American Politics Thread

[Grono]

Re: 2016 Presidential Candidates

I haven't heard much about his women stance. That's definitely out of hand. Although his answer from the Republican Debate last night towards Rosie O'Donell was priceless and supposedly she attacked first from something that happened some years ago. Talk about a chalk from the past. And his immigration comments that was tumultous all over the country that wasn't well received. I know for a fact he didn't generalize EVERY Mexican; its true what he meant. There are hard working immigrants that are here to work and earn a future. Not just from Latin America but all over the world. Just few days ago, Coast Guards I believe it was found a submarine with 6. million dollars of drug trafficking. Not that long ago we also had what transpired at the Boston Marathon. If we don't take what we already have than what's in it for our next generational seeds? Unfortunately, I lost a friend due to his status. He was top ten of my class in High School and already was going to graduate from the Honors program was our local community college. I can go on with different reasons by against or for of what's these immigration all about. By the way, hope you're not taking this the wrong way. I understand that Trump isn't politically level ready. That type of character though is something this country has needed since Ronald Reagan took the seat. That arrogrant attitude is just part of his ego; not something the position of PRESIDENT should have obviously. It comes to show though, he won't back down from a fight. Going to pause since my mind is rambling already.

[video=youtube;fxDAyUiXphg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxDAyUiXphg[/video]

If Donald is out of the equation. I really like some of the Republican nominees and the only one I like from the Democrats is Sanders.

At first, I had no idea what you saw in him, but I can respect this opinion enough.

But people weren't offended because he said Mexicans were crossing the border, they were CLEARLY mad about the fact that he said the Mexicans were sending over only their bad people (he said rapists primarily), when he said "some, I ASSUME, are good people." It's like saying "all Germans are communists planning to overthrow the American government, but I have to think A FEW are a good people" and not expecting some sort of opposition.

And I agree, the comments about women and yelling at the lawyer that had to pump were disgustingly vehement and completely out of line, especially for someone who is running for president.

EDIT: let's not forget that he never backed off of the Mexican comments, either. LOL my favorite quote is "Well, SOMEBODY'S gotta be doing the raping, Don!" which, coincidentally, is probably the new Trump 2016 campaign slogan xD

 

[robvandam111]

Re: 2016 Presidential Candidates

Nothing wrong with a little socialism. It seems very common in the US to not only lump it together with communism but also to think it's some kind evil ideology like Nazism.

But you really do have to overturn Citizens United asap. Most American politicians are bought by giant corporations. It's amazing how oil companies get politicians to fool people into thinking climate change is a hoax and even other politicians thinking it is because "God knows what he's doing" or other utterly stupid arguments like "it snowed a lot here last winter, so global warming isn't real". Not to mention everyone on NRA's payroll.

And seriously, I really hope you do not support Trump's incredibly offensive and racist views. He even doubled down on the claim that Mexico is "sending" its worst people to the US during last night's debate. Believe me, if Trump become president the US will become even less popular internationally than during the Bush administration.

We live in an organized world now. And the US is still the best but damn it all! We are at a point it seems all crazy.

I don't support malevolent offensive comments but I also wouldn't dwell too deeply to what he saying or what the media wants everyone to think. I know he's a loose cannon as you and the other exclaimed but if we all scrutinize properly we can tell what he means. I really can't declare him a true racist but a guy who really won't step down from anything and he's a business leader as much as anyone would neglect that. You got to have a stand and a strong one.

But people weren't offended because he said Mexicans were crossing the border, they were CLEARLY mad about the fact that he said the Mexicans were sending over only their bad people (he said rapists primarily), when he said "some, I ASSUME, are good people." It's like saying "all Germans are communists planning to overthrow the American government, but I have to think A FEW are a good people" and not expecting some sort of opposition.

That government is corrupt and hypocrites from the tip of our noses. Mexico has a beautiful culture and we all know about darkside of it as well.

I'll never forget coming into their port ay Conzumel last Summer. Y'know what's having a guard dog with you to see if you're carrying something suspicious. The irony!

 

[EnchantedDominion]

Re: 2016 Presidential Candidates

I think there's a difference between not being politically correct and being a total ass. I'm not the biggest fan of political correctness all the time, but Trump has far surpassed that. He's turned into Joe Arpaio.

