NationStates Jolt Archive

I'm starting to lose faith in you lot across the Pond, you know. Every time I visit these forums there's a dozen threads decrying the liberals or the conservatives or the Europeans. Does anyone over there _not_ have a hugely biased opinion? Is anyone going to try and restore my faith in the American political system, or is it so damned polarised that you'll be at each others' neck 'til kingdom come?

Another interesting couple of questions:
- Any traditional Democrat supporters going to vote Bush so that Hillary Clinton can get in in 2008? (I lessthanthree the Clintons! Hee!)
- Anyone going to abstain and/or move to Canada in despair?
- Is anyone else utterly disgusted by the inability of all interviewees on American chatshows and news programmes to answer questions properly?
- Does anyone else fancy Ann Coulter (seriously, I'm a left-wing, European homosexual, and even I find her irresistable), or am I a sad freak?
- Which news channel do you guys find to be most "fair and balanced", and which news channel is just good for a laugh?

I'm a Happy Medium Extremist. :)

Hooray! One person in 280 million people is not an ideologue! Perhaps we have a future after all. :P

- Does anyone else fancy Ann Coulter (seriously, I'm a left-wing, European homosexual, and even I find her irresistable), or am I a sad freak?


Let me put it this way: for saying that you're not not a sad freak. 'k.

Hooray! One person in 280 million people is not an ideologue! Perhaps we have a future after all. :P

It's true. I am the prototype of the Human of The Future.

If I survive Stun Gun Tag.

I think people with more moderate opinions, or less sentiments on them, generally don't bother discussing politics on the internet, seeing as without the emotional aspect they (usually, not always) do not have the motivation to do so. Which only makes them all the smarter, I guess.

This has nothing to do with "Americans". It's just the same thing in a Belgian politics forum I frequent. Only zealots punch it out on the net time and time again.

Discussions on the internet are like the Special Olympics, even if you win you're still an idiot.

Let me put it this way: for saying that you're not not a sad freak. 'k.

*Punches air*

I think it's the evil. She's so evil and Republican that you just can't resist her. It's like she's some kind of succubus.

Not everyone agrees fully with the parties on this forum. And I might add that this forum is not a good representation of American citizens. I like to think people are a lot calmer. I myself am a libertarian that tends to lean right. I try to see both sides of a debate but I probably fail at times

But I have to say that everyone is biased to their own opinions.

- Which news channel do you guys find to be most "fair and balanced", and which news channel is just good for a laugh?

The only american channel on free tv over here is Fox, and that is so republican, its practically dripping oil

The only american channel on free tv over here is Fox, and that is so republican, its practically dripping oil

I'm assuming that's sarcasm, right - ?

I'm starting to lose faith in you lot across the Pond, you know. Every time I visit these forums there's a dozen threads decrying the liberals or the conservatives or the Europeans. Does anyone over there _not_ have a hugely biased opinion? Is anyone going to try and restore my faith in the American political system, or is it so damned polarised that you'll be at each others' neck 'til kingdom come?

Another interesting couple of questions:
- Any traditional Democrat supporters going to vote Bush so that Hillary Clinton can get in in 2008? (I lessthanthree the Clintons! Hee!)
- Anyone going to abstain and/or move to Canada in despair?
- Is anyone else utterly disgusted by the inability of all interviewees on American chatshows and news programmes to answer questions properly?
- Does anyone else fancy Ann Coulter (seriously, I'm a left-wing, European homosexual, and even I find her irresistable), or am I a sad freak?
- Which news channel do you guys find to be most "fair and balanced", and which news channel is just good for a laugh?

Well, I don't belong to a political party, and I plan to move to Alaska or the Northwest Territories sometime in the future. But that's not for any political reason, so I guess it doesn't really count. As for Ann Coulter, you're most likely a sad freak, as hate is a huge turn-off for most people. But hey, whatever. There's only one news show you should ever watch: The Daily Show.

I'm assuming that's sarcasm, right - ?

Nah, I only watch Steve, Eddy (dont know how to spell it) and Brian, but all their conclusions and interpretations heavily favour bush.

