Political Debate – about 90 minutes
Finally Obama takes the fight to the enemy. It’s amazing how easily Obama deflated the GOP spin machine. But it was also impressive to see such a great Intellect at work.
Could Sarah Palin do the same?
But I wonder if normal Americans even noticed the event or watched it?
And one more thing: it shows that Presidents or Prime Ministers SHOULD DEBATE in Parliament and explain their policies to the opposition. That is real political discourse.
There was a big public outrage when the British BNP won two seats in the European Parliament in the last election.
The "good" British Public tried to ignore the "problem", but yesterday the BBC had invited the Parties Leader Nick Griffin on Question Time.
Question Time is a big institution in Britain – it’s a long running public forum, where voters and officials can debate and discuss issues.
Many people were angry at the BBC, because they think the Beep gives the BNP a big stage to spew it’s poison.
Obviously this edition of Question Time turned out to be a one sided bashing affair – Nick Griffin had to take a lot of criticism, mostly he had to eat his own words …
It is easy to "beat up" that right wing nutter and his whites-only-party.
But the sad reality is that Britain had racial tensions brewing for a long time. The recent population explosion (the biggest in the UK’s history) is mostly down to mostly "brown" immigrants having way more babies than Brits.
There also another factor: since most European societies are also aging rapidly it is becoming more conservative and protective. Suddenly grey Europeans see only "brown" people having babies – and it’s true: the Muslims / Immigrants birth rate is much higher than the "native" European one.
First of all this is a statistic reality. In same city areas there are more brown, than white people. Especially in harsh economic times this aggravates many people. This kind of Xenophobia is pretty normal and happens not just in Britain. Plus the old argument of "why do we allow immigration, when we have such a huge unemployment rate" always adds fuel to the fire.
Britain – as well as the rest of Europe – hasn’t really faced the reality of a strong and fast growing Muslim part of the population.
Especially Britain has allowed many extreme Muslim activist as well as radical preachers / Imans (often financed by Saudi Arabia) into the country. Often angry Muslims demonstrated violently against British politics. Plus many Muslims call for the introduction of Sharia Law in Britain. The terrorist attacks on London didn’t help either …
There is a Anti-Secular, Anti-Democracy and intolerant movement inside the British Muslim community, which can’t be ignored either. The racism is not strictly a white affair and some Muslims really do believe in conquering Europe via their wombs.
So this shift in population and basically reintroduction of strong influences of religion into public life and politics. Many people react negative to these new influences, the reactions range from frustration to outright anger. "So many people feel shutout in their own country." (Quote from Nick Griffin)
Britain’s immigration politics has been a failure in many areas. It has allowed more immigrants than the British Public actually could stomach.
So the BNP simply reflects the fringe racists as well as people who are simply angry about the failed immigration policy. So some of their anger and concern are legit.
As much as many leftist often turn a blind eye to religious fundamentalism and Muslim racism – the right also sticks to their ignorant doctrines as well.
Like I said before: Europe has not really faced it’s identity crises in face of a new religious pressure (which happens to be Islam). Based on the tragic events of racism and genocide during WWII plus the guilt from Colonialism has created a fake openness to other cultures.
It is not just Britain, but almost all European countries haven’t succeeded in integrating immigrants. The beloved idea of a multiethnic society proves harder to form than idealists hoped it would be. But also European politicians and citizens have forgotten to foster and evolve their own culture and historic values. So it’s no surprise that many people feel left alone and even abandoned in face of a new, strong and often aggressive "foreign" culture.
As a final part of the story one has to mention to new lower class and poverty in Europe that adds to that problem. The economic development in the last twenty years – thanks to the Free Market ideas Margaret Thatcher and constant pandering to big business – has eroded the middle class Europe. Poverty is on the rise and a new lower class has been created when the working class disappeared – thanks to the shift of factories to the east and Asia.
Underprivileged people in poverty are rarely tolerant or willing to share. And their anger of being left behind finds an easy target in foreigners, especially when they have to share public purse for social support with big waves of immigrants – as it happened in Britain in recent years.
So booing Nick Griffin on Question Time is so politically correct, but doesn’t solve the problem of racism nor the real concerns of immigration and poverty.
