George Bush-Your opinion

Carrera

One thing that kind of incenses me about Bush is the way he keeps coining the term "freedom and democracy".
The literal meaning of the Greek word "democracy refers to the sovereign reign of a sovereign people. Moreover, the difference between Greek democracy and modern politics is they (the Greeks) had various checks and balances to control personality cults or excesses of power.
Ostracism was one of these levers. Any free citizen could put forward a vote of no confidence where a politician was concerned - which would mean a national referendum would have to be held as to his suitability for office. Technically, even a politician of Bush's standing could be ostracised and then banished from politics altogether. So, the people had the real power, not so much politicians.
Of course, this isn't only an American problem. In the majority of countries, decisions are being taken by an elite group of leaders who feather their own nests and then ride roughshod over the people they claim to represent.
Take the U.K. We Brits are always to be found moaning over the idea of losing sovereignty to the European Union, yet fundamental political decisions such as going to war are endorsed by Poodle Blair on behalf of George Bush. No discussion, no debate, no referendum. Had there been an actual referendum, the Iraq policy wouldn't have gotten off the ground as I doubt that the majority population ever supported any link between 9/11 and Iraq.
They should substitute the correct term "Oligarchy" for "Democracy." How about "Freedom and Oligarchy" as a slogan? After all, the Greeks viewed Oligarchy as the sovereign rule of a political elite (who further their own interests) while "Democracy" is the sovereign rule of the people.
What I want to know is what ever happened to the idea of people taking part in politics, holding political leaders to account and having some direct say in issues that effect them. Why the obsession with leaders and personality cults?

jhuskey

I also liked the analytical nature of your post in that it does not resort to name calling or an extremist view point.
Just stating your opinion without resorting to generalized labeling as in, (all Demos are rightwing idiots) or(all Rep. are coservative war moungers)
Once one reaches the point of extremism one appears frustrated backed into a corner as wounded animal and loses much of ones credibility.
At least that is my take.

As far as any possibility of economic isolationsim in the near future I don't think it is possible without a complete shifting and shakeup of the present circumstancesand world economic alliances.
PS: I never said a wounded animal wasn't dangerous, just not predictable.

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Whenever I can't get excited about riding I just fantasize about someone else's bike.

davidmc

You are correct sir. There's a few, bill gates might be among them. I have also stated in the past, that these people are willing to pay a marginally higher tax rate as a token of their success. Most repub's are of the "mine, mine, mine" variety, like the kid in the neighborhood who was'nt willing to share their toy's or the one's who always took their ball & went home. Bush, has recently, amended his war "bill of lading" to be @ $225 billion. Who do you think is going to pay for that? Since Bush rushed to war, we are "footing" 90% of the bill & supplying 90% of the troops (that figure should increase due to the fact that, i beleive, poland is pulling out of the "coalition of the coerced" or more appropiately- "coalition of the bullied"-would you dispute those figures?. If you're on the "younger side" , & Bush is reelected, i'd be checking my mailbox for a draft notice from time to time. Bush's actions have alienated us from the rest of the world. We (he) is either hated or feared, throughout the world, because of him & his admin.'s wreckless endangerment of all parties concerned. Add that to the 400 tons of high explosives, that have dissappeared from a facility in iraq, & we have a recipe for disaster. These compounds are of the types used on the USS Cole & the lockerbie scotland terrorist act's. "Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry (news - web sites) accused President Bush (news - web sites) of "incredible incompetence" and his campaign said the administration "must answer for what may be the most grave and catastrophic mistake in a tragic series of blunders in Iraq." http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=sto..._agency_iraq_25

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I'm completely in favor of the separation of Church and State. My idea is that these two institutions screw us up enough on their own, so both of them together is certain death.
George Carlin
US comedian and actor (1937 - )

davidmc

You're wondering why Putin, who is returning russia to an authoritarian model by shutting down tv stations; among other dubious actions, would be for bush Come on , its obvious