I'm not that biased. I think....

The only american channel on free tv over here is Fox, and that is so republican, its practically dripping oil

Lmao! I'm going to have to quote you on that one!

We get FOX over here on Sky (it's channel five-zillion-and-something), but no-one watches it as a serious news channel. For one thing, there are _way_ too many breaks, but they don't even put adverts on during them - they just show the weather report for three minutes whilst they advertise as normal in the States. Also, they're so biased that it's something of a joke. I watch it for its high entertainment value (Bill O'Reilly is my favourite). Don't you just love it when the news reporters make every single piece of news sound sarcastic?

"And over in Iraq, another 'bomb' went off 'today'. Here's a live feed from our man on the 'spot', [whoever]. Tell me, [whoever], what's been going down at 'your' end?" [/sarcasm]

Also, I love how they treat their interviewees completely differently if they're Republicans and Democrats. They have a good laugh with Republicans, but always laugh at the Democrats. And they absolutely slay left-wingers who don't laugh along with O'Reilly, or whover. When O'Reilly interviewed Laura Bush he did his absolute best not to make her look stupid (failed! Man, is she a 'tard), but when Moore came on, he went at him with an axe.

Yup, FOX is pretty hilarious.

FOX news is hysterical. I'm a European, and i watch it just for the comedy value. (if there is nothing else on) I quite like looking for Rupert murdoch plugs as well. Advert in the Sun (prop. R Murdoch) and the Times (prop. R Murdoch) three times a week for a new program on Sky (prop. R Murdoch) done by twentieth century fox (prop. R Murdoch) etcetera directed by One of the Murdoch juniors. It cracks me up. The guy controls the world. Or at least, the right wing world.

Nah, I only watch Steve, Eddy (dont know how to spell it) and Brian, but all their conclusions and interpretations heavily favour bush.

Is that the little morning show thing?

yeah, starts here about midnight, so i think it wud be 6 or 7 ET in states.
so ud presume it was the morning show, i think its called Fox & Friends

yeah, starts here about midnight, so i think it wud be 6 or 7 ET in states.
so ud presume it was the morning show, i think its called Fox & Friends

Yeah, I know the one. I never watch it. Lot's of bilboards for it though.

laugh, Rupert Murdoch said that oil prices being eventually reduced by the opening and privatising of Iraq's oil supply was one of the positives of the Iraq war.

I think people with more moderate opinions, or less sentiments on them, generally don't bother discussing politics on the internet, seeing as without the emotional aspect they (usually, not always) do not have the motivation to do so. Which only makes them all the smarter, I guess.

This has nothing to do with "Americans". It's just the same thing in a Belgian politics forum I frequent. Only zealots punch it out on the net time and time again.
I'm going to second that. You really are only likely to hear from idealogues-non-idealogues aren't going to go out of their way to shout on an internet forum so a brit (or whatever) can hear "I DON'T HAVE A STRONG OPINION EITHER WAY," or "MEH, EITHER OR..." You're most likely to hear from someone who has a sabre to rattle.

There are non-idealogues, they're farting around in Paradise Clubs and other non-sense saying things like *FunkyTown walks in and looks around the room then orders a blah blah blah and stands on head demanding attention*

Both options can be pretty annoying, it's a matter of how you want to be annoyed. (I'm a fan of mild annoyance, some have observed that I'm at my best when mildly annoyed.)

I
There are non-idealogues, they're farting around in Paradise Clubs and other non-sense saying things like *FunkyTown walks in and looks around the room then orders a blah blah blah and stands on head demanding attention*



Hahaha. That's pretty mean though.

No, really, it's pretty mean.