Oh, it’s meeeeee …
The last German General Election was a bore. Both candidates were as exciting as a medical bill. All parties avoided talking about the serious issues still waiting to be solved. Since the great Fatty (Helmut Kohl) left politics Germany had "Reform Stau" – Health Care, Taxes, Social Services and very important Education need a serious overhaul.
But all recent Governments dragged their feet and made small changes, but nothing that really worked.
Modern Germany has always been a consensus driven society. Our "Soziale Marktwirtschaft" was created as a working compromise between Capitalism and Socialism. This worked pretty well. Germany is one of the World’s leading Industrial Nations, although it’s a small country without serious resources …
Let’s smash some shop windows – that will change the world!
During many (leftist) peaceful demonstrations against global warming, globalization, global finance and global anything there is always a hardcore "black block" ready to smash things up.
Political violence obviously works – if used correctly and not just to stupidly smash things up.
Democracy works by the separation of power and therefore regulated violence. The power of the streets certainly can change "the system" and influence politicians, but it’s always a question against whom you apply that pressure / violence.
Small shopkeepers are hardly "the system". Even smashing up a Bank or McDonalds won’t change anything and won’t impress anyone. They simply claim it as an insurance accident.
I have never heard of the "black block" attacking Lobbyists or Politicians directly. Why not storm a fundraiser sponsored by dirty industries? Or blockade a lobbyist agency or other policy wonks?
Attacking symbols of the system looks good on camera, but isn’t effective. Violence / pressure only works applied with brains and endurance.
Otherwise the political power is wasted and your stupid violent action makes you the laughing stock of your opponents.
Afghanistan never had a great democratic establishment it was always a tribal country. Whatever political structure there was – was destroyed by the Soviets and than the Taliban.
How can you expect a totally wrecked country to develop all the necessary basics for a "nice" Democracy within a few years?
But Afghanistan also shows the old problem the West has to bring Democracy to fledgling countries. Usually they support a pro-Western establishment or strongman. In Egypt it was Saddat now it’s Mubarak, in Saudi Arabia it’s the Sauds and in Iran it was the Shah …
These figures are usually the "best" the country has to offer at that stage: some strong, willing and connected people to run everything, because there is no established party system or even a basic bureaucracy to run things.
Without basic government services and an enforcement of low there can be no Democracy. And Iraq and Afghanistan shows how hard it is to convince the power players to be nice and adopt Democracy when they can have almost unlimited power instead (like Saddam).
And the common people often share the tribal or religious mindset of their Sheiks or Mullahs. Why share, when we are Gods chosen people?
Democracy is a long process of establishing new ideas and behaviours. It won’t come overnight or in a few years …
Vacations for workers – or so called little people – is a pretty new invention. Thanks to our social minded forefathers and their fight for justice we received "free days" and then even "paid vacations".
The now roaming masses created a huge tourism industry, which was actually good for developing remote places and creating even more jobs.
But your vacation is still only a privilege – if the economy goes down the drain you’ll loose it fast. And in many undeveloped nations many of our fellow humans hardly have a day off. Often they only get off work when there is a huge national or religious holiday.
So enjoy your summer vacation and drink a margarita to all those less fortunate than you!
I know that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is a big hero for many Iranians, but has he really advanced the country? His fight with almost all other nations has been a fashionable, but has it not distracted from his failings in terms of social justice, the Iranian economy and development of the nation?
Now that oil price has fallen Ahmadinejad looks weak and his achievement dwindle. He has failed to raise many Iranians from poverty.
His foreign policy has made your country an outcast in the world. Do you really want to call such despotic countries like North Korea your allies?
Does a country with such a rich history and culture really need atomic weapons for it’s national identity?
Europeans always love to complain about the EU Parliament in Brussels. It seems that this charming Belgian City is the Root of all Evil in the world: ridicules laws and money wasted on expenses of 736 lazy MEPs representing about half a billion people.
The European Parliament is mostly filled with unwanted politicians, discarded by their national parties for various reasons and sent to Brussels for a very nice retirement.
How do my fellow European Citizens combat all that evil and incompetence? By voting for fringe parties who hardly have any political influence (to change anything) and often very questionable party programs.
The British BNP won’t accept coloured members and the Hungarian Jobbik Party ran on an Anti-Gipsy campaign.
