NationStates Jolt Archive


Why do Americans claim to want small government, but...

Swimmingpool
03-04-2005, 16:55
...continuously vote for big-government political candidates?
Kervoskia
03-04-2005, 16:55
...continuously vote for big-government political candidates?
Image.
Kryozerkia
03-04-2005, 16:56
Pray tell, who will you vote for?
Kervoskia
03-04-2005, 17:00
Pray tell, who will you vote for?
I would like the vote for the LP candidate, provided that he or she is competent. I won't vote on image, but a large percentage do.
Atheistic Might
03-04-2005, 17:12
Security. The Department of Homeland Security is an example of the government getting larger, but few were against it. Americans really like feeling safe, and don't seem to care if they have to expand government to do so.
Kervoskia
03-04-2005, 17:22
This is so far my favorite thread of the day. bump
Peechland
03-04-2005, 17:24
its not like we have any good choices. ever. :rolleyes:
Refused Party Program
03-04-2005, 17:25
Security. The Department of Homeland Security is an example of the government getting larger, but few were against it. Americans really like feeling safe, and don't seem to care if they have to expand government to do so.

That should really be "Americans like to feel safe in the face of fabricated and/or extremely exaggerated threats".

Hmmm. Was that flamebait?

Maybe it was blame-fate.
Kervoskia
03-04-2005, 17:25
its not like we have any good choices. ever. :rolleyes:
Sad, but true.
Mystic Mindinao
03-04-2005, 17:27
...continuously vote for big-government political candidates?
We like large government only in certain places. Many Americans would prefer Reagan's military buildup to LBJ's Great Society, for example.
CSW
03-04-2005, 17:28
Security. The Department of Homeland Security is an example of the government getting larger, but few were against it. Americans really like feeling safe, and don't seem to care if they have to expand government to do so.
Oh yes, the department of homeland security, I feel so much safer with the TSA around :rolleyes:
12345543211
03-04-2005, 17:28
...continuously vote for big-government political candidates?

You are under arresht! Fur being a turrisht!
Ice Hockey Players
03-04-2005, 18:15
I think it can be summed up in the fact that American voters' top issue this last election was "moral values." Gee whiz, let's see...since the last election, the economy has had its ups and downs, we invaded Iraq, and we were attacked by terrorists, and people care more whether gay people can get married?

Seems to me that the American attitude toward life is this: "Go out and get a job and don't expect a handout. The government's job isn't to waste taxpayers' money on lazy people; it's to make sure you marry who we tell you and worship the right God." And before you consider this flamebaiting or trolling, I myself am American and that's sure as hell what it comes off to me.
Jello Biafra
03-04-2005, 18:20
I think it's because the small government party (Libertarian) runs candidates, who (to paraphrase my Libertarian friend) are nutcases.
Super-power
03-04-2005, 18:30
...continuously vote for big-government political candidates?
Beats me...I seriously wish the populace could realize this and vote for a true small govt candidate *sigh*
Super-power
03-04-2005, 18:30
I think it's because the small government party (Libertarian) runs candidates, who (to paraphrase my Libertarian friend) are nutcases.
Yeah, the LP is even too libertarian for me.
Audio Assault
03-04-2005, 18:32
I think the only Americans that truly want "small government" are the gun nuts and all-out anarchists. I don't feel the need to point out that both major parties in this country are full of s--t when it comes to just about anything. It's just one form of tyranny over another...
Wojcikiville
03-04-2005, 18:33
...continuously vote for big-government political candidates?

Do you even know what the two major parties of the U.S. stand for?

Republicans and Democrats have both lately favored big government ... Rep. want it in security and law enforcement, Dem. want it for welfare and social justice purposes.

Personally, I consider myself a Libertarian, but there are really only 2 candidates to choose from in our national elections .... so what are ya gonna do?
Super-power
03-04-2005, 18:41
so what are ya gonna do?
Make as much "noise" as possible to gradually detract people from the 2-party mentality.

I was the only one who advocated the LP in his history class during our election debate - I knew I was outnumbered but hey, I struck some nerves
Pencil 17
03-04-2005, 18:43
I voted that way?
Wojcikiville
03-04-2005, 18:45
Make as much "noise" as possible to gradually detract people from the 2-party mentality.

I was the only one who advocated the LP in his history class during our election debate - I knew I was outnumbered but hey, I struck some nerves

I see where you're coming from, but you gotta look at it realistically. The 2 party system isn't going to change for a long time ..... therefore, while you're waiting, it's more practical to vote for the candidate who shares at least some common ground with your own political agenda
Jello Biafra
03-04-2005, 18:47
I see where you're coming from, but you gotta look at it realistically. The 2 party system isn't going to change for a long time ..... therefore, while you're waiting, it's more practical to vote for the candidate who shares at least some common ground with your own political agenda
I see it as a combination of both. Sometimes it's good to make a statement just to make a statement, but sometimes you have to hold your nose and do just that.
Swimmingpool
03-04-2005, 18:47
I'm not American but if I was I might vote for the Libertarian party, possibly the green party (but less likely). I don't think I'd ever vote Democrat or Republican.

Do you even know what the two major parties of the U.S. stand for?
Yes, I was referring to both Dems and Reps in my original post.
Wojcikiville
03-04-2005, 18:50
I'm not American but if I was I might vote for the Libertarian party, possibly the green party (but less likely). I don't think I'd ever vote Democrat or Republican.


Yes, I was referring to both Dems and Reps in my original post.

The reason I asked was because you seemed to not realize that both parties want some kind of big government.

... you're not American, so I don't think you realize just how much of a waste your vote is if you vote outside the 2 parties, especially in national elections ..... voting for a libertarian or green president is just as effective as writing in mickey mouse on your ballot
Swimmingpool
04-04-2005, 18:57
The reason I asked was because you seemed to not realize that both parties want some kind of big government.
Make no mistake (!) I was referring to both Democrats and Republicans. And as for your attitude. If you just concede to tolerate your current system, how will you ever