Wow, now non-ideologues can be viciously stereotyped too. Is that my faith in humanity I feel draining away?

we dont get much more than a 50% voter turnout for presidential elections. most americans are utterly uninterested in politics, its what makes us great

Well, a lot of European countries have been experiencing low voter turn-outs. In Serbia-Montenegro they had to hold the Presidential election three times because the legally-required percentage of voters (50%, I believe) failed to turn out the first two times. Good times!

we dont get much more than a 50% voter turnout for presidential elections. most americans are utterly uninterested in politics, its what makes us great

"I believe that if you vote, you have no right to complain. I know a lot of people like to twist that around. 'If you don't vote, you have no right to complain'. But where's the logic in that? If you vote and corrupt politicians win and ruin the country, it's all your fault. You voted them in. You contributed to the problem. You have no right to complain! I, on the other hand... who did not vote, who did not even leave the house on Election Day... have every right to complain as loud as I want about the mess that YOU created and I had nothing to do with!" -George Carlin

Yes, or you could vote for a minor candidate (Nader springs athletically to mind, but there are plenty of others), or you could vote for the politicians that _say_ they aren't corrupt. That way, when they prove to _be_ corrupt, you don't get the blame - the voter can claim that he was misled. Such is the joy of getting off your arse and voting.

The more extreme the view the louder and more annoying the voice. Many people have at least one extreme view. Which is alright most of the time. However some people are loud and annoying all the time and stand out like an erect penis when you have to give a speech in front of the class. It’s embarrassing sometimes yes, but also quite natural and good for a laugh. So just point and laugh at them instead of losing faith in the entire country.

I do not hate anyone in this world. I love every being out there. Now if we look at our politics, I have to say that I love all the cadidates equally I just dislike politics in general. I do have my preferences to some of the issues sure, but to the people themselves, no not at all.

The truth is, is that we do not actually vote for the cadidate we only vote for the preferences of that one person(the one person that tries to conform to other peoples beliefs). Which really limits our voice into a nutshell. I have known identical twins and they still have different preferences. We all have our own preferences but when we try to throw it all into one person then it truly creates all the problems we see with hate and bickering that seems so rampant in politics. If we were real enough to accept that we are all different individuals that have the ability to be guided by God then we would find a true happiness and understanding among all. Instead we judge what one person does when that one person is not harming anyone in the process. I am accepting, understanding, loving and real. When we choose to be real with one another, we all are accepting, understanding and loving. Yes even the most hardest criminal (fake) among us could change from being someone he wishes to be back to who he really is(real).

"I believe that if you vote, you have no right to complain. I know a lot of people like to twist that around. 'If you don't vote, you have no right to complain'. But where's the logic in that? If you vote and corrupt politicians win and ruin the country, it's all your fault. You voted them in. You contributed to the problem. You have no right to complain! I, on the other hand... who did not vote, who did not even leave the house on Election Day... have every right to complain as loud as I want about the mess that YOU created and I had nothing to do with!" -George Carlin
*hangs her head in shame*

i already voted.

*hangs her head in shame*

i already voted.

:eek: It's all your fault!! :eek:

Hooray! One person in 280 million people is not an ideologue! Perhaps we have a future after all. :P

You have to remember, many of these people are young and idealistic. They have not been in the real world; therefore, their views are not well established (AKA Extreme). Evidence? Look around. How many communists are here? Or should I say "communists." (Communists. You support equality. Get rid of your computer or make it public to anyone. Help build housing for the homeless. Take most of your paycheck and use it for everyone else, leaving you little to pay for yourself.) Anyways, I rant because I have been there. I do hope that some of them calm a little and realize both sides have decent points.

As for the political world. *shrug* Both sides have their faults. I really do not care enough to elaborate.

As for myself, I can see both sides. I am a liberal, yes, but I can talk to conservatives without yelling "Fascist!" And guess what, not all conservatives are bad nor stupid! There are very intelligent people who are very conservative. There are also very stupid people who are very conservative. The same can be said for the other side.

I have a feeling I am rambling.

Vote Soviet Democracy for General Forums President!

The Common Sense Party.

:eek: It's all your fault!! :eek:

Not my fault! But this next presidential term will be. :(

You have to remember, many of these people are young and idealistic. They have not been in the real world; therefore, their views are not well established (AKA Extreme). Evidence? Look around. How many communists are here? Or should I say "communists." (Communists. You support equality. Get rid of your computer or make it public to anyone. Help build housing for the homeless. Take most of your paycheck and use it for everyone else, leaving you little to pay for yourself.) Anyways, I rant because I have been there. I do hope that some of them calm a little and realize both sides have decent points.