I also hate to mention the one seat for the Swedish Pirate Party most nerds rant about: one Geek won’t make an impact in Brussels, especially when most countries have already sided with the big media companies. But at least it’s a weak impulse for good …
So well done Europe! Most of the other Idiots won’t bring sensible politics to the EU – they just create a bigger mess.
But EU elections are always a bit like the EuroVision contest: loads of freaky act nobody cares about. Most voters simply don’t care – turnout was miserable as usual with only 43%. So as usual the fringe parties got a boost, since most sensible voters stayed at home. Only the angry and the old went to do their citizen duty and cast their vote …
Overall I blame the voters for the mess in Brussels. The EU vote is not about punishing your local government for their mistakes (like the British scandals at the moment), but to vote for the best people to take care of Europe.
The EP has serious power – but it won’t act in a serious way unless voters pay attention and also force their local parties to send more competent politicians.
The second largest population gets to vote soon (BBC Special here). 714 Million Citizens are going to vote – electing 542 Politicians from 1,055 Parties (Indian Election in Numbers). Wow!
Since India is a Major Global Player it’s a shame that Western Media reports so little about this (compared to the global coverage of the American election).
Interested? Read this Quick Guide …
The United States of America is tightly in the grip of Mediocrity. The so called “normal” people distrust anyone who is smarter or different from them. Especially all kind of elites are suspicious.
Sure: American politicians are as corrupt and incompetent as in any other country, but still that anti-intellectualism is scary.
It way too much reminds me of the anti-intellectual tendencies and hate rallies in the Third Reich and in George Orwell’s 1984.
Today’s world is highly complex and complicated. You need to be very smart to quickly adapt and understand all the related complex situations of our global society.
It’s not about bringing up five kids and going to Washington to bring “small town values” to the rotten city. It’s about being as shrewd and smart as Putin, Mugabe and Osama bin Laden.
Sarah Palin ain’t good enough. John McCain has the experience, but lacks the quickness and eloquence. Obama has not the experience, but he is smart and quick.
This is painful to watch. All I can say that these people are deluded and uninformed.
They only see what they want to see. And what do they want to see: the American Dream in action.
And what is the American Dream? We are #1! We are the chosen people (by the Lord)! And everybody can make it to the top (even idiots)!
Especially the last point of the American Delusion is the most important one. Modern American equality means that everybody is equally “low” – there is no more room for variety and differences. Brilliant people are immediately disliked and not “one of us”. The American voter insists on these “small town values” and a tight mental consensus. That is why they wanted a President they can have a beer with. And that is why they go for grandpa and the hockey mom, because they seem friendly, cuddly and very close to their own human potential.
People like Obama, John Kerry or Howard Dean seem too different, to challenging and alien to them.
Those old progressive Americans – the so called Founding Fathers – would scare these modern “real Americans” to death. The Founding Fathers where not “real” Christians, damn liberals and had tons of new ideas that were far ahead of their times mental and social consensus.
Is that the kind of Democracy the US likes to export to all nations?
It sucks.
Yes, this is not going to John McCains VP, but your next president.
Since America is so much in love with old white males ruling the country – Muslim change from Kenia has to wait.
Mr McCain might be a tough guy, but he is 72 years old the job of being president will kill him sooner or later.
So my dear Americans your country will be run by a superbreeder and Über-mother that has even less experience than Obama.
But don’t despair: she is a fine Christian and Creationist.
Isn’t that what your country is looking for in a good President?
There is a global political party that is constantly growing in all industrialized countries: the Non-Voters.
Their excuses are always the same: all politicians are scum bags anyway and their vote doesn’t make a difference. Only a few of them are honest enough to say that they don’t care or are simply to lazy.
Democracy depends on all our participation: even when you only need to make a cross or press your lazy thumb on a computer screen.
Always remember: you are always involved in society and the political process. If you want it or not. So if you are too lazy to participate in the process in any other way than voting – like by joining a political party or union or giving money to some pressure groups – then at least make that damn cross.
Ignorance is an ACTIVE invitation for sleazy politicians to do what they want. If you decide to sleep they won’t wait till you wake up and smell their evil coffee.