I think one of the biggest issues with our system in the United States is our education. We give it relatively no funding and you don't learn critical thinking until you get into college, and even then, it's mainly just the Humanities courses not many take. Because of that, you see politicians making huge generalizations, confusing fact and opinion, having no clue how to do research... and yet tons of Americans still love them and will agree with them.

The argument with the snowball that Re:Magnus brought up is a great example of that. Most of these "public meetings about global climate change" are held by CEOs instead of environmental scientists. That tells you something right there. I've also seen ridiculous arguments like: "capital punishment is cheaper than what we have because a bullet costs less than housing and feeding inmates for life," "if a Muslim were discriminating against gays in his store, that would be totally okay," and "facts can be disproven because people used to think the Earth was square." I see these ALL the time in comments on news articles with tons of "likes." These are mistakes you make if you don't know how to analyze the entire picture and think critically, so I'm all for a total overhaul in our education programs.

I wouldn't say we're the best country in the world at all. Are there great things about us and our history? Yes. However, the fact that we don't put our money to the best use, we continue to make mistakes we should have learned to fix from history, and a lot of our people will even put pride into Vietnam, Iraq, and the Confederacy just shows that we still have a lot to learn. From what Re:Magnus told me about Sweden, it seems like they're well ahead of us politically. I think it's time to examine what we are doing wrong, and to look to other countries to see what has worked for them. You could learn some excellent things about healthcare and education, especially.

 

[robvandam111]

Re: 2016 Presidential Candidates

I think there's a difference between not being politically correct and being a total ass. I'm not the biggest fan of political correctness all the time, but Trump has far surpassed that. He's turned into Joe Arpaio.

I think one of the biggest issues with our system in the United States is our education. We give it relatively no funding and you don't learn critical thinking until you get into college, and even then, it's mainly just the Humanities courses not many take. Because of that, you see politicians making huge generalizations, confusing fact and opinion, having no clue how to do research... and yet tons of Americans still love them and will agree with them.

The argument with the snowball that Re:Magnus brought up is a great example of that. Most of these "public meetings about global climate change" are held by CEOs instead of environmental scientists. That tells you something right there. I've also seen ridiculous arguments like: "capital punishment is cheaper than what we have because a bullet costs less than housing and feeding inmates for life," "if a Muslim were discriminating against gays in his store, that would be totally okay," and "facts can be disproven because people used to think the Earth was square." I see these ALL the time in comments on news articles with tons of "likes." These are mistakes you make if you don't know how to analyze the entire picture and think critically, so I'm all for a total overhaul in our education programs.

I wouldn't say we're the best country in the world at all. Are there great things about us and our history? Yes. However, the fact that we don't put our money to the best use, we continue to make mistakes we should have learned to fix from history, and a lot of our people will even put pride into Vietnam, Iraq, and the Confederacy just shows that we still have a lot to learn. From what Re:Magnus told me about Sweden, it seems like they're well ahead of us politically. I think it's time to examine what we are doing wrong, and to look to other countries to see what has worked for them. You could learn some excellent things about healthcare and education, especially.

Yeah, he's right. That's the good thing about living in the United States. We try to be as versatile as possible and examine everyone elses nature. The only problem between the two countries is that Sweden has a population of over 9 million people compared to us which is about almost half of a billion or more? Of course most of their systems will work fine over there.

 

[Taochan]

Re: 2016 Presidential Candidates

Relevant: http://www.avclub.com/article/donald-trump-or-its-always-sunnys-frank-reynoldswh-222833

 

[EnchantedDominion]

Re: 2016 Presidential Candidates

Yeah, he's right. That's the good thing about living in the United States. We try to be as versatile as possible and examine everyone elses nature. The only problem between the two countries is that Sweden has a population of over 9 million people compared to us which is about almost half of a billion or more? Of course most of their systems will work fine over there.

We have more people here making money, more people paying taxes... it could work.

Relevant: Donald Trump or It’s Always Sunny’s Frank Reynolds—who said it? · Great Job, Internet! · The A.V. Club

LOL Ya when Trump was like "I only said those things about Rosie" last night, I was like noooope.

 

[robvandam111]

Re: 2016 Presidential Candidates

We have more people here making money, more people paying taxes... it could work.



LOL Ya when Trump was like "I only said those things about Rosie" last night, I was like noooope.