As for the political world. *shrug* Both sides have their faults. I really do not care enough to elaborate.

As for myself, I can see both sides. I am a liberal, yes, but I can talk to conservatives without yelling "Fascist!" And guess what, not all conservatives are bad nor stupid! There are very intelligent people who are very conservative. There are also very stupid people who are very conservative. The same can be said for the other side.

I have a feeling I am rambling.

Vote Soviet Democracy for General Forums President!

The Common Sense Party.


Bah! that's the kind of reasonable attitude that ruins these forums by allowing actually conversation.

Go to the paradise club right now.

Bah! that's the kind of reasonable attitude that ruins these forums by allowing actually conversation.

Go to the paradise club right now.

But...

But...

I hate you!

*runs away crying*

* feels embarassed and sad * :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(

* feels embarassed and sad * :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(

Do not feel sad. Laugh.

I do not know where the Paradise Club is. I have been on NationStates for a year and a half now.

Laugh at me. Do not be sad.

I am extremely against the whole Idea of extremeism. :p

Really thouhg I tend to judge any Idea or issue on its own merit, listen to all sides to any debate, and then decide which idea fits me best.

I am extremely against the whole Idea of extremeism. :p

I did not even notice the use of the word "extreme" in this statement.

A pleasure to have you here Jim.

Do not feel sad. Laugh.

I do not know where the Paradise Club is. I have been on NationStates for a year and a half now.

Laugh at me. Do not be sad.

Yeah, well to be honest, I wasn't that bothered. But I can't believe you never read a few posts in the "paradise club" out of curiosity.

Yeah, well to be honest, I wasn't that bothered. But I can't believe you never read a few posts in the "paradise club" out of curiosity.

Is it a forum?

But...

But...

I hate you!

*runs away crying*

I'd say that was cute, but I'm a homophobe.

Is it a forum?
It's a thread

Do not feel sad. Laugh.

I do not know where the Paradise Club is. I have been on NationStates for a year and a half now.

Laugh at me. Do not be sad.

There, there, Soviet Democracy. We're a very accepting bunch. Well, except for the Nazis and the KKK-members, but no-one talks to them anyway.

There, there, Soviet Democracy. We're a very accepting bunch. Well, except for the Nazis and the KKK-members, but no-one talks to them anyway.

But, even if it might be controversial, I will protect their freedoms and civil rights also.

Hahaha. That's pretty mean though.

No, really, it's pretty mean.
I was trying to poke a little fun at them, but not be mean. They do what they do and I can't say I understand it but I can't condemn it. Whatever entertains them is none of my business, I don't have to click on those threads (and I think my shoddy representation indicates I don't that often). Sorry if I needled too hard (I didn't think I did).

EDIT: I quoted the wrong person.....the one underneath that lost faith in humanity.....

What I find most disturbing is that this election is being decided by the 30second sound bite, and I wonder is it because that's our national attention span or have we become so complacient and stupid that it's all we can understand! I was angry 4 years ago at the choices the 2 major parties gave us, I'm furious now!

We appear to need to choose between:

A) The rich little village idiot and his circle of evil!

or

B) The rich little dishonorable waffle maker and his boy toy!

Wake up-they're both spoiled little rich b*stards that have never wanted for anything. They have no idea what it's like to worry about paying the mortgage or being concerned about puttin enough food on the table to feed your children. Forget the racism, sexism, theoligism and all the other ...isms. There are only two classes in this country; the haves and the have nots. There is only one color; it's green. These two have been bought by Corporate Action $$$$ and there really is no difference between them when you cut through the rhetoric.

What I find interesting is the amount of trumped garbage being run by both parties in this election and how neither candidate is really offering any solutions to the three big issues.

