NationStates Jolt Archive

I know I'm not.

I'm certainly not and, while I'm far from sure that I'll be satisfied with the next one, at this point I'm willing to give anything a shot.

A yes from Canada.

A little confused. I am satisfied with the national leader, but I don't like him. Which question should I answer? I answered about liking him, but I really think the poll should be clearer.

A yes from Canada.

I'd love to visit Canada. I heard Canadians are extremely polite and friendly people. Did you know your country is the second or third (I don't remember which) least corrupt nation in the world? (Denmark is the first)

A little confused. I am satisfied with the national leader, but I don't like him. Which question should I answer? I answered about liking him, but I really think the poll should be clearer.

Sorry about that. You should answer 'yes.'

A no from the UK.

A yes from the states.

I'm certainly not and, while I'm far from sure that I'll be satisfied with the next one, at this point I'm willing to give anything a shot.

If you're from the US, I second that opinion.

Wow, sucks to be you guys. We have a great Prime Minister in these parts.

I will never be satisfied with any government.

I don't like anybody, so the answer should be obvious.

Mixed feelings.

Our PM isn't doing as well as she can and should be, but the leader of the opposition is a dipshit so I'd rather stick with what we have atm. I'll probably vote Greens in the next election anyway (which isn't a wasted vote here).

Wow, sucks to be you guys. We have a great Prime Minister in these parts.

Where?

hey monkeypimp, i thought you were australian? Guess not though. I like the PM but i will be voting green anyway because that is the most responsible option.

Where?

the land of the long white cloud of course. Aotearoa.

hey monkeypimp, i thought you were australian? Guess not though. I like the PM but i will be voting green anyway because that is the most responsible option.


ewwwwww no.

I'm from Wellington..

We don't have a National leader, we have Bush's puppet, so a resounding NO. (And if you can't guess where I am....get out more for god's sake)

A no from Germany. But thats because of national issues and mass unemployment. The alternative is just as bad (CDU instead of SPD) so I give my vote to someone unknown all the time or the communists.

I am glad that our chancellor didnt join in the aggression and looting of Iraq.

Yes, I like President Bush and am overall satisfied with his performance as President. I do have some issues with his economic policies and infringement upon States' Rights, but not enough to sway my vote to a 3rd party this election. IF the Constitution Party weren't opposed to the War I would consider voting for them.

A big NO from the UK, if you mean our Head of Government PM Tony Blair.

If you mean our Head of State Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, then yeah she's cool.

Leyneir, I agree on the Constitution Party


The Constitution Party is the only party which is completely pro-life, anti-homosexual rights, pro-American sovereignty, anti-globalist, anti-free trade, anti-deindustrialization, anti-unchecked immigration, pro-second amendment, and against the constantly increasing expansion of unlawful police laws, in favor of a strong national defense and opposed to unconstitutional interventionism.


I am not sure I fully understand the anti-free trade part. I don't think there is anything wrong with trading with other nations. If someone could explain this free trade stuff to me, I would be appreciative.

I am all for Pro Life, Anti homosexual rights as far as marriage, Pro American sovereignty. I am iffy on 2nd amendment rights, as I don't think assualt weapons are needed for hunting duck and quail and deer.

Bush meets most of my world view, except on the unchecked border thing. With Homeland Security Dept being created, why does he think leaving the borders wide open is a good and safe thing?

THe guy's name is Chirac ...
So it's pretty easy to guess what my answer is ...
ANd yes, I did vote for him, didn't have the choice, really ...
We had the good, the bad and the ugly at the last election, somehow only the bad and the ugly made it to the second turn . HAd to vote for the bad, really :/

A no from Germany to the Schröder government, especially because of its bad foreign policy. It also failed to push for economic reforms - although it is doing some steps now - which are of course unpopular but are steps in the right direction (deregulation, cutting social spending, unemployment support, e.g.). And yes I support the conservative opposition. I would go with the chair woman of the CDU Dr. Angla Merkel. My personal favorite is the prime minister of Saarland Dr. Peter Müller, though.
Anyway: I hope for "regime" change in Germany in 2006.

THe guy's name is Chirac ...
So it's pretty easy to guess what my answer is ...
ANd yes, I did vote for him, didn't have the choice, really ...
We had the good, the bad and the ugly at the last election, somehow only the bad and the ugly made it to the second turn . HAd to vote for the bad, really :/
Who was the good?????? Well you don´t mean Lionel Jospin, do you???
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
The most leftist head of government in Europe, oh no, no, no.

Fortunately the French conservatives made it. It would now be time for them to push for more reforms and especially to repeal the 35 hour-work week.
Longer work for the same money means more competetivness for European economies. That´s also the development in Germany. But in contrast to France there is at least in that field not such a stupid law standing in the way.

A no from America, and from California at that. Big surprise there.

by Kybernetia
Fortunately the French conservatives made it. It would now be time for them to push for more reforms and especially to repeal the 35 hour-work week.
Longer work for the same money means more competetivness for European economies. That´s also the development in Germany.


