Why are most Americans "Asleep"?

[GTaudiophile]

I mean, even as a Republican, I am pissed at GW for going after Google for search records. I mean, he can look at mine all day, but it's the principle of it all.

Why are Americans not upset that their public (college-prep) education system sucks? Why don't parents care what their kids are learning? Why do they put up with such debt? Why don't they more closely examine alternatives to the tax code like the Fair Tax? Why not create jobs by a national recycling system? Or improving public transportation? Why?

Why don't Americans get angry? And by angry, I mean a 25 million-man march on Washington DC! Something like the Boston Tea Party! Why not confront government?

I think Newt Gingrich says it right when he says that Real Change Requires Real Change but real change is the last thing the fat, lazy bastards in Congress/K Street/Pennsylvania Ave. want. They want the status quo for their own greedy sake!

I'm angry! Meanwhile 50% of America doesn't vote and 75% of America doesn't give a damn about anything.

 

[Red Dawn]

Maybe they are glad that asshole in Office now hasn't messed up more than he already has. You know there hasn't been much expectations from the Dub and thankfully he's lived up to that.

 

[azazyel]

Join the club. Not only that but our Congress almost purposely avoids any issue that actually matters. Instead of pushing through legislation they just sitting around and point fingers at each other. I am of the firm belief that any hard working man (or women) can do a better job than almost anyone in congress. And I think that the sign of a good representative is someone who does not want the job. Like from Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy, those who strive for power should be never allowed to have it.

I am starting a new party, it's called the PWHPP, the People who hate Politians party.

I'm not sure how feasible it is but I would love to see the US manufacture Pebble Bed Reactors and start selling them to other countries.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: azazyel
Join the club. Not only that but our Congress almost purposely avoids any issue that actually matters. Instead of pushing through legislation they just sitting around and point fingers at each other. I am of the firm belief that any hard working man (or women) can do a better job than almost anyone in congress. And I think that the sign of a good representative is someone who does not want the job. Like from Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy, those who strive for power should be never allowed to have it.

I am starting a new party, it's called the PWHPP, the People who hate Politians party.

I'm not sure how feasible it is but I would love to see the US manufacture Pebble Bed Reactors and start selling them to other countries.

Sign me up!

 

[Genx87]

Because we are apathetic and feel the system is broken and even if we voice our concerns nothing gets done anyways. Something that I think is mostly true. Do you think if you called your rep today and told him the above anything would change? Think he would even remember who you are tomorrow? Think he would care to begin with?

I laugh at Presidential elections because people really think having their guy in there will suddenly make the govt run their way. Senate elections have become nothing more than who can bring the most money to the table with the biggest promises. I mean do you think Ted Kennedy really represents the values of avg person in UMASS? God I hope to god not. But I bet he gets re-elected on his name and the idea that he has been there since 1776 that he must have some sway to get legislation that will steal the most money from the federal govt for the state.

Shat is anybody even contesting Clintons spot in NY? Which is a funny story to begin with. A person shops a state for a seat in the senate and the people elect her on a name alone.

The system needs to be changed but it will never happen because we as citizens are too apathetic and the people making the laws have the scam down pat.

 

[Strk]

Someone was contesting Clinton's seat, but after a five minute or so search for her speech, she decided not to run

 

[azazyel]

My other idea, again may not be feasible, legalize marijuana. Doing so we save about 6 billion a year on enforcement and earn 7 billion a year in taxes. Not only that we could actually start growing industrial hemp here. I hate the fact that if you buy any hemp products you have to import the fabric.

 

[CSMR]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
I mean, even as a Republican, I am pissed at GW for going after Google for search records. I mean, he can look at mine all day, but it's the principle of it all.

What is the principle?

Why are Americans not upset that their public (college-prep) education system sucks? Why don't parents care what their kids are learning?

Lots of problems here that's true. I think that the Republicans should have used their power to make some radical changes here, in the direction of a freer and more decentralized system.

Why do they put up with such debt?

Perhaps because debt is a difficult issue which only a handful of economists understand, and even then not very well!

Why don't they more closely examine alternatives to the tax code like the Fair Tax?

