Regarding America, the self proclaimed beacon of hope, what does it signify that front page news is the fact that a presidential candidate doesn't tow the party line? I'm battling cynicism hard here, but WTF? Our election process has become such an exercise in people trying to say exactly the same thing, but differently. Or maybe it's always been this way, and Rudy's recent stand, sort of, in pseudo-support of abortion, is just the most recent sign. It bothers me that in a country where the democratic process is worshipped second only to God (which says a lot in and of itself), that when someone actually says something slightly different from the status quo, let alone takes an actual stand on an issue, it's major news. As much as I despise the repubican party in its current incarnation, I might despise democrats more. For better or worse, at least republicans stand for something, regardless of how much I may disagree with it. Democrats, on the other hand, seemingly stand for nothing other than what republicans don't. They vehemently disagree with republican policies, yet offer no tangible alternatives.
I'd like to think people, especially Americans, aren't stupid, but as long as we continue to acquiesce to a two party system, we'll forever be contenting ourselves with the lesser of two evils. Republicans and democrats are playing the same game, and crossing their fingers that none of us will figure that out. Again, a bunch of people saying the same thing, just a little differently.
I'd love a big old sloppy, European style election right about now with a bunch of people spouting off and yelling at each other and saying ridiculous things, and counting on the intelligence of the general public to sort it all out. For someone to speak what's actually on their mind, as opposed to what they are supposed to say. Is that too much to ask for?
OK, that's my political rant for the next few months. I tend to stay away from politics on this blog, but I have my limits.
3 comments:
You poeple are really lucky that you have a two-party system.
Visit India once during election time and you will know what it is like in a multi-party system.
Each 'neta' (that is what we call our politicians) promises and never delivers and most of the others are too deep in their own shit to protest againt him.
You have your lobbying...but here in India it is actually more like luring small kids with chocolates. Oh! the mess that we call elections.
You cannot get a feel of what happens here by reading my comment. I invite you to visit next time we have a general election in India, I promise you will enjoy every boisterous moment of it.
lord jim, thanks for your comments, and for reading my blog. i would love to visit india and if it happens to be election time that will be bonus. i know we are lucky in a lot of ways but i think that makes us sacrifice and accept a lot of things just based on the idea that our system is the best. my only point is that as a country who holds itself to a higher standard, we often fall well short of that standard. in comparison to many countries, we have a much more democratic system, but the last few elections have called into question how democratic and honest our system really is...in terms of elections and honesty, we find ourselves on par with nations whose elections we routinely question...i don't think we're far off from what you describe as 'luring small kids with chocolates.' our candidates just tell people what they want to hear...people are inately the same everywhere, despite our cultural differences...i'm just frustrated that my country talks a big game but doesn't always live up to that talk...talk is cheap, as they say...again thanks for your comments and insight...in terms of elections and democracy the only place i can speak with any authority about is america, so i appreciate your point of veiw...i'll definitely check out you blog..
Amen Brother!!!
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