Are we losing our Democracy?

[booster11373]

<p>There will be other ways to answer that question but what I'm interested in is this. Its Jan 2007 there have been numerous announcements about peoples intention to run for the Presidency in 2008. The first primary wont be for at least a year and yet <u>&nbsp;The Press </u>will from now until then barrage us with who is the front runner which might knock a few of the candidates out of the running before these people ever debate in a primary until its just the party anointed. That just seems wrong to me, what can we do about it, It seems to me that we are just about to have nonstop electoral cycles, these cycles seem to bring out the worst when it comes to party hacks and people who only want to divide Americans in to small poll groups. What can be done if anything at all</p><p>?????????????????????????????</p><p>Just to sum it up. It seems like we will let a smaller group, now more then ever decide who will run for the Presidency and it seems to me that that group is becoming the press</p>

<span class=post_edited>This message was edited by booster11373 on 1-22-07 @ 2:24 PM</span>

[phixion]

<p>see the last election and the leading favorite howard dean, but who was the actual democratic rep on the ticket? john kerry, </p><p>nothing has changed its been like this since the modern press. whats changed is that their personal lives matter more the the american people than their agenda or record. </p>

[booster11373]

<strong>phixion</strong> wrote:<br /><p>see the last election and the leading favorite howard dean, but who was the actual democratic rep on the ticket? john kerry, </p><p>nothing has changed its been like this since the modern press. whats changed is that their personal lives matter more the the american people than their agenda or record. </p><p>at least that election got to the primary stage, Im not sure this one will before we have a frontrunner</p>

[blakjeezis]

Unfortunately I haven't the time to detail the entire plan and the reasoning behind it right now, but the solution is fairly straightforward. For the next 2 Presidential election cycles, and all the elections in between, remove every incumbant from office. Party doesn't matter, platform doesn't matter, politics don't matter. What this does, in essence, is takes the power out of the hands of the parties, the special interests, and the media and places it squarely back in the hands of the people. It is the abolute closest we can come to burning the system down and starting over without actually burning the system down and starting over. And I'm not saying it'll be easy or fun whilke it's happening. It will, I would think, actually be the very opposite. It will be chaos and turmoil, but what revolution doesn't have those same struggles?

[sailor]

<font size="2">what's wrong with a frontrunner?&nbsp; they're trying to predict, not direct.<br /></font>

[phixion]

<p>at least that election got to the primary stage, Im not sure this one will before we have a frontrunner </p><p>and this one will too. who knows lets say clinton is the favorite and it comes out&nbsp;that shes an official muff diver watch her stock plummet. same thing with obama if some comments he made as an angry&nbsp; teenager comes out. </p><p>howard dean was the front runner since late 2002 to take on bush, and then he went byah! crazy and cost himself everything. if he didnt have that meltdown he wouldve faced bush. </p><p>nothing has changed since the 60's. </p>

[K.C.]

<p>When I read this thread title, I thought it was going to be about something completely different. </p><p>Anyway, no, the media isn't responsible. </p><p>The media is a reflection of what the American people desire, and they desire:</p><p>a) sensationalism</p><p>b) not to think too hard about politics and have it condensed into a nice neat little package for themselves. </p><p>Obviously, that's not everyone, but it's a good number of people. So in that sense, we are losing our democracy because&nbsp;a growing number of people don't care. But not because of the media. </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<span class=post_edited>This message was edited by K.C. on 1-22-07 @ 3:19 PM</span>

[boeman]

<span class="postbody"><!-- includes/messagecopy2.cfm --><!-- Script Hacks --><!-- Script Hacks --><!-- Links --><!-- Links --->&nbsp; <strong>K.C.</strong> wrote:<br /><p>When I read this thread title, I thought it was going to be about something completely different. </p><p>Anyway, no, the media isn't responsible. </p><p>The media is a reflection of what the American people desire, and they desire:</p><p>a) sensationalism</p><p>b) not to think too hard about politics and have it condensed into a nice neat little package for themselves. </p><p>Obviously, that's not everyone, but it's a good number of people. So in that sense, we are losing our democracy because&nbsp;a growing number of people don't care. But not because of the media. </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><span class="post_edited">This message was edited by K.C. on 1-22-07 @ 3:19 PM</span> <p>Very well said. we are the dummies that are buying this shit... from both the media and the politicians. It's collectively our own fault.</p></span>

<span class=post_edited>This message was edited by boeman on 1-22-07 @ 3:30 PM</span>

[phixion]

Obviously, that's not everyone, but it's a good number of people. So in that sense, we are losing our democracy because&nbsp;a growing number of people don't care. But not because of the media. &nbsp;for more information go to rhino.com

[sailor]