1-The ongoing war-are we going to end it or is this really a bid to take over Iraqi oil, does anyone have a plan that allows for the safety and dignity of us and the Iraqi people?

2-The economy-we are bleeding to death because we refuse to fight/end/resolve this war and neither candidate has addressed a solution to ending it.

3-The massive loss of hi-tech jobs overseas in all arenas as we become the global village run by massive corporations that don't give a cr*p about any of us and continue to pour huge amounts of money into the Republican and Democratic party thereby ensuring that no matter which turd becomes President we the people lose and Corporations win!!!

The issues being addressed by these candidates as I understand them are:

Kerry shot himself.

Gays shouldn't be married.

English should be our only language.

Bush never really flew an airplane.

Abortions should/should not be mandatory.

Fonts available to the IBM Selectric typewriter (this one is fascinating and I bet Dan Rather wished he had paid more attention to his IBM back in the day!)

Can Greenspan survive another President?

Kerry is on Jane Fonda's Christmas card list-no he isn't-yes he is.

Who wants the bigger Government?

Who has the cuter daughters?

And finally How much wood could a wood chuck chuck if a ......

You get the picture!

They're both turds!

Thread starter:

Look at the article that I found on my friend's blog. It prooves that went and [had Donald Rumsfelds love child before selling our Navy to his friend Prince Saud/Repeatedly visited Vietnam up until and thorugh the 1980s to personally torture veterans] (delete as appropriate).

What do you say to that, what do you say. You see it prooves that if [Bush/Kerry] are elected then the economy will collapse, we will all be killed by terrorists and there will be an ice age or something.

You see I've proved it I have a source and I am right, right now. Everyone who disagrees with my political viewpoint say I am right, and admit you will now have to vote for [Bush/Kerry].

[B] Naive innocent bystander:

Erm... I'm not sure that one follows from the other. Anyway is your friends blog really the best authority for this.

Thread Starter:

OMG, you are so F**king stupid, I'm suprised you can even breathe. Retard. I bet you're just some twelve year old punk. F**K off troll.

Naive innocent bystander:

But all I said was that... never mind

Thread Starter:

That's it I'm reporting you to the mods for flaming.

Partisan hack

WTF, your post is stupid. You proove nothing. In fact your post prooves that [Bush/Kerry] have syphilis and leprosy. Also you are drunk. Traitor. I love this country, and you hate it.

Naive innocent bystander:

WTF?

Thread Starter:

Ha! please respond to my points. You have done nothing to refute my clever arguments. You are so dumb I'm suprised you don't choke on your own vomit.

Partisan hack

Okay I've got a point right here, [Bush/Kerry] was seen taking bribes from the [iranians/saudis/crack whores]. What do you say to that, you [Nazi/Commie] piece of sh*t. And its true cos its on my friends blog. here

Naive innocent bystander:

No, really WTF?

Thread Starter:

Means nothing. First of that's a strawman, just like the wizard of oz and we all know who was behind the curtain. So you see that prooves you were wrong. Second you are assuming the conclusion and post hoc ergo propter hoc, and other things I don't really understand. OMFG you are so stupid. Were you abused as a child? Bad potty training? What is it?

Naive innocent bystander:

HAHAHA ok I get it this is a joke right. Isn't it?

Partisan hack

Bullshit, you are wrong and both sources proove it plus I know [Bush/Kerry] is a pedophile and sniffs old ladies underwear.

I've rebuted everyone of your arguments. You just can't face the truth. Admit you are wrong and vote for my candidate. If [Bush/Kerry] did that wouldn't it be okay for hitler to kill jews? Ha! so there! I am right and rule. You are a stupid abused crying twelve year old in middle school. Grow up. Your knowledge of [Law/history/bio-science/poli-sci/scripture] is pathetic please learn something before trying to debate me. You have not managed to disprove a single made up fact on my freinds Blog. Scumbag.

Naive innocent bystander:

Oh thank god. Godwin's law, it's finally over

Paradise club member

SPAM SPAM SPAM, hehehehehehehehehehehehe :mp5: :gundge:

Mod

This thread is locked. Reason: Spam, not because it was stupid and pointless.




