The next president of the US?

[tibbycat]

I watched today the debate between Obama and McCain, and wow, I'm really hoping especially now that McCain doesn't win. His political philosophy reminds me of that of former Australian Prime Minister John Howard who thought that it was best to help the rich and let that trickle down the ladder to the poor. Except, it doesn't work. The rich just get

Comments

[hymnia]

If you watch footage of Palin's debates with the other candidates for Alaska governor when she was running for that office, you'll see that she's perfectly articulate and intelligent. I think this guy has the right idea about why she's flubbing on the national level.

As to the rest...I don't know. I have things I like and dislike about both candidates. Basically, the two-party system in the US sucks, and most voters are stuck trying to figure out the lesser of two evils every time an election rolls around. Obama is no saint, either, and he has a few policy ideas I find just as disturbing as some of McCain's.

[tibbycat]

[nummymuffin]

I hope you don't mind... I am stealing that LOLPalin picture. ;)

[tibbycat]

I don't mind at all :)

[pinhead22886]

"One of the most pathetic pieces of tape he has ever seen from someone aspiring to the highest office"?!

He must have been asleep for the past 10 years. It was infinitely more intelligent and intelligible than anything that's ever left the lips of George W Bush.

If the American people are bloody stupid enough to vote for George Bush, then Sarah Palin and John McCain should win in a landslide. And America, like NSW, will have noone to blame but themselves. But, like the people of NSW, they'll probably spend the next term whingeing and complaining, and then vote for them again at the next election. Its the nature of politics. And its kinda funny... :P

Still, I kind of feel sorry for Sarah Palin in that tape. She was asked to defend the indefensible. Its far too late now to be intervening in the financial sector. Even if the package manages to keep financial companies afloat, international confidence in the US markets will be completely shot.

Go directly to a recession. Do not pass go. Do not collect any international sympathy.

[tibbycat]

Just sayin'...

[springdove]

Not all of us voted for Bush. I didn't.

Re: Just sayin'...

[pinhead22886]

Of course not, but as a nation you did. I didnt vote for the NSW government either, but obviously the majority of people did, so nobody can really complain. Either you live in a democracy or you dont.

[pinhead22886]

"The fundamental assertion I'm working with here is this: Governments have no place in capitalist affairs. None."

You'd be hard pressed to find any economic, social or political commentator who would agree with this completely...

The fact is that capitalism produces far from equal opportunity. Compare someone who inherits Kerry Packer's fortune with someone who is unable to work due to mental illness and lives in a run-down public housing flat on Lexo Place. They have far from equal opportunity, and anyone that suggest otherwise is clearly stupid, or otherwise motivated by their own advancement.

"It's all about equal opportunity (capitalism) versus equal outcome (communism)."

Well not really, because there are so many in-betweens.

[tibbycat]

"Why should it be up to the government to help the mentally ill?"

Are you SERIOUS?!! Where is your heart? Or are you just paying lip service to your faith and Jesus' commands?

Of course the government should help the mentally ill, and the physically sick, and the uneducated. Not only is it better for society as a whole, but it's also the right thing to do, n'est ça pas?

"You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' - Acts 20:34-35

Also, check out Acts 2:44-45. The early Christians were totally socialists ;)

"All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need."

[pinhead22886]

Well if the government wasnt an economic actor, then you would have to get a job. Why SHOULDNT the government help people who are incapable of working? Economics isnt everything. Why would you want a society that is devoid of all humanity just for the sake of a free market? Why should mentally ill people have to sacrifice their lives to make you richer

[tibbycat]

Well said Brad! The type of society that Simon proposes would be a frightening and heartless society indeed.

[pinhead22886]

When it comes to economic opportunity, you ARE fundamentally different to a person with a mental illness that renders them incapacitated.