Democracy.. What?

[480sx]

Definition of a democracy is... ---> Government by the people, for the people.

What kind of government has been created in the United States then? This is no longer a democracy at all. The people have no power anymore. Checks and balances? Bill of rights? The CONSTITUTION?!? What a joke its become.

At the same time we have all the power in the world. We are acephalous, and we feel isolated and powerless to stop the things going on in the government. However we ALL feel like this, so we are NOT alone, and NOT powerless.

Time to stand up.

[Cold_Zero]

We are a Constitutional Federal Republic. While we have had a democratic tradition in this country, America has never been a Democracy like, say Switzerland.

But you do bring up an interesting point. The checks and balances of Government. Something that I have been sensitive to is an ideal that Ron Paul pointed out about the role of Government. His assertion is that three branches of the Federal Government are too busy trying to do the job of the other branches. The Legislative Branch is too busy trying to do Executive Branch's job to actually propose legislation. The Judicial Branch is too busy trying to do the Legislative Branch's job. And the Executive Branch is too busy trying to do the Judicial Branch's job.

I am right there with you on the frustration with the Federal Government.bud

[themadscientist]

How are things in NOVA? what part ya from? I have been gone 15 years, I feel like a foreigner.

[OchnofConcrete]

it doesn't matter how we feel.. the corporations have the governing sway in law.

if people didn't want to buy things for so cheap, then it wouldn't have happened. if you didn't want to go to one store to buy everything you need, it wouldn't have happened.

but either way, it would have happened because of our need to excel into the world economy and not be invaded.

we needed self power. we needed to be able to stand up against other unions and nations that were growing more and more.

that meant the sacrifice of individuality and the small business.

there's plenty of movies based on it.

the one about Walmart, the one about the War Profiteers..

[480sx]

His assertion is that three branches of the Federal Government are too busy trying to do the job of the other branches. The Legislative Branch is too busy trying to do Executive Branch's job to actually propose legislation. The Judicial Branch is too busy trying to do the Legislative Branch's job. And the Executive Branch is too busy trying to do the Judicial Branch's job.

Thats interesting, i had never thought of it like that.

The executive branch has gotten just out of control man. Do you know anything about the torture memos? Here was solid proof leaked to the press that the President of the United States had violated the Constitution as well as possibly international laws against torture. These 'memos of doom' as i had named them paint a very disturbing portrait of our government. The crazy thing? They were 'leaked' in April, picked up by the AP late that same month. Never made it to the TV news, barely had a spot in the paper. Next month, it was as if it never happened.

So we impeach Clinton for purgry, but Bush gets away with violating the Constitution?! Its funny really, its all about what people care about. The drama that was involved with Clinton getting his #$%@ wet and adultery was way more news worthy than our president violating the supreme laws of the land. Or maybe its more sinister than simply just that, i would believe its a pleasant mix of them both.

Im loving their use of scare tactics to pass legislation as well, or go to war. Honestly i think the general public has a likeness to sheep, or maybe lemmings(off the cliff we go!).. After 9/11 it was just like the Constitution was just completely disregarded and law after questionable far reaching law just kept being placed into effect. Some of the legislation that the Bush administration passed is worded so frighteningly vague its disturbing. Now, we have the economic crisis. Another excuse to pass quickly drawn, shoddy legislation through the govt without anyone raising an eyebrow.

it doesn't matter how we feel.. the corporations have the governing sway in law.

Theres a lot more going on here than big buisnesses tendrils in government. Its a problem yes, but its a problem in every govt it would seem.

How are things in NOVA? what part ya from? I have been gone 15 years, I feel like a foreigner.

Man I love it here honestly. Im in Prince William County, if you ignore the law enforcement its a great place to live. So many awesome business opportunities. Its got a great economy(even in these times) and i can always find work. Im pretty lucky and live in a rural part of Nova, in the fallout zone around DC. Still close enough to shoot up 95 or 66 and pretty much get anywhere in 30 min or so.

[Cold_Zero]

I use to live in Woodbridge VA and VA Beach in the 1980. Great times and fond memories.bud

[themadscientist]

Born in Virgia beach, went to middle and high school in woodbridge/dale city. Spooky man.

[ishkabibble]

Lived in VA Beach.

The DC area sucks!

[themadscientist]

My only complaints about the D.C. area is the humid summers and the traffic. Other than that it's a great area and D.C. is IMO one of the prettiest cities in the world.

[ishkabibble]

My main complaint is the people. Everyone here thinks they are special.

The summers and traffic are bad, too. Overall, it's a decent city, just not "me".

[themadscientist]

Most Americans think they are special, some are right, most are not.

[sanioll]

My only complaints about the D.C. area is the humid summers and the traffic. Other than that it's a great area and D.C. is IMO one of the prettiest cities in the world.

I'll back you up on this. Been living here just about a year. At first I hated the attitude of people, especially driving on the road, no one would let you pass. Everyone is angry and rushing due to lack of time. Everyone is trying to get ahead. Politics, lies anything to get ahead, because of scarcity.

Once you get adjusted to big city life, it is okay, and mindset of the people kicks in. Comparing Richmond, Va to Washington, DC, you get to see the difference.

Now I love it though. I work hard, and play hard.

Besides that, this country is loosing its focus, I didn't expect this before coming here. Otherwise, wouldn't have taken my dads offer.

[themadscientist]

Those commutes up and down 95 sucked but there was always entertainment to be had, people rolling in the HOV lane with mannequins in their car for instance.

[Cold_Zero]

Born in Virgia beach, went to middle and high school in woodbridge/dale city. Spooky man.

I was so young when we lived in Woodbridge, I don't even remember what school I attended (would have been Elementary School.) My sister did graduate from Green Run High School down in VA Beach and my younger sister and I attended Indian Lakes Elementary School. That I do remember.

[480sx]

I use to live in Woodbridge VA and VA Beach in the 1980. Great times and fond memories.bud

Born in Virgia beach, went to middle and high school in woodbridge/dale city. Spooky man.

Freakish, im damn close to hoodbridge myself. Its changed a lot since you guys lived there, this whole area blew up.

My main complaint is the people. Everyone here thinks they are special.

Damn, think the people are bad here? Try SOCA man, like night and day.

Im just glad i dont have to go into DC unless i have to.

I feel that this post is lacking that key ingreidiant when talking politics, and the state of the union/world.. Cant quite put my finger on it but its something like... Anger!

[sanioll]

Those commutes up and down 95 sucked but there was always entertainment to be had, people rolling in the HOV lane with mannequins in their car for instance.

Pretty funny, never seen anyone doing it too close. But yes, I-95 truly sucks during rush hour. First time I moved here, had to drive from Richmond. It was around 5 hour roundtrip to DC. Moved to NOVA 3 weeks later, couldn't take it anymore.

HOV lanes kick butt, but Virginia state police always sit there lasering/radaring people. Without equipment, either do not speed, or you are a toast.