- Pretty much that's a lot of threads. This is the readers digest version.-

Every time I visit these forums...


There's your problem. There are nice moderate people anywhere you look, but you are not going to notice them easily on any internet forum.

Take a plane over and talk to a few of us and you'll likely have a different opinion, or at least a different worry involving us.

Hehehehahahaha Muha ha ha ha ha!!!

Sorry, my "Evil American" laugh slipped out. Hmm...I need practice.

I'm starting to lose faith in you lot across the Pond, you know. Every time I visit these forums there's a dozen threads decrying the liberals or the conservatives or the Europeans. Does anyone over there _not_ have a hugely biased opinion? Is anyone going to try and restore my faith in the American political system, or is it so damned polarised that you'll be at each others' neck 'til kingdom come?

Another interesting couple of questions:
- Any traditional Democrat supporters going to vote Bush so that Hillary Clinton can get in in 2008? (I lessthanthree the Clintons! Hee!)
- Anyone going to abstain and/or move to Canada in despair?
- Is anyone else utterly disgusted by the inability of all interviewees on American chatshows and news programmes to answer questions properly?
- Does anyone else fancy Ann Coulter (seriously, I'm a left-wing, European homosexual, and even I find her irresistable), or am I a sad freak?
- Which news channel do you guys find to be most "fair and balanced", and which news channel is just good for a laugh?
lol even comedy central (our comedy network) is biased (u can tell there for Kerry) even our funnies in the news paper are political the only unbiased people are weather men and my goldfish (though i think he's for Nader) and no not all of us are biased myself i'm in the medium at the moment i'm leaning towards Bush but that could chnge and yes our system is slightly messed up. i don't like the electoral vote thing.

Only a small percentage of actual voters are hardcore partisans. Since only about 55% of eligible voters actually bother to vote (and a good many don't even bother to make themselves eligible by registering) I would say the majority of Americans are sadly not ideologues. Sadly, because in a democracy people should take a passionate interest in the ideas of their leaders.

Unfortunately, reality TV garners more passion and interest than discussions about the future of the country and the world.

Only a small percentage of actual voters are hardcore partisans. Since only about 55% of eligible voters actually bother to vote (and a good many don't even bother to make themselves eligible by registering) I would say the majority of Americans are sadly not ideologues. Sadly, because in a democracy people should take a passionate interest in the ideas of their leaders.

Unfortunately, reality TV garners more passion and interest than discussions about the future of the country and the world.

That's because people feel they have more important things to worry about than a government which often feels overly distant.

Right now I:
A) have a sandwich to eat
B) have a job to do
C) have a song to write
D) have a dump to take

Any one of these has greater direct impact on my life than being overly zealous about a partisan division because I think everyone else should feel like I do. And besides, ideologues are built upon conflict. And if America's heart attack rate is any indication we need less conflict not more. We don't need more ideologues in the US. If the actual population were anything like the forum population, I think I'd shoot myself. Repeatedly.

Oh, and on a side note, according to Putnam, political stability is achieved by spot relations and social culture (ie. bowling leagues, knitting clubs, watching reality TV with your friends), so maybe it's best that the majority of people aren't about to blow up over the latest CBS or FOX contrived stunt.

"I believe that if you vote, you have no right to complain. I know a lot of people like to twist that around. 'If you don't vote, you have no right to complain'. But where's the logic in that? If you vote and corrupt politicians win and ruin the country, it's all your fault. You voted them in. You contributed to the problem. You have no right to complain! I, on the other hand... who did not vote, who did not even leave the house on Election Day... have every right to complain as loud as I want about the mess that YOU created and I had nothing to do with!" -George Carlin

The problem is not, to vote or not to vote. The problem is that the political parties have screwed up this country so much that it is impossible to run for office unless you are rich! (Go look at how much they have spent on their campaigns) As we all know most rich people have no clue what it is like to struggle just to live from day to day! Also each canidate is "hand" picked by a select few from each party, so much for free and open elections ;)