agree or disagree?

If you agree, what do you think that says about democracy and the possibility of a democratic system maintaining a good government?

Oh, definitely agree. We've had the most widely covered and scrutinized election in American history this year, and yet there are still multitudes of people that don't have the first clue about either candidate's positions on issues - much less either candidate's biography.

It's a depressing thought, but one must take it on faith that there is a critical mass of thoughtful, educated individuals that can swing an election one way or the other.

Even within government, though, a blind eye is often turned toward history or consequence - people are so focused on the present that they lose sight not only of history, but also of the future.

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What is the point of these types of discussions on a trance chill out forum? I'm sure you will get some interesting responses, but pretty soon it will sway of course and people will start posting modified pictures of say Tiesto.

I think if you really want a lively debate and want to challenge yourself you should head on over to some of the graduate political science/philosophy/history departments at your local Uni of Texas school or better yet Rice? You should pose some of these questions to the PhD or Masters candidates.

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Originally posted by Utencil I think if you really want a lively debate and want to challenge yourself you should head on over to some of the graduate political science/philosophy/history departments at your local Uni of Texas school or better yet Rice? You should pose some of these questions to the PhD or Masters candidates.

I talk about these kinds of things with people at my own college. I use board discussions as supplements to my in-person ones.

it's painful that politics is only a popularity contest.

it's also painful that people are encouraged to "get out and vote" rather than "study the issues and vote or don't bother", imo

i'll guarantee that only 1% of the voters have actually read the real text in the propositions. the rest glance at the two line "summary".

When you say "people", do you mean Americans?

It's not the same everywhere in the world you know, even here I find people in general seem to understand party platforms pretty damn well before making their decision.

Many of the voters here are lifelong party members and know the candidates like the back of their hand.

right, i do.

what are the voter turnouts in quebec? (for the real - non french language issues, lol)

in the US it's generally quite low.

Agree. Especially for Americans as someone who lives here despite the Union Jack in my profile.

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Originally posted by Brizzo "It's all gone Pete Tong" is actually a phrase in Europe, England I believe. Pretty sure that's where Pete Tong got his DJ name from as well.

The infamous Rojam ID. 14 years, 9 months and counting...

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Originally posted by Alex It's not the same everywhere in the world you know, even here I find people in general seem to understand party platforms pretty damn well before making their decision.

Then again, the news here covers it more. They mainly talk about policies and such, wheras US news coverage feels more like watching entertainement tonight, where they'll dig up the most insignificant piece of gossip and make a contraversy out of it. I think it has a lot to do with how people choose/view their leaders. Over here people tend to view the PM as somekind of large buisness CEO, and we vote in consideration. He's not particularly sacred. In the US, the president is seen as somekind of heroic, symbolic, almost non-human cultural figure.

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When bread becomes toast, it can never go back to being bread again.

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Originally posted by Project-K Then again, the news here covers it more. They mainly talk about policies and such, wheras US news coverage feels more like watching entertainement tonight, where they'll dig up the most insignificant piece of gossip and make a contraversy out of it. I think it has a lot to do with how people choose/view their leaders. Over here people tend to view the PM as somekind of large buisness CEO, and we vote in consideration. He's not particularly sacred. In the US, the president is seen as somekind of heroic, symbolic, almost non-human cultural figure.

Truth.

quote:

Originally posted by Utencil I think if you really want a lively debate and want to challenge yourself you should head on over to some of the graduate political science/philosophy/history departments at your local Uni of Texas school or better yet Rice? You should pose some of these questions to the PhD or Masters candidates.

What's wrong with Masters candidates in Virginia?

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I may be living in _ starting next fall.

Last edited by MrJiveBoJingles on Jun-20-2009 at 10:01