__________________
I'm completely in favor of the separation of Church and State. My idea is that these two institutions screw us up enough on their own, so both of them together is certain death.
George Carlin
US comedian and actor (1937 - )

davidmc

On that note, it does appear that a large proportion, of Bush supporters, are of the mindset-"F*** the rest of the world, we don't need 'em." This mindset is incompatible w/ modern trade practices/alliances & shows a lack of understanding. For instance, France, out of a handful of countries posessing the capability, accepts our nuclear (a word bush can't pronounce, by the way) throwaways for reprocessing. How would bush like it if we sent it to texas or somewhere else, in the bible belt, after he destroys our relations w/ them & others

__________________
I'm completely in favor of the separation of Church and State. My idea is that these two institutions screw us up enough on their own, so both of them together is certain death.
George Carlin
US comedian and actor (1937 - )

Bikerman2004

I always find it interesting that a rich person doesn't mind higher taxes. I guess they can 'afford it'. Mark me down as mine mine mine type of person. I work hard for my money. And I don't want to share it with you or anybody else.
Wasn't it a DEMOCRAT that introduced legislation for a draft? No wait it was a LIBERAL DEMOCRAT!
John Kerry criticized the president? No way. Get out of here. He wouldn't do that would he? Not in an election year when he is running for president? Now he's a beacon of impartiality.

davidmc

You're not sharing it w/ me. Incidentally, are you aware that 49% of taxes go to current/past military. Tell me, you are aware of that are'nt you
Not to mention-roads, delivering the mail, gaurding the border, ect......

__________________
I'm completely in favor of the separation of Church and State. My idea is that these two institutions screw us up enough on their own, so both of them together is certain death.
George Carlin
US comedian and actor (1937 - )

limerickman

I think that it is essential for the USA and Europe to work together.

But I can understand US anger and it's wish to seek revenge for 9/11.
I really can.

But, every American in his heart of hearts, needs to address the question :
Has Bush done the right thing since 9/11 ?

I can't answer that question - I am not American and my country wasn't attacked.
I can only give my view sitting here on the west coast of Ireland.

And whether we chose to like it or not, we have to go with the decision of the American public.

I think that it is a terrible situation - where Europe and America are at loggerheads.
There is more that brings us together, than separates us.
Bush and his policy has divided the USA and it has estranged Europe to a large extent.

However, us non-Americans have to assume that Bush is representative of your country's wishes.
Let the chips fall where they may.

limerickman

Following your logic - the USA should have invaded Saudi Arabia.
The terrorists who attacked the USA were Saudi Arabian.
Not Iraqi's.

Carrera

Putin, on the whole, seems pretty level-headed, although Russia doesn't have much experience with democracy.
I was kind of amused, though, that now Don King is out there backing Bush in public. This is a guy who would sell his granny for a 10 dollar bill and screwed countless fighters out of their millions.
Maybe Kerry should collar Ali who might win more of the black voters than even Clinton can and counter Bush's union with the frizzle-haired King.

davidmc

He reflects the social conservatives (protestants, born agains), the "well off", Nascar people, professional wrasslin' people, People scared of other's who don't share their beleifs; or look different than themselves (thats a gentle description) Oh, & i almost forgot, the sadist's. "Long live left wing ideology (liberalism) " (that was a shout out to bikerman )

__________________
I'm completely in favor of the separation of Church and State. My idea is that these two institutions screw us up enough on their own, so both of them together is certain death.
George Carlin
US comedian and actor (1937 - )

davidmc

here's a god artice. A brief excerpt:

BULLETIN: KERRY WINS GONZO ENDORSEMENT; DR THOMPSON JOINS DEMOCRAT IN CALLING BUSH "THE SYPHILIS PRESIDENT".

"Four more years of George Bush will be like four more years of syphilis," the famed author said yesterday at a hastily called press conference near his home in Woody Creek, Colorado.

"Only a fool or a sucker would vote for a dangerous loser like Bush. He hates everything we stand for, and he knows we will vote against him in November." Thompson, well known for the eerie accuracy of his political instincts, went on to denounce Ralph Nader as "a worthless Judas goat with no moral compass."

"I endorsed John Kerry a long time ago," he said, "and I will do everything in my power, short of roaming the streets with a meat hammer, to help him be the next president of the United States."
The entire article is at:http://www.commondreams.org/views04/1028-29.htm

__________________
I'm completely in favor of the separation of Church and State. My idea is that these two institutions screw us up enough on their own, so both of them together is certain death.
George Carlin
US comedian and actor (1937 - )