A few people like the idea of such a tax. There are political reasons against a flat tax (unfriendly to the median voter). (People say that flat taxes hurt the poor when really they hurt those in the middle and benefit the poor and rich as compared with progressive taxes.) It does have the advantage of simplicity.

Why not create jobs by a national recycling system?
Or improving public transportation? Why?

Of course there are costs as well as benefits and it's hard to quantify what those are. I am sure there are studies done particularly on public transportation that you could look at if they are in the public domain.

I'm angry! Meanwhile 50% of America doesn't vote and 75% of America doesn't give a damn about anything.

I don't like it when people who don't vote are looked down on. Perhaps they don't know who best to vote for. Better not to vote than get it wrong.

 

[CycloWizard]

I think it's because, despite all our problems, the life of the average American is still pretty good. Nothing is bad enough to really get peoples' attention. Sure, high gas prices means Joe can't take his kids to the ball game next weekend, but it's not really affecting his lifestyle at this point. Until peoples' lives are really adversely affected, taking strong actions like you suggest is just too much work.

That said, I agree with most of what you said in your post. However, until things really deteriorate more seriously, nothing will be done.

 

[Strk]

Originally posted by: azazyel
My other idea, again may not be feasible, legalize marijuana. Doing so we save about 6 billion a year on enforcement and earn 7 billion a year in taxes. Not only that we could actually start growing industrial hemp here. I hate the fact that if you buy any hemp products you have to import the fabric.

I take it you pulled those numbers out of a dark and smelly place?

 

[GTaudiophile]

Lots of problems here that's true. I think that the Republicans should have used their power to make some radical changes here, in the direction of a freer and more decentralized system.

Congress has become nothing but a dishonorable finger pointing contest with the Republicans literally asleep at the wheel...proving that small government was never their goal.

 

[Genx87]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile

Lots of problems here that's true. I think that the Republicans should have used their power to make some radical changes here, in the direction of a freer and more decentralized system.

Congress has become nothing but a dishonorable finger pointing contest with the Republicans literally asleep at the wheel...proving that small government was never their goal.

Well it takes two to tango, the Democrats after their latest defeat have decided to do nothing but oppose anything republican. I bet the republicans could try to repass the new deal and they would oppose it.

 

[judasmachine]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
I mean, even as a Republican, I am pissed at GW for going after Google for search records. I mean, he can look at mine all day, but it's the principle of it all.

Why are Americans not upset that their public (college-prep) education system sucks? Why don't parents care what their kids are learning? Why do they put up with such debt? Why don't they more closely examine alternatives to the tax code like the Fair Tax? Why not create jobs by a national recycling system? Or improving public transportation? Why?

Why don't Americans get angry? And by angry, I mean a 25 million-man march on Washington DC! Something like the Boston Tea Party! Why not confront government?

I think Newt Gingrich says it right when he says that Real Change Requires Real Change but real change is the last thing the fat, lazy bastards in Congress/K Street/Pennsylvania Ave. want. They want the status quo for their own greedy sake!

I'm angry! Meanwhile 50% of America doesn't vote and 75% of America doesn't give a damn about anything.

People don't care, as sad as it is, people just don't care. Not us P&Ners of course, but your ordinary average everyday person. As long as they can still go to Wally World and get most anything, go home, eat, and drink, they don't care. I really wish I knew why.

Even as a liberal I'd march shoulder to shoulder with you on many issues. They simply control too much and squander even more.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: Genx87

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile

Lots of problems here that's true. I think that the Republicans should have used their power to make some radical changes here, in the direction of a freer and more decentralized system.

Congress has become nothing but a dishonorable finger pointing contest with the Republicans literally asleep at the wheel...proving that small government was never their goal.

Well it takes two to tango, the Democrats after their latest defeat have decided to do nothing but oppose anything republican. I bet the republicans could try to repass the new deal and they would oppose it.

True. At least Republicans say they have a strategy! Dems only strategy is to make sure Republicans do nothing remotely successful as to increase their chances of winning the next election.

 

[Pabster]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn
Maybe they are glad that asshole in Office now hasn't messed up more than he already has. You know there hasn't been much expectations from the Dub and thankfully he's lived up to that.

...And then there is the small percentage of bitter liberals who can't articulate a single thought without launching a diatribe against Bush. You're a shining example.