I would love to only have to work 35 hours a week. But my job is 40 hrs per week, and at times I have to work longer (get paid 1.5 times regular hourly wage) to get things done, but must have approval from my supervisor to do that. I have heard most Europeans take lots more vacations than us Americans. And that Americans work longer days typically and take less time for lunches. Is that true?

Typical work day for me is 8-9 hrs and 45 minute lunch unpaid break
and 2 15minute breaks paid.

Typical AMerican student, 6 1 hour classes and 45 minute lunch break, some also give 1 hour of study hall. My highschool didn't have the study hour but that was 20 years ago. Things might have changed.

It's all work work work. School, study, school. At least the average kid goes through this schedule. The dropouts don't. And there are those that have parents that send their kids to private boarding schools, but none of my friends did that. I grew up in a middle class working family. Everyone got a job by age 16. I had to buy my own clothes, my own hygiene products, and some of my own food, all the while living at home. My dad was out of work because of disability. Didn't get any pay for that. So what you hear about Social Security and government aid is not true for all working class families. You have to be making minimum and have 3 kids and be in debt up to your eyeballs to be considered poor here.

Mixed Feelings from Canada.

Actually, I don't like Paul Martin, but he beats Stephen Harper by a long shot. Also, if the byelections in Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre and Palliser are called, then the NDP has a chance of forming a coalition with the Liberals, something that would never happen under the Conservatives.

I'd still like to see an NDP government with a Green opposition. But I know that's a dream.

What is the Green Party in Canada? If it isn't liberal or conservative, what is it? Libertarian, Centrist?

Bare with me, I am American and know next to nothing about the structure of other country's governments and political parties.

The Green Party is leftist. They claim to take people from all over the political spectrum.

The Canadian political spectrum looks like this.

NDP.......Green...........Bloc...........Liberals..................Conservatives

Mixed Feelings from Canada.

Actually, I don't like Paul Martin, but he beats Stephen Harper by a long shot. Also, if the byelections in Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre and Palliser are called, then the NDP has a chance of forming a coalition with the Liberals, something that would never happen under the Conservatives.

I'd still like to see an NDP government with a Green opposition. But I know that's a dream.
Byelection or recounts?

Byelection. Apparently some farmers voted in Palliser when they were supposed to vote in Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre.

I'd love to visit Canada. I heard Canadians are extremely polite and friendly people. Did you know your country is the second or third (I don't remember which) least corrupt nation in the world? (Denmark is the first)
A big YES from Canada!!

Come on up!! We will dispel those myths for you....... j/k :)

I have always enjoyed my visits to the US....just don't like the current adminstration led by Bush.

I can't believe that we're the second or third least corrupt nation. Imagine how bad those other nations must be!

Byelection. Apparently some farmers voted in Palliser when they were supposed to vote in Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre.
How could that possibly happen?

Were the election results close in both those ridings?

Could the NDP win a seat in either one?

The NDP could possibly win Palliser. Lumsden, not a chance. The NDP came in 3rd there.

I can't believe that we're the second or third least corrupt nation. Imagine how bad those other nations must be!
I have never heard of such a rating system before. Perhaps it is in reference to the Human Development Index whereby we were ranked 4th best country in which to live?

http://hdr.undp.org/statistics/data/indic/indic_12_1_1.html

The NDP could possibly win Palliser. Lumsden, not a chance. The NDP came in 3rd there.
Well I hope the NDP pull it off. Liberal + NDP = magic number!!

I voted no--which is no surprise to anyone who knows me or my posting habits--but what might surprise you is that I've never been satisfied and never will be satisfied with my natioonal leaders, because I always believe there's room for improvement in one's country.

A big no from Australia. John Howard is a lying bastard who has his head so far up Bush's arse he can swallow his food

A "not sure" from the UK. However, the alternative is a sleazy party who hasn't learnt why they were kicked out last time. More the to point, the opposition leader is so good in opposition it would be a shame to waste him in government!

A big no from Australia. John Howard is a lying bastard who has his head so far up Bush's arse he can swallow his food

Seconded. And, if my other personalities are allowed to join in, thirded and fourth-ed too.

I swear, John Howard is about 2 chromosomes away from frogs and newts, he's so slimy *shudder*

Yes, our Prime Minister has done a great job during his current term and I look forward to him continuing on after the next election.

A big no from Australia. John Howard is a lying bastard who has his head so far up Bush's arse he can swallow his food

As opposed to that bastion to principles Mark Latham.... :rolleyes: or worse... Bob Brown :sniper:

A gigantic, loud, booming, thunderous NO through a bullhorn in the US.

A "maybe" from Britain: While I dislike Blair for Iraq and university top up fees he is putting more money in to the health service and education, which is better than the conservatives would manage.

A yes from Canada.
;) must've voted Liberal then...

I have mixzed feelings about Martin because while I didn't vote for him because he's a lying-two-faced-asshole, he has done some good for the nation and, his party paired up with the NDP could do some good for the country.

Yes, our Prime Minister has done a great job during his current term and I look forward to him continuing on after the next election.

Well, I must admit I'm biased because I'm heading off to University next year, and am fucking disgusted by the fact that at the rate things are going, only the wealthy will be able to get educations here. Grrrrr.