If the tax system and insurances could be fixed, then precisely.

 

[OmniChaos]

Re: 2016 Presidential Candidates

It honestly doesn't matter, in my opinion, because this country isn't going to go anywhere good for its citizens until money is taken out of politics. The Republicans and the Democrats are nothing more than puppets to be used by the big companies and organizations that essentially "own" them. "We'll help get you elected, and, in turn, you help get us what we want." That sort of thing. Until that's dealt with, we're essentially trying to pick the least-stinking turd.

I lean more toward Rand Paul than anyone else, even though I don't necessarily agree with everything he says. We really don't need people like Hillary, Cruz, Bush, or Biden getting it; it'd just be more of the same bullshit we've had to put up with for well over a decade.

Then there's Trump. In all honesty, part of me does actually want to see him win. Not because of his stances on issues—most, though (admittedly) not all, of which I disagree with—but because how much he would stir things up. Plus, I could only hope, he might start a trend of more, non-politicians running for offices. Education, public health, economics, and environmental issues should be dealt with by more teachers, doctors, economists/business people, and scientists, rather than bloated, old farts who have been left to ferment in Congress and the Senate.

 

[EnchantedDominion]

Re: 2016 Presidential Candidates

Education, public health, economics, and environmental issues should be dealt with by more teachers, doctors, economists/business people, and scientists, rather than bloated, old farts who have been left to ferment in Congress and the Senate.

I agree with this and I don't agree with this. However, I think it's an excellent point. I think part of the reason that our economy has gotten so out of hand is because we let businessmen set the rules and what they can get away with. I don't think they're the best judges. Maybe economists are. Some teachers are immensely lazy and some aren't. A lot of doctors are quite against changing the healthcare system, and it's a sorry state as it is. I really can't say anything wrong about scientists handling the scientific issues. When there is a new disease out, we recognize it as a major risk and handle it immediately. If you are able to prove that pollution is rapidly changing our environment, intensifying our natural disasters, and causing our health to be at a major risk (as well as making cancer more prevalent), then that's a major risk and something should be done immediately. It shouldn't be voted on by people who have no idea. But I definitely am against the "career politician." What they're good at is public speaking, not research.

To be honest with you, I have no idea what to do about the mess. I see both pros and cons. Maybe we just have to be very selective with the "experts" and keep an eye on them. I certainly think most people in Congress have to go. I do think it's interesting thinking about this and seeing what people have to say about it.

 

[OmniChaos]

Re: 2016 Presidential Candidates

So, I was finally able to sit down and watch the Republican top 10 debate, and found it absolutely amusing that the one person to directly speak about the issue of money in politics was—of all people—Trump. He openly admitted to donating to Hillary's campaign in the past just so he could call her up and make her come to his son's (or someone's) wedding, then follows it up by pointing out that the fact that he could do that shows how broken the system is.

 

[EnchantedDominion]

Re: 2016 Presidential Candidates

So, I was finally able to sit down and watch the Republican top 10 debate, and found it absolutely amusing that the one person to directly speak about the issue of money in politics was—of all people—Trump. He openly admitted to donating to Hillary's campaign in the past just so he could call her up and make her come to his son's (or someone's) wedding, then follows it up by pointing out that the fact that he could do that shows how broken the system is.

I watched the first half of it. After awhile of dancing around the questions, I get bored. But I did find it interesting that the hosts almost seemed like they were attacking the candidates. Most of the questions were ways of criticizing them. I guess it certainly prepares them for the presidency. Trump got mad, too. He was super mad at the question about how he treats women. I just read in the news that he got disinvited to a conservative event over that one. I guess I wasn't expecting all of the attacks. I would have if it was like CNN interviewing them, but it was Fox News. They're supposed to be friends. lol

But ya. I liked that he owned up to giving money to Hillary. At least he's straight forward. Although I have to question why he wanted her at a wedding, and why he couldn't just get her phone number. Hmmmm...

Stranger things have happened. I hear Ann Coulter and Bill Maher are quite good friends.

 

[Magnus]

Re: 2016 Presidential Candidates

I'm not saying what works here in Sweden would necessarily work just as well in the US, but I'd argue that the Canadian model certainly would.