 

[Drakkon]

So long as i can drive my v8 truck to work, earn a decent wage, and am not seeing my friends dragged off why should i care? that is the attitude of most (not all) americans. i think people are just too lethargic to care that much anymore. I mean we dont have martial law anywhere here really, you can live your life as you please, theres a few decisions that they make up there but in reality maybe 1-2% of americans even take notice. Only if its shown on the nightly news for 3 nights in a row would it really matter, and even then its doubtful people would pick up and actually do soemthing rather than sit at their tv and say "well that sucks".

I write letters to my congressman, never get a responce. I once attended a rally only to get pushed back by security and only the VIP's got to actually be "invovled". Even if i was one to go out and protest seems like i'd get arrested. So why even try when i can just sit at home/work, collect my paycheck, and live a relatively free existance.

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: Pabster

Originally posted by: Red Dawn
Maybe they are glad that asshole in Office now hasn't messed up more than he already has. You know there hasn't been much expectations from the Dub and thankfully he's lived up to that.

...And then there is the small percentage of bitter liberals who can't articulate a single thought without launching a diatribe against Bush. You're a shining example.

Because I think the Dub sucks I'm a Liberal? I thought Carter sucked too so I guess back then I was a Conservative.:roll:

 

[azazyel]

Originally posted by: Strk

Originally posted by: azazyel
My other idea, again may not be feasible, legalize marijuana. Doing so we save about 6 billion a year on enforcement and earn 7 billion a year in taxes. Not only that we could actually start growing industrial hemp here. I hate the fact that if you buy any hemp products you have to import the fabric.

I take it you pulled those numbers out of a dark and smelly place?

Well I did swap the figures but here is another example of our congress ignoring people who know.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - A founding father of the Reagan Revolution has put his John Hancock on a pro-pot report

Milton Friedman leads a list of more than 500 economists from around the U.S. who today will publicly endorse a Harvard University economist's report on the costs of marijuana prohibition and the potential revenue gains from the U.S. government instead legalizing it and taxing its sale. Ending prohibition enforcement would save $7.7 billion in combined state and federal spending, the report says, while taxation would yield up to $6.2 billion a year.

http://www.forbes.com/services/2005/06/02/cz_qh_0602pot.html

 

[Remy XO]

It's the American way to be lazy

 

[umbrella39]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
I mean, even as a Republican, I am pissed at GW for going after Google for search records. I mean, he can look at mine all day, but it's the principle of it all.

Why are Americans not upset that their public (college-prep) education system sucks? Why don't parents care what their kids are learning? Why do they put up with such debt? Why don't they more closely examine alternatives to the tax code like the Fair Tax? Why not create jobs by a national recycling system? Or improving public transportation? Why?

Why don't Americans get angry? And by angry, I mean a 25 million-man march on Washington DC! Something like the Boston Tea Party! Why not confront government?

I think Newt Gingrich says it right when he says that Real Change Requires Real Change but real change is the last thing the fat, lazy bastards in Congress/K Street/Pennsylvania Ave. want. They want the status quo for their own greedy sake!

I'm angry! Meanwhile 50% of America doesn't vote and 75% of America doesn't give a damn about anything.

The day will come when those of us who post here and ALL Americans for that matter will realize that WE, for the most part, are of no concern to the politicians. Dems, Republicans, Independents. It doesn't matter. They love when we are busy fighting amongst ourselves. It detracts the attention away from them. Such is life. You are right though, apathy abounds.

 

[jman19]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: Pabster

Originally posted by: Red Dawn
Maybe they are glad that asshole in Office now hasn't messed up more than he already has. You know there hasn't been much expectations from the Dub and thankfully he's lived up to that.

...And then there is the small percentage of bitter liberals who can't articulate a single thought without launching a diatribe against Bush. You're a shining example.

Because I think the Dub sucks I'm a Liberal? I thought Carter sucked too so I guess back then I was a Conservative.:roll:

You know better than to feed the troll known as Pabster. He's one of those "if you're not with me" guys.

 

[1prophet]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
I mean, even as a Republican, I am pissed at GW for going after Google for search records. I mean, he can look at mine all day, but it's the principle of it all.

