[KYA]

It would be naive to suggest that this [campaign buying] wasn't done before. Everybody knows it. It's built in as part of our government. We call it lobbying, everyone else calls it bribing. To a certain extent, lobbying doesn't really bother me, because those in positions of authority should act in an ethical manner. But, by and large, no one does thus our situation.

I would find it so refreshing to get a candidate that does what they say and takes full responsibility for their words and actions. Integrity. Where the hell has it gone?

[absynthe]

I agree with the fact that it was done before and even stated it in the original opening. But I think making it legal and considering an entity like a corporation a person is insane and opens up a bucket of worms. I think it sets it on a completely different scale.

Integrity and politics are like oil and water. I agree 100%. It's sad but none of em are honest and there will never be anyone elected that is. Not now especially.

[baavgai]

Business has always influenced politics. Previously, corporate sponsorship has to be on the down low. Laundered through things like special interest groups.

Now that money can be mainlined right into the machine. It means more influence, but it's hard to say how much more. Companies don't like to alienate half the country if they can help it.

Walmart, for instance, is excessively homophobic, among other things. They fund a number of polarizing groups. They don't necessarily advertise this, because they don't want to loose business. Public moving of funds is probably still less desirable than the usual clandestine funding. It just means they can't be crucified when they're caught at it.

[absynthe]

I just learned something awful about Walmart! That's horrible!

[MajorWalrus]

I agree with your, absynthe. This is a sad time to be alive and be an American.

The question everyone needs to ask themselves is "What am I going to do about it?"

[absynthe]

That's very true! But unlike 100 years ago no one will do anything! It sucks. I've started penning letters to my Representatives. I've actually gotten responded to each time (3 seperate letters to Boucher).

I recommend EVERYONE to do this. Use Word and write a nice looking business letter with your concerns to your state's representatives. Sign it by hand and send it. They may not listen but I do think they read them.

With enough people doing this I think it'll work.

[baavgai]

absynthe, on 22 Jan, 2010 - 01:18 PM, said:

I just learned something awful about Walmart! That's horrible!

Hmm... I went to find some examples, like this, but they haven't been that bad lately. I have a friend who worked at Walmart corporate, who's gay, who had nothing good to say about them and was full of all kinds of horror stories.

However, they didn't seem to be involved in prop 6. Also, I found a hate group trying to boycott them, which is always a bonus. They sent money to a gay community center!

It seems since Sam croaked, the kids have loosened up. They even now carry Brokeback Mountain DVDs, albeit with the "offensive" stuff black boxed out.

So... not as bad as they used to be. Sorry for my lack of research. Honestly, they used to be infamous.

[absynthe]

Oh no! I'd say you nailed it! Personally I dont shop there unless its a have to case. I do enjoy my local Target though!

[optix212]

Looks like "political machines" are making a comeback. Pretty much everything that Teddy Roosevelt fought for is being thrown out. I saw it coming from a mile away though, It's just hard to do anything about it when the whole governments policy is "Stand up against us, and we'll tax the shit out of you." Well, i say it's time for SOMETHING to be done. We're a website, i know, but we're a website of over 300,000 people, and that is enough to send at least the beginnings of a message to the government. Plus it is easier to stand up than ever. Of course our points won't be televised, but that doesn't matter, less and less people are watching television every day. Youtube your opinions. After this, i have decided that it is time for me to quit being a pussy. I'm not going to run away from my homeland. But i am going to try my best at standing up to these cowards, with or without support.

[modi123_1]

optix212, on 22 Jan, 2010 - 03:04 PM, said:

Looks like "political machines" are making a comeback. Pretty much everything that Teddy Roosevelt fought for is being thrown out. I saw it coming from a mile away though, It's just hard to do anything about it when the whole governments policy is "Stand up against us, and we'll tax the shit out of you." Well, i say it's time for SOMETHING to be done. We're a website, i know, but we're a website of over 300,000 people, and that is enough to send at least the beginnings of a message to the government. Plus it is easier to stand up than ever. Of course our points won't be televised, but that doesn't matter, less and less people are watching television every day. Youtube your opinions. After this, i have decided that it is time for me to quit being a pussy. I'm not going to run away from my homeland. But i am going to try my best at standing up to these cowards, with or without support.

Okay there little fighter... what's your solution to utilize these 300k people (assuming: they are all from the USA [which they all are not], care about politics, or even care about your issue)? What sort of fight against The Man do you advocate?

[MajorWalrus]

Quote

Okay there little fighter... what's your solution to utilize these 300k people (assuming: they are all from the USA [which they all are not], care about politics, or even care about your issue)? What sort of fight against The Man do you advocate?

There's no need to mock.

And to answer your question, we should all incorporate ourselves. Then, we all get two voices, and those who are not US citizens can play too.

[modi123_1]

MajorWalrus, on 22 Jan, 2010 - 03:28 PM, said:

Quote

Okay there little fighter... what's your solution to utilize these 300k people (assuming: they are all from the USA [which they all are not], care about politics, or even care about your issue)? What sort of fight against The Man do you advocate?

There's no need to mock.

And to answer your question, we should all incorporate ourselves. Then, we all get two voices, and those who are not US citizens can play too.

There was no mocking intent. It's great to get all riled up, but what to do with that excess energy is always the question.

I was going to toss in some White Lion lyrics to back up the 'Little Fighter' comment but got side tracked.

Minor edit.. here's the video link. Little Fighter

This post has been edited by modi123_1: 22 January 2010 - 08:34 PM

[absynthe]

Quote

I'm not going to run away from my homeland. But i am going to try my best at standing up to these cowards, with or without support.

I guess it could be said I would be running away. I only look at it this way though, it is going to be a VERY long time before this country is in any kind of shape to make the "American Dream" happen. It's hard enough for most just to afford to eat or pay the mortgage. Everyone is scared their job will be gone in moments. The dollar is the new peso. The "State of the Union" is very, very poor and there really isn't an end in sight.

Travel is SO easy now, you can be across "the pond" in 11 hours and for under $500.00. When I looked for jobs in my field I searched Dublin only, finding more than 150 jobs, lots in the salary range of 60 to 70 EUROS (at 60 thats around 85,000 US dollars).

Now if you guys can figure out a rallying cry and find enough people to stand up to our completely corrupt political system, that's effective and will somehow change the state of our country in the next couple years Im all for joining in the fun. But looking at the overall picture, people have moved to other countries (especially this one) for generations with the hope of finding a better, more secure life. I hate insecurity. I hate the thoughts of life being a struggle of skipping around bills (although I dont have to do that-who knows when). It would have been nice to have been born during the "prime" decades (whichever) of America, but we have not. Unfortunately we are starting to look like Rome.

But I love your energy!

This post has been edited by absynthe: 22 January 2010 - 03:01 PM

[optix212]

I am no genius. To figure out a way to stand up to these cowards, and simultaneously get the American people off of their couches would take at least 10 people and a few months, or either a miracle.

I am also a very political person, and have been my whole life. I didn't just jump up out and say that after reading that message without knowing the risks involved.

@Absynthe: By no means was i trying to discourage you. I know that times are very rough, and would never judge you for making that decision. Me, I am willing to devote my life to a cause like this.

This post has been edited by optix212: 22 January 2010 - 04:13 PM

[Sethro117]

Seriously, when Im old enough and still around. I plan on running for president. Granted my smaller politcal career takes off. So I'll let yall know, and I expect your votes