<strong>boeman</strong> wrote:<br /><span class="postbody">*-- includes/messagecopy2.cfm -**-- Script Hacks -**-- Script Hacks -**-- Links -**-- Links --* <strong>K.C.</strong> wrote:<br /><p>When I read this thread title, I thought it was going to be about something completely different. </p><p>Anyway, no, the media isn't responsible. </p><p>The media is a reflection of what the American people desire, and they desire:</p><p>a) sensationalism</p><p>b) not to think too hard about politics and have it condensed into a nice neat little package for themselves. </p><p>Obviously, that's not everyone, but it's a good number of people. So in that sense, we are losing our democracy because a growing number of people don't care. But not because of the media. </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><span class="post_edited">This message was edited by K.C. on 1-22-07 @ 3:19 PM</span> <p>Very well said. we are the dummies that are buying this shit... from both the media and the politicians. It's collectively our own fault.</p></span> <span class="post_edited">This message was edited by boeman on 1-22-07 @ 3:30 PM</span><p>&nbsp;<font size="2">look at the c-span ratings.&nbsp; no one cares.&nbsp; also, if there were people looking for anything other than sensationalism, someone would fill that void and make a lot of money. </font></p>

[sailor]

<strong>phixion</strong> wrote:<br />Obviously, that's not everyone, but it's a good number of people. So in that sense, we are losing our democracy because a growing number of people don't care. But not because of the media. for more information go to rhino.com<p>&nbsp;<font size="2">the record store?<br /></font></p>

[phixion]

<strong>phixion</strong> wrote:<br />Obviously, that's not everyone, but it's a good number of people. So in that sense, we are losing our democracy because a growing number of people don't care. But not because of the media. for more information go to rhino.com &nbsp;<font size="2">the record store?</font><font size="2"> <p><font size="1">its bad joke about the free fm show. i think every prize on it earl has gotten from his friends at rhino, and after describing the prize he alwats says for more information go to rhino.com, so that my little prize closet euphemism</font></p><p><font size="1">but yeah hes right. why do you think people actually refer to nicole ritchie's dui as news? 50 years ago it sure it wouldve been mentioned, at the end of the news HOUR (not half hour) with all the rest of the fluff.</font> </p></font>

[tapedknuckles]

<p>Blow up the Primary System. Move to Nominating Convention where 60% of the delegates are uncommited and allowed to vote based upon what they hear in the convention. 40% of delegates tied to home district instruction for first ballot only. Drop one name per ballot based on lowest vote counts. Keep balloting until convention selects winner.</p><p>This would make for riveting TV. Advertisers would line up for it at Superbowl + rates.</p><p>On a minor note, you might actually wind up with a nominee who can actually speak in coherent sentences, and is not only a special interest shill.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

[sailor]

<strong>phixion</strong> wrote:<br /><strong>phixion</strong> wrote:<br />Obviously, that's not everyone, but it's a good number of people. So in that sense, we are losing our democracy because a growing number of people don't care. But not because of the media. for more information go to rhino.com <font size="2">the record store?</font><font size="2"> <p><font size="1">its bad joke about the free fm show. i think every prize on it earl has gotten from his friends at rhino, and after describing the prize he alwats says for more information go to rhino.com, so that my little prize closet euphemism</font></p><p><font size="1">but yeah hes right. why do you think people actually refer to nicole ritchie's dui as news? 50 years ago it sure it wouldve been mentioned, at the end of the news HOUR (not half hour) with all the rest of the fluff.</font> </p></font><p>&nbsp;<font size="2">i remember before xmas, ron told dave that earl gave him xmas everyday...by robbing from rhino.&nbsp; i also don't think nicole-type stuff would have made the news 50 years ago, because it would have been swept under the rug by the studios. </font></p>

[boeman]

<strong>sailor</strong> wrote:<br /><font size="2">&nbsp;i also don't think nicole-type stuff would have made the news 50 years ago, because it would have been swept under the rug by the studios. </font><p>maybe it's because people didn't really give a damn about what these stupids fucks did in their everyday life.</p>

[phixion]

<font size="2">i also don't think nicole-type stuff would have made the news 50 years ago, because it would have been swept under the rug by the studios.</font><font size="2"> <p><font size="1">wait did i miss the part where she's talented? or the part where she was in actual movie? the jason mewes straight to video shit doesnt count</font></p></font>

[furie]

we need to go back to 1 hour of news a day, rather than 24.

the reason why we now have a year long of presidential hopefuls is because the news has become about entertainment, not about reporting the basic news.