BBC News: AU treads softly on Zimbabwe
It is easy to hate hate and condemn Robert Mugabe – and he deserves every bit of it. Since the last election it should be bloody obvious to anyone that he is an old tyrant clinging to power by any means necessary.
But African leaders – many of them dubious characters – don’t have the backbone to deal with this monster. Africa loves to hate Europe for it’s colonial mistakes and America for their modern imperialism. But currently it’s mostly Africans abusing other Africans.
Once again it shows that establishing "good systems" like Democracy without a supporting culture and historically grown structures simply doesn’t work.
Especially in Africa tribalism and capitalism make an explosive mixture. Tribal loyalties trump any laws or common sense. But this is also a long term consequence of all these artificial countries in Africa: Europe brutally forced many tribes into artificial "Nations" which never before existed. Many of these mixed up countries are still struggling to "function". Maybe some form of continental reshuffle would be helpful?
So it’s Obama vs McCain = young black Kennedy vs Grandpa Munster. But I am pretty sure the Democratic Party will find ways to fuck it up.
The Chinese Politburo has certainly learned it’s lessons from Stalinist Russia and Nazi Germany: Counter-Propaganda is important.
During the recent and ongoing protests against Chinese oppression in Tibet – the Politburo was busy sending it’s own message on the streets and flooding threads in Blogs and on YouTube with “angry” Chinese comments. I am pretty sure many “real” Chinese Patriots raised their voices too – but overall the propaganda and stupidity was annoyingly very visible.
And let me point out some “delicious” Chinese hypocrisy …
We have seen in recent years several very angry and violent protests against Japan for it’s war crimes and it’s stubbornness to apologize to the Chinese (and Korean) people. Funny enough China’s own war crimes and genocidal politics against the Tibetan people are ignored.
But that’s always the problem with “Patriots”, they can only see the “others” mistakes not the faults of their own country. Doesn’t matter if it’s China, the US or Liechtenstein …
Most Chinese students protesting in foreign nations should remember this: their right to protest in France, Germany, USA, Britain or “evil” Japan is granted by a democratic constitution that safeguards the right to protest. If you would protest in China against ANYTHING the government wants you to do you probably face very stuff police and legal action.
So in the context of free speech here is my reply to you: Go and fuck yourself and your evil government. Unless you fight, win and establish your right to protest and rule of law instead of tyranny in your own country don’t play your ignorant patriotic games here.
Every May Day the same procedure here in Germany: some wacky lefties battle the Police all night, small store windows, burn cars and scream stupid slogans. Sure the slogans have been updated to reflect the currently struggle against “globalization” – but I pity these ignorant fools.
This kind of reoccurring violence without any REAL context is simply stupidity and predictable. If your protest is as predictable as Christmas you loose credibility, since it only shows that you insist on violence without context. And politics without context is blind – and nobody takes you serious.
And smashing up the usual symbols of consumerism (McDonalds, Banks, Police cars etc.) is so 1980’s (or shall we rather say 1968ish) – grow up!
Plus: update your enemies list. China’s ambitions and actions are as evil as the “standard enemy” the US. Where are your protests against such idiots like Robert Mugabe?
I always have loved London – what a great city. When London reelected “Red Ken” as it’s Major I was thrilled. But after eight years Londoners wanted to kick Gordon Brown for his miserable job and kicked out good old Ken and elected the weird ‘Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson’ instead. Oh, the tragedy …
Boris has been more on television in game shows in actually running any tiny local anything so far. Even George W. Bush had more experience running ’something’ than Boris. His political view are terrible – when he presented the TV documentary The Dream of Rome his remarks and historical conclusion were way of the scale.
He is an old school populist born in the wrong century. He would have loved living during the 17th or 18th century – the heydays of the British Empire. But – dear Boris – these days are long gone …
After all that bullshit – this expresses my thoughts perfectly (at the last quarter of this video). Thanks Bill!
Europeans always love to laugh at Americans for electing the stupid Mr. Chimp twice. Hold your laughter now Europe: it seems that Italy has elected Berlusconi for a third term. Who is laughing now?
Every country gets the government it deserves – but Berlusconi is bad. This will be the 62nd post-war Italian Government.
Not everybody grows up with the perfect (grand)parents and in a perfect time. But that’s not important – what’s important that you want to change the presence for a better future.
