Parallels

[arralethe]

Normally I avoid political topics on my journal, but today I feel it should be different. Thoughts and opinions that are just a drop in the ocean:

1) It isn't really going to matter in the long run whether Bush or Kerry get into office as President of the US. Why? Because neither of them are going to tackle the economic and philosophical issues

Comments

[bateleur]

If the rest of the world had united in trade sanctions against the USA, do you really think they would have still refused to sign the Kyoto Agreement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions ?

Yup.

There is no symmetry with Iraq here. The US is an economic superpower. Attempts at sanctions would be swiftly met with counter-sanctions. The economies of all the nations involved would be badly hurt. That would quickly sap their resolve where the entire project was concerned.

This is the big problem with environmental things: The world is full of democracy these days and people throughout the world (not just in America) do not want to sacrifice quality of life to save the environment.

The 1 billion spent on campaigning does not come from the pocket of the US government. As such, it would never be spent on controlling emissions.

If you want to see environmental progress, that's fine - I agree - but don't expect politics to achieve it.

Personally, I want Bush voted out 'cos he's a war criminal.

Incidentally, have you ever heard of Godwin's Law ?

[arralethe]

No, the 1 billion spent primarily comes from big, corporate "vested interest" people. They've obviously got money to burn, so to speak.

The historical reference is to Hitler and the rise of extremist government, as voted for by the people, as opposed to coup d'etat or dictatorships. The socio-economical situation is similar enough to make me think of my past reading, as is the erosion of personal freedoms and liberty the US prides itself on.

And economic sanctions may be impractical, but hitting a Westerner in the pocket is *always* guaranteed to get a reaction. As I say, this is merely my thoughts on the topic. I don't really think it's going to make one jot of difference to US foreign policy who wins the election.