Why are Americans not upset that their public (college-prep) education system sucks? Why don't parents care what their kids are learning? Why do they put up with such debt? Why don't they more closely examine alternatives to the tax code like the Fair Tax? Why not create jobs by a national recycling system? Or improving public transportation? Why?

Why don't Americans get angry? And by angry, I mean a 25 million-man march on Washington DC! Something like the Boston Tea Party! Why not confront government?

I think Newt Gingrich says it right when he says that Real Change Requires Real Change but real change is the last thing the fat, lazy bastards in Congress/K Street/Pennsylvania Ave. want. They want the status quo for their own greedy sake!

I'm angry! Meanwhile 50% of America doesn't vote and 75% of America doesn't give a damn about anything.

The type of people you are looking for will immediately be labled as zealots, terrorists, anarchists, troublemakers, fundamentalist, etc., which in todays society is politically incorrect.

 

[mAdD INDIAN]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
I mean, even as a Republican, I am pissed at GW for going after Google for search records. I mean, he can look at mine all day, but it's the principle of it all.

Why are Americans not upset that their public (college-prep) education system sucks? Why don't parents care what their kids are learning? Why do they put up with such debt? Why don't they more closely examine alternatives to the tax code like the Fair Tax? Why not create jobs by a national recycling system? Or improving public transportation? Why?

Why don't Americans get angry? And by angry, I mean a 25 million-man march on Washington DC! Something like the Boston Tea Party! Why not confront government?

I think Newt Gingrich says it right when he says that Real Change Requires Real Change but real change is the last thing the fat, lazy bastards in Congress/K Street/Pennsylvania Ave. want. They want the status quo for their own greedy sake!

I'm angry! Meanwhile 50% of America doesn't vote and 75% of America doesn't give a damn about anything.

Many people have been saying that for a long time. Now that we have said, how do we go about fixing it?

What do we have to do to make people realize what is happening around them and make them think for themselves instead of accepting what they are told?

What incentives can we offer people to start taking responsibility of the quality of their soceity and its future? It is sad that we have to offer an incentive, as that the act of taking responsilbity should come from within, but we live in a place where people only care about how they benefit from it.

 

[Dissipate]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
I mean, even as a Republican, I am pissed at GW for going after Google for search records. I mean, he can look at mine all day, but it's the principle of it all.

Why are Americans not upset that their public (college-prep) education system sucks? Why don't parents care what their kids are learning? Why do they put up with such debt? Why don't they more closely examine alternatives to the tax code like the Fair Tax? Why not create jobs by a national recycling system? Or improving public transportation? Why?

Why don't Americans get angry? And by angry, I mean a 25 million-man march on Washington DC! Something like the Boston Tea Party! Why not confront government?

I think Newt Gingrich says it right when he says that Real Change Requires Real Change but real change is the last thing the fat, lazy bastards in Congress/K Street/Pennsylvania Ave. want. They want the status quo for their own greedy sake!

I'm angry! Meanwhile 50% of America doesn't vote and 75% of America doesn't give a damn about anything.

It is called rational ignorance.

 

[Dissipate]

Originally posted by: azazyel

Originally posted by: Strk

Originally posted by: azazyel
My other idea, again may not be feasible, legalize marijuana. Doing so we save about 6 billion a year on enforcement and earn 7 billion a year in taxes. Not only that we could actually start growing industrial hemp here. I hate the fact that if you buy any hemp products you have to import the fabric.

I take it you pulled those numbers out of a dark and smelly place?

Well I did swap the figures but here is another example of our congress ignoring people who know.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - A founding father of the Reagan Revolution has put his John Hancock on a pro-pot report

Milton Friedman leads a list of more than 500 economists from around the U.S. who today will publicly endorse a Harvard University economist's report on the costs of marijuana prohibition and the potential revenue gains from the U.S. government instead legalizing it and taxing its sale. Ending prohibition enforcement would save $7.7 billion in combined state and federal spending, the report says, while taxation would yield up to $6.2 billion a year.

http://www.forbes.com/services/2005/06/02/cz_qh_0602pot.html

There is evidence that suggests that the government is covertly dealing drugs already. Didn't catch that on CNN did you?