We all have family members that have weird or simply terrible opinions and convictions. But we can’t be held responsible for that – only for our own actions.
Mission Statement from 2003:
Start a War based on lies. 
Alienate all your European Allies.
Piss of the whole Muslim world.
Save money on protective gear and Hummvees.
Totally ignore the Shia and Sunni conflict in the region.
Totally ignore the Kurdish and Turkish conflict.
Ignore security and rule of law in postwar Iraq.
Dissolve the Iraqi Police for more crime.
Dissolve the Iraqi Military for more crime.
Torture your prisoners and take snaps for everybody.
Ignore war crimes of your own troops.
Forget to secure huge amount of weapons and ammo.
Drive up the price for oil.
Ruin your own military.
Start a job boom for Blackwater and other mercenaries.
Make Halliburton even richer.
Funnel Billions of Dollars into dark holes.
Funnel Billions of Dollars to contractors who waste the money.
Encourage a culture or corruption in Iraq.
Blame everything on Iran and al-Quaida.
Promise to pay insurgents to fight for you – and then don’t pay.
Lay the foundation for another war in the region.
Did I miss anything?
Journalists should be able to read / understand what some people said – analyze them and put the into context.
But most US journalists lack these skills today.
Mass media seem only to deliver triggers for scandals instead of content. Stoking anger on all sides seem the only mission.
Anyone remember that saying “A house divided against itself cannot stand” by Abraham Lincoln. But hardly anyone in American Politics or Journalism is capable of delivering or understanding such great speeches anyway.
The Economist: An ugly victory
Russia is a tragedy – after Communism these people would deserve a break from nasty politicians, abuse and false promises. But only the names and labels seem to have changed.
Sure – it looks like Putin has recovered Russia’s economy fortunes – but that isn’t true. Already before his first election it was on a rebound. Today the state controlled economy is back – and the country is even more addicted to oil than the US. Russia’s current upswing is solely based on it’s energy exports. Under Putin all other industries have suffered and repressions are considered worse now than before he took power. So all that talk that he sorted out Russia for good is rubbish.
Did McCain have an affair? Nah, not really interesting.
But I actually think such little squabbles will do him some good, because it implies that he still “got it”. In our hierarchical societies symbolism still is important – and nobody really wants an impotent leader. The countries top dog should also be a top sperm spreader.
Politics is a lot about symbolism. One thing people expect from the leader of the pack is vitality, health and potency. That is why kids and wives are always dragged onto the political stage to prove that these politicians are strong males and provide well for their offspring.
Many pundits and voters perceived McCain (now 71) before the vote as too old. He was considered ’seasoned’ when he ran for the big office back in 2000 against President Shrub.
But in contrast to Obama (aged 46) he is an old fart – and his disability from being tortured in Vietnam doesn’t help either. No matter how often McCain drags his stone old mother onto the political stage – he doesn’t stand a chance against the fresh looking Obama and his jumpy two kids.
After Super Tuesday John McCain seems to be the winner and candidate for the American Republicans to run for President. Although Mike Huckabee is currently #2 I don’t think he will be the running mate as Vice President.
Joe Lieberman has been very happy to ’schmooze’ with the GOP since his recent reelection in 2006 and he is a big buddy of McCain. Plus on many issues he is more hawkish than many Republicans. As an Independent and former Democrat he sure would cover a wide spectrum of votes and interests
I think this can only be countered by a Hillary-Obama-Ticket. But who will take the second seat?
Italy’s politics has always special in Europe. No other country changes it’s government than Italy. I was so happy when Romano Prodi defeat the corrupt Silvio Berlusconi in last years election.
But Prodi’s government never reached the absolute majority – thanks to the Italian voters and some nasty legislation left behind by Mr Berlusconi. Prodi has lost the last vote of confidence and new elections are ahead.
It is too bad that the voters themselves are to blame here for year of bad government in recent years and probably many years ahead under Berlusconi.
Italy has one of the worst if not currently the worst economy in Europe. Thanks to Berlusconi and bad politics.
From the American Frontline of Christianity. Uneducated people are terrible for any Democracy, ignorant religious people are it’s death. It doesn’t matter if you think Allah, Jesus or George Bush are your savior – the religious mind simply is closed to ‘reality’ and ‘common sense’.