Then again, I'm not an avid supporter of any of the other candidates (hey, I'm 17, give me a couple of years :p). I just know that it's going to be tough enough affording Uni as it is, without full-fee paying students getting a leg up (bastards that they are).

Also, I've been opposed to the war in Iraq since the word go (or rather, the words "Weapons of Mass Destruction"), so it'd be rather hard for me to support Howard.

I swear, John Howard is about 2 chromosomes away from frogs and newts, he's so slimy *shudder*

Surely better than that nutter Paul Keating you had a few years back?

- A Pommie B'stard, watching from afar! :-)

A definite yes from another Canadian. Quite happy.

Surely better than that nutter Paul Keating you had a few years back?

*resounding yes from here*

I would love to only have to work 35 hours a week. But my job is 40 hrs per week, and at times I have to work longer (get paid 1.5 times regular hourly wage) to get things done, but must have approval from my supervisor to do that. I have heard most Europeans take lots more vacations than us Americans. And that Americans work longer days typically and take less time for lunches. Is that true?
Typical work day for me is 8-9 hrs and 45 minute lunch unpaid break

Well: in Europe the situation differs from country to country. In Germany also from sector to sector. Working hours are 35-40 hours per week, on average 38 hours.
That makes an 7-8 hour work day and a five-day week.
Additional hours have to be paid according to the law at least as much as the normal hours. Due to the strong unions they are usually paid better: 20-50% additional.
The holidays in Germany are longer: the law requires four weeks per year for holidays. Due to the strong unions however it is often up till six weeks.
There are also some free days: like Christmas, National Day, May day, e.g. which are work free.
That number however differs from the region you are living. In catholic dominated South German states it is up to 14 free days (Bavaria), in protestant North German states there are only 4 free days. The central and east German states have numbers somewhere in between.
Currently companies increase working hours (by keeping the same pay) to increase competetivness in the global market.
The German states have all agreed to order their employees to work 2 hours more - to 42 hours - without receiving more pay. That is due to decrease the costs of the public sector and to keep the national dept in controll which was last year above 4% of the GDP and may even only slightly lower ( a little less than 4% of the GDP) this year. So: depth is a big problem here as well.
And unemployment of course: It is 10% on average an almost 20% in East Germany.

What does this prove? It proves people like to bitch and aren't satisfied with anything.

A HUGE no from me. I hate Paul Martin...

I live in Canada... Paul Martin is the current Prime Minister (minority at least), and he's a Liberal as well....

He still hasn't been in office too long, so he hasn't done much yet this term, however, in the few months before the election after he took power, the entire sponsorship scandal thing, his absolutely pathetic performance in the debates, he would make Kerry look like an amateur at flip flopping on stuff....

Of course I'm probably biased since I supported Stephen Harper.... and I helped with the CPC party in my riding during the election...

I'm certainly not happy with my country's leader (Bush). The problem with our upcoming election is the other candidate doesn’t look too great either (Kerry). It's a shame that our independent candidate (Nader) is being supported by the republicans to divvy the liberal votes, so the conservatives can vote the oil corporation's puppet back into office. I never thought I'd be reminiscent of Clinton's campaign.

my leader (http://www.tomaatnet.nl/~hannemannn/balkenende.jpg), or was this one (http://www2.neweb.ne.jp/wc/silver-owl/monologue/book/photo/harry%20potter-03.jpg) my leader? :confused:

Well, I must admit I'm biased because I'm heading off to University next year, and am fucking disgusted by the fact that at the rate things are going, only the wealthy will be able to get educations here. Grrrrr.

Then again, I'm not an avid supporter of any of the other candidates (hey, I'm 17, give me a couple of years :p). I just know that it's going to be tough enough affording Uni as it is, without full-fee paying students getting a leg up (bastards that they are).

Also, I've been opposed to the war in Iraq since the word go (or rather, the words "Weapons of Mass Destruction"), so it'd be rather hard for me to support Howard.

Well I have supported the actions in Iraq from day one. WMD or no WMD it gets rid of Saddam and that one less tyrant in the world..but thats another thread.
As far as tertiary education goes...guess what, I had to pay for mine. Been paying it off for nearly 10 years. The world doesn't owe you a free ride. If they open a few places up to the highest bidder then nothing has changed. Overseas students have been doing it for years and the use of "irregular enrolments" has pretty much enabled those with the cash to go and do the courses they want. Its not right, but it is hardly a Howard-specific problem. Universities are left to fend for themselves financially and they will do what they need to generate the money required by way of higher fees and increasing numbers of students who pay up front.

I think Howard has done a good job in difficult times. He has shown strength, leadership and resolve. While his opponents change policy more often than they change their undrwear Howard has remained committed to what he set out to achieve. 4 years of Latham and Labor will be a disaster for Australia and I am not willing for them to be given the opportunity to bugger the nation up like the previous Labor governments.

Being an American, there's a big NO. I don't like President Bush. He went to war for reasons that can't really be proven(no one found any wmd Dubya, but at least you found Saddam), he also turned our economy from a surplus to a defecit, alienated the international community. There's more but I'll stop with that.