[sailor]

<strong>phixion</strong> wrote:<br /><font size="2">i also don't think nicole-type stuff would have made the news 50 years ago, because it would have been swept under the rug by the studios.</font><font size="2"> <p><font size="1">wait did i miss the part where she's talented? or the part where she was in actual movie? the jason mewes straight to video shit doesnt count</font></p></font><p>&nbsp;<font size="2">true. i was working under the 50 years ago rules on that part.&nbsp; assumed it was a celeb who was also an actress.&nbsp; that's why &quot;nicole-type&quot; instead of just nicole herself. </font></p>

[Snacks]

<strong>booster11373</strong> wrote:<br /><p>There will be other ways to answer that question but what I'm interested in is this. Its Jan 2007 there have been numerous announcements about peoples intention to run for the Presidency in 2008. The first primary wont be for at least a year and yet <u>&nbsp;The Press </u>will from now until then barrage us with who is the front runner which might knock a few of the candidates out of the running before these people ever debate in a primary until its just the party anointed. That just seems wrong to me, what can we do about it, It seems to me that we are just about to have nonstop electoral cycles, these cycles seem to bring out the worst when it comes to party hacks and people who only want to divide Americans in to small poll groups. What can be done if anything at all</p><p>?????????????????????????????</p><p>Just to sum it up. It seems like we will let a smaller group, now more then ever decide who will run for the Presidency and it seems to me that that group is becoming the press</p><span class="post_edited">This message was edited by booster11373 on 1-22-07 @ 2:24 PM</span> <p>to me that is democracy. Its giving everyone a chance, its giving everyone air time. Let everyone announce they are running for president and give them all equal time to be seen. Then maybe we will get a good president rather then one who has more money backing them or is better known.</p>

[Team_Ramrod]

I don't think we'll ever lose our democracy. I think the biggest thing we need to worry about is <em>losing our religion.</em>

[empulse]

<p>Can anyone actually remember when we heard <em>NEWS</em> on the NEWS?&nbsp; The media is responsible 100% for this load of dung.&nbsp; I love election time, its the super bowl for political nerds.&nbsp; But would anyone want to hear about the 08' SuperBowl right now.. even if you loved football?&nbsp; We just had one of the deadliest weekends in Iraq in years and hardly a word spoken about.&nbsp; How about this for a headline -</p><p><font size="4">12 US soldiers killed when their Blackhawk was brought down by US shoulder fire missle.</font></p><p><font size="1"><strong>Who sold them these weapons?&nbsp; Are we reaping what we have sown?&nbsp; US officials thought insurgents would not be able to change the batteries on these systems sold to them during the 80's.&nbsp; General Tommy Franks - &quot;Who knew!?&quot;</strong></font></p><p><font size="1">There is plenty of news to be covered:</font></p><p><font size="1">Why is Brazil energy independent and the US is not? Are we too fucking stupid?</font></p><p><font size="1">Why do we make loans to other Nation with rates/terms that make the loans un-payable, resulting in them trading away the rights of their people, and the right of their people to live with environmental controls in place?&nbsp; Trading their lives for 2$ a day a good deal?&nbsp; </font></p><p><font size="1">Science or Magic, which will benefit our country more?&nbsp; What should be taught in our schools?</font></p><p><font size="1">So many important things out there, and none are being covered.&nbsp; We have made no progress in 10 years (more i think really) in the fields of medicine, human rights, equal rights, science and tech.&nbsp; We are stagnant debating whether or not (R) Senator Bobo can beat (D) Senator CockHolster in an election that is 2 years out.</font></p><p><font size="1">We have elderly bastards who can't even turn on a computer, let alone come to ronfez.net and read our wisdom, making laws governing our digital rights.&nbsp;&nbsp; Corporations&nbsp;write our laws.&nbsp; And no one cares.</font></p><p><font size="1">You could always take time out of you day and&nbsp;write to your favorite network and tell them how fucking irritating they have become. - I do it daily.&nbsp; I am sure i end up in someones spam filter, but it keeps me from</font>&nbsp;loosing it.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Media is our 4th estate.&nbsp; We have to hold them to a higher standard, but lets start by holding them to <em>A </em>standard.</p>

<span class=post_edited>This message was edited by empulse on 1-22-07 @ 5:44 PM</span>

[Zorro]

<font size="2">Did we ever have&nbsp;Democracy? </font>

[boeman]

<strong>Zorro</strong> wrote:<br /><font size="2">Did we ever have&nbsp;Democracy? </font><p>No, the US is a Republic. If we were a democracy, the minority viewpoint in this country would be completely squelched. </p>

[TheMojoPin]

Considering most of the major newspapers in America really took off back in the 1700's&nbsp;when they existed pretty much only to prop up &quot;their&quot; candidates on all levels&nbsp;and savagely attack everyone else, I really don't see how things are all that different or suddenly &quot;worse.&quot;

[Midkiff]

We're stupid and the whole system sucks. I say tear the whole fuckin' thing down and start fresh.