Watching videos like that it is hard to stay ‘tolerant’ and open to religious freedom (by the way I feel the same watching fundamentalist Muslims, Buddhist or Esoterics).
It once again shows that GOOD education is essential to keep a society and it’s members open to social progress and change. Many religious and overly conservative people stick to ‘eternal’ truths, because they are afraid of change, other cultures and new ways of life.
Image: Ralph Alswang
I liked Edwards – but how can he prevail against the possibly first woman or black president?
Hopefully his message to fight poverty won’t be forgotten and ignored after the elections.
It’s now the last year of his regency – the Age of the Ape is coming to an end. Aren’t we all happy?!
But how will clean up all the poo left behind? Will anyone be brave enough to maybe impeach the Ape just before the end? I think this Ape is mostly surrounded by chickens …
Maybe he should stay in Florida for his political retirement? His fixation on 9-11 and scaring people into voting for him didn’t work. A good thing and speaks for Americans to finally get out of their ‘mental bunkers’ …
Well, once again Italy has lost another government and is maybe facing a new election. Once again the nasty Mr. Berlusconi is waiting in the wings – hoping to overtake (and ruin) Italy once again. I think hardly any other country has such a long list of Prime Ministers like Italy?
But the reason behind the politic indecision behind this situation is not just limited to Italy these days: in many countries the fight between left and right parties produces no longer any majorities for any side. Usually only a few votes decide who runs the country – in the case of Germany this has created a Grand Coalition between left and right.
Voters are disillusioned with political labels and programs – they regard politicians from all parties with equal disgust or ignorance. They vote no longer for political ideas – since all campaign slogans are a remix of the same old promises again and again.
Political, economical and social stability seems to have reached a certain level were we hardly care for pushing for further advancement. And no side has proven to have the right recipe for economic success and social justice for all. So the number of non-voters are steadily rising – while the political cultures in all rich countries look more and more the same – and the left and right have only superficial differences – which are artificially blown up to get voters excited anyway (especially in the US).
Veracifier – aka Joshua Micah Marshall – is a brilliant political blogger / journalist. His analyses and videos on YouTube usually are the best extracts and insight into the current American political events. Highly recommended for anyone who is into more minute details of American politics …
So Sarko and his former wife worked as a team to bring him to the top – then they separated. Big deal? Nope!
His new affair with a former top model makes the European Yellow Press go gaga. But what’s the point of being the King … le President if you can’t have the hottest Mistress in town?
Once again we monkey watch the alpha monkey screwing another alpha. Sex is still the best distraction from the political process – a distraction that everybody can understand and relate too.
The political process dies somewhere in between speculation and hot gossip. Instead of carefully observing what the King is doing the public and the press are addicted to his penis and fertility.
It is the publics obsession with following the alpha pack that is their own undoing in the political process. If nobody would be interested in the private life of officials – and would be rather focused on their public and political life’s – our Democracies would be less shallow …
It’s all about politics stupid – not the penis!
Tribal loyalties, corruption and witchcraft still reign supreme in African culture. Such blatantly rigged elections are not just an African problem – Putin’s recent reelection was as ignorant of the law and the democratic process as well.
But as long as African politicians and voters have no problem of using violence to get what they want – this sad affair of corruption and violence won’t end. Poverty, lack of education and tribal loyalties create a combustive mixture – and a life seems worth nothing.
But we also have to blame colonial powers and foreign aid money for the chaos.
Many countries were literally made up on the drawing board by colonial powers – thy often mixed tribes together, who didn’t like each other to form a ‘nation’. Many of today’s conflicts go back to these tribal roots and difference in culture.
Foreign aid is another problem, because the large sums for money are a huge temptation for fraud. Many western donators hardly care or control where the money goes and many local charities that receive the money are made up by local big wigs and fraudsters. This kind of culture is based on cheating each other – not by creating a working economy and improving the life for everyone.
2007 was a bad year for Democracy – and it looks like that 2008 will continue that trend.
This years presidential election is a nice soap opera – it has action, drama and even some tears. Apart from America’s arcane procedures this still is a democracy at work – compared to recent elections in Kenya or Russia.
