Democrats versus Republicans

[chucklesR]

SD, the problem with a 'Freehold' type government is the basic fact that it requires knowledgeable, reasonably intelligent volunteers.

We don't have any.

[PBzeer]

Found this on the web. Some may already be familiar with it, but thought I'd post it anyway.

NEW ELEMENT DISCOVERED!

Recent hurricanes and gasoline issues are proof of the existence of a new chemical element. Research has led to the discovery of the heaviest element yet known to science. The new element, Governmentium (Gv), has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.

These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons. Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert; however, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact.

A minute amount of Governmentium can cause a reaction that would normally take less than a second to anytime from four days to four years to complete. Governmentium has a normal half-life of two-six years; It does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places.

In fact, Governmentium's mass will actually increase over time, since each “reorganization” will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes. This characteristic of moron promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a critical concentration.

This hypothetical quantity is referred to as critical morass. When catalyzed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium, an element that radiates just as much energy as Governmentium, since it has half as many peons but twice as many morons.

[sailaway21]

Hehehehe! A good one.

[cardiacpaul]

"don't tell me words don't matter"
YouTube - Words

"What must we believe"
YouTube - 624787 - TV Ad

Energy
YouTube - John McCain Web Ad: Energy Security

[PBzeer]

Unfortunately, to many, words don't matter, nor do actions. All that matters is whether there is a D or a R after the name. (And that's for both sides)

[wind_magic]

Originally Posted by PBzeer

Unfortunately, to many, words don't matter, nor do actions. All that matters is whether there is a D or a R after the name. (And that's for both sides)

Which is exactly how they like to keep us ... divided exactly in half. Because if we all got together we might start making common sense decisions that would affect them being in office, or we might make them act with fiscal responsibility, etc, and they wouldn't want that to happen!!

[RAGNAR]

Originally Posted by wind_magic

Which is exactly how they like to keep us ... divided exactly in half. Because if we all got together we might start making common sense decisions that would affect them being in office, or we might make them act with fiscal responsibility, etc, and they wouldn't want that to happen!!

Take the life and death power DC has over every aspect of our lives, and not only would we have better people in office -- what worthwhile human being wants power over others? -- but it wouldn't matter who was there.

[sailaway21]

Here's an ad running that I thought effective.
YouTube - Balance

Though I was surprised to see the gas tax suspension idea within it. A better move would have been a ballsy suggestion to eliminate the federal gas tax and return the issue to the states, where it belongs.

[sailaway21]

Originally Posted by wind_magic

Which is exactly how they like to keep us ... divided exactly in half. Because if we all got together we might start making common sense decisions that would affect them being in office, or we might make them act with fiscal responsibility, etc, and they wouldn't want that to happen!!

I think the above post has the typical cart before the horse view of the two party system. There are substantial differnces between the two parties. but those differences are not immutable. Contrary to the notion of bipartisanship, of which we've got too much of already, the individual, and state and local parties must be active and keep each party devoted to it's ideals. The current bipartisanship merely leads to the single common denominator; increased spending on constituent issues. I'll spend on your's if you spend on mine. At the end of the day it becomes difficult to tell the donkeys from the elephants.

Neither the commited Republican nor the commited Democrat voter is what determines election outcomes. It's that vast morass of independant, uncommitted, and often oblivious voters who will determine the next election, and the one after that, the one after that, the......

The first and easiest answer is to advance and support candidates with an agenda and principles that will not be compromised in Washington. Easier said than done. The second is to support even minor local candidates who have the proper philosophy; they're the next state or national candidate and without support initially may go back out of politics. If you're a biannual politico, or a quadrennial one, you're effectively removing yourself from the process. One of the things that often goes overlooked is support for your incumbent candidate, assuming you like and respect him. Even though he may be in a "safe" seat contributions to him or her allow them to support other like-minded candidates. Another factor in this is the symbolism and power of your congressman's war chest. A large war chest indicates the support of thousands of constituents and solidifies the notion of strong voter support of that office holder. And that's the way to promotion and power in DC. That strong congressman is then able to support and carry along other's like him. That's how you start a coalition of candidates of ideals you espouse. Money is your easiest and most effective way to have your voice heard and it's the basis of your First Amendment rights which protect your right to political speech. If you don't use it-you lose it!

The two partys, like democracy itself, are slow to change. That's a blessing and a curse. But they do change based upon their core constituents. When their cores are upset contributions dry up and the party leadership is either overthrown or decides that a change of course is needed. Your power to either contribute or withhold is perhaps even more important than your vote. Anyone can vote, how many contribute so that the proper candidate can even get to the point where you have a chance to vote for him or her.

It is not enough to simply withhold your contributions to the candidates or the party when you are upset with them, you must communicate why you are withholding. Yeah, you've got to write a letter and tell them exactly what you're upset about. The squeeky wheel does indeed get the grease. Failure to do so means that the candidate is going to rely more on some more fallible poll to determine which direction he tacks. You can be mad as hell and vow not to take it any more but, if you don't put pen to paper, pick up the phone (least effective), or e-mail the offender/party you'll not be heard. Of course you'll make it known that your financial support is contingent on the candidate's support of your issues. And that's why we are to blame for the state we're in.

[beej67]

America has turned every issue into Either Or instead of Both or Compromise. This is done, by and large, because of the 2 party system, but also because it makes for better Newstainment.