Replies

Thank you for the welcome Dan.

I appreciate the points made on overall responsibilities, coercion issue, overhead needed for enforcement, importance of the right to vote, and in general, an interesting exchange of ideas here. I think they are very important and appropriate.

One thing bothers me though in US politics. When I was studying USSR's late 80s, I remember reading archival transcripts and memos, and one of them was of Gorbatschev (their president) talking to government staff, emphasizing that Soviet political life is still very primitive. Every side feels threatened and wants to neutralize the competition. In his words the west was much more mature and gave example of his visit to Spain. Right, Left, Socialists, Conservatives all in one room, not shouting talking and solving problems.
I could not verify his spain example but found the idea to be a powerful one. I find that people who are openminded in their decision process make choices that are above and beyond.

Are we heading toward this in USA?

With a two party system and 50% of the voters on different parties both of which have groups that do not want to work with opposition...

Not to confuse this with backdoor deals, but sincere listening and common decisions good for the nation and the world.

Should we aim for this? For myself I found the answer and it gave me more peace, optimism and constructive information.

david the positive in forum -- joined 05/08/2004
"...sincere listening and common decisions good for the nation and the world. Should we aim for this? For myself I found the answer and it gave me more peace, optimism and constructive information..."

"... History has lessons for those who study it, openly, without prejudice. While we as humans have a tendency to rashly analyze things..."

"...I note that only a fraction of bush supporters on the internet voluntarily touch issues outside their passion and patriotism..."

"...now, all these things are a side note. important thing is that bush wins and we do not lose our edge..."

Excellent satire, thee who has joined FR in the last 24 hours. Perhaps you might enjoy this other forum:
discuss