But it also shows the flaws of the popular vote: you have to say what people want to hear. These days Obama created the buzzword ‘change’ – so now all candidates babble about change. And all the talk is without substance, because foggy visions allow everyone to project their own idea of ‘change’ onto the candidate.
Is Hillary an agent of change? Actually she is – and she also know from experience how hard it is to change the system. Compared to Obama she has fought many harsh battles against companies, the establishment and the political system.
Compared to the 90’s she is now deeply wired into the political system – and now she has influence, knows how to pull the right strings and endure the agony of making change.
I very much doubt that Obama has these connections and know how to play the system. Because playing the system is important. Look at Dick Cheney or Carl Rove – they are masters in that profession. They have been playing the system for their masters and political goals so perfectly.
What America needs is someone who can dig deep, who is well connected and WANTS to change the system this time for the people instead of companies and the military industrial complex.
If you look back at inexperienced NEW political leaders – they all waste at least one or two years before they get a hold on power and understand the game. And often they fail to change anything in that time, because if Obama would loose that amount of time American voters would be frustrated and send many Republicans to the House and Senate – which in turn will block any change.
As a non-American one has to follow US politics closely – because anything these people vote for has serious – and I really mean serious – consequences for the rest of the world.
Thanks to MSNBC’s live stream I was able to watch the whole drama unfold last night (thanks to MSNBC for being so kind and allowing foreigner to watch their video as well – many American media outlets block foreigners).
Overall I am not the least bit surprised about the current state of affairs – and the obvious conclusions. (I know that this is only the first state of over 50 to cast their votes.)
America’s so called conservatives haven’t learned a bit from the dreadful Bush experience – nor have the Democrats.
Where is our next Christian Preehehehesident?!
Once again the born again citizens have pushed the next professional Christians to the top. Huckabee came out as the top dog followed by the equally christy Romney. Once again the religious affiliation reigns superior. The sheep demand a Shepard.
The Bush White House has hardly delivered any of the goods the evangelicals wanted, he didn’t fight poverty, nor did he overturn unpopular abortion laws. But still these religious people believe another one of ‘them’ will fix it this time.
On the Democrat’s side the picture is equally bleak. I consider Obama as the ultimate liberal excuse and fantasy: he is young like Kennedy and represents the biggest black icon Martin Luther King. This is a terrible addiction to symbols of the past, because neither Kennedy nor King did ‘finish’ their projects. And they both had some serious political deficits.
A small sidenote: I find it really strange that most popular Democratic icons (Clinton, Kennedy & King) are womanizers.
He is dead – get over it Democrats.
So America’s voters are still addicted to the same old qualities that make no sense in politics at all: likeability and electability.
Once again they are looking for a person that everybody likes – once again the search for the beer buddy. (Remember when they sold Bush to Americans as the presidential candidate you want to have a drink with?).
Electability is even worse. It just means finding a person that looks presidential enough to be elected. It does NOT mean finding the person who is best suited for the job.
Go for the transvestite: President and First Lady in one person!
That is why experienced leaders like John McCain, Joe Biden and to a certain degree Hillary Clinton did so badly in the polls. Also the analyses of the voter’s decision process shows that they give a shit about political experience and good (international) network to make things happen.
They want change – whatever that is to them.
Apart from unelectable ‘weirdos’ like Ron Paul and Denis Kucinich none of the candidates have shown any solid ideas or visions – nor commitment – for true change – just more of the same.
All that talk about health care and getting out of Iraq is just that – cheap talk. None of them really touched farm subsidies, a REAL energy policy, a reduction of military spending and a working solution for immigration. Not to speak of breaking up big media, a real reform of the educational system, etc. …
Overall America is still entrenched in it’s ignorant ways: it’s voters as much as it’s politicians. It doesn’t matter if the president will be Hillary, Obama, Romney or Huckabee – the military industrial complex will grind on without mercy. American troops will still be in Iraq in 2010, Americans will continue to guzzle oil in huge amount and the decline of the country will take up even more speed.
A new President will just change the face of Americanism – and maybe a Democrat will do some ’stuff’ to soften the social and economic pressure on Americans, but the system itself will be untouched. And most of the draconian laws and limited civil liberties will stay in place.