 

[robvandam111]

Re: 2016 Presidential Candidates

Here's the US Economy:

U.S. National Debt Clock : Real Time

 

[Taochan]

Re: 2016 Presidential Candidates

I'm not saying what works here in Sweden would necessarily work just as well in the US, but I'd argue that the Canadian model certainly would.

We're just hitting a recession so don't look at us right now, lol. Our sitting Prime Minister is horrible.

 

[Deleted member 36435]

Re: 2016 Presidential Candidates

Here's the US Economy:

U.S. National Debt Clock : Real Time

You need to look at the debt as a percentage of gdp.

hint: america isn't so bad comparatively

While the USA doesn't have fantastic ratio, it is far from the worst. And Trump's ability to pull himself out of bankruptcy (not that he is really that wealthy, honestly) speaks nothing of his ability to run an entire country.

The United States' budget is a complete joke and nothing Trump has said or done indicates he will work to fix that.

Trump is a clown and anyone who takes him seriously is as big of a joke as he is. He is simply leaning to extremes and running his mouth to pull in early polling numbers. This happens every year with a different a person. He is similar to Chris Christie in many ways, and Chris Christie is a terrible governor and would make an even worse President.

 

[shuyin_zer0]

Re: 2016 Presidential Candidates

We're just hitting a recession so don't look at us right now, lol. Our sitting Prime Minister is horrible.

I'm so torn as to who to vote for...none of the candidates really "speak" to me. I'm don't consider myself liberal, but Harper is a shell of a person and needs to go. lol

 

[Magnus]

Re: 2016 Presidential Candidates

We're just hitting a recession so don't look at us right now, lol. Our sitting Prime Minister is horrible.

You're still doing better as a country in general than the US though. I think Canada would be the first choice for the majority of all Europeans if they were to move to somewhere in North America

 

[EnchantedDominion]

Re: 2016 Presidential Candidates

I must admit, moving to Canada has been on my mind now for a very, very long time. xD

@Taochan - TRUMP: http://www.redstate.com/2015/08/07/i-have-disinvited-donald-trump-to-the-redstate-gathering/

 

[Taochan]

Re: 2016 Presidential Candidates

I'm so torn as to who to vote for...none of the candidates really "speak" to me. I'm don't consider myself liberal, but Harper is a shell of a person and needs to go. lol

I'm leaning towards Mulcair. I wish the Green Party had a shot in hell of winning because May was great in the debate the other night but out of the three parties, NDP is the only one that has platform that appeals to me on several topics.

Also, Trudeau seems kind of... weird. He was so jumpy in the debate and just kept going on like "Canada knows what it is and what it isn't". WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

No matter who wins, as long as it isn't Harper again, I think we'll be okay.

You're still doing better as a country in general than the US though. I think Canada would be the first choice for the majority of all Europeans if they were to move to somewhere in North America

Oh, it absolutely used to be. I have several customers where I work who are from England and Scotland, who immigrated because our country used to be really awesome. I was just discussing with one of them the other day about how things are progressively getting shittier economy/health care wise and he said he couldn't even recognize the country he used to think was so amazing.

So, if you were looking at coming here 10 years ago I would have told you to do it in a heartbeat but right now I would say wait until we can get our shit back together.

I must admit, moving to Canada has been on my mind now for a very, very long time. xD

@Taochan - TRUMP: I Have Disinvited Donald Trump to the RedState Gathering | RedState

What disturbs me the most is that people think he's a good candidate even when he makes comments like that. Even if she was attacking him, he should have some semblance of character and not retort with such a stupid comment. Ugh.

But then again, Rob Ford the mayor of Toronto (Ontario, Canada) had his approval ratings skyrocket after videos of him talking about doing crack leaked online. Sometimes people go with humor over common sense and it's kind of frightening.

 

[EnchantedDominion]

Re: 2016 Presidential Candidates

I wish the Green Party had a shot in hell of winning because May was great in the debate the other night but out of the three parties, NDP is the only one that has platform that appeals to me on several topics.

But then again, Rob Ford the mayor of Toronto (Ontario, Canada) had his approval ratings skyrocket after videos of him talking about doing crack leaked online. Sometimes people go with humor over common sense and it's kind of frightening.

I'm in the Green Party! The American one... Haha.

And ya, we made fun of Ford all the time in German class. We read the news articles in German and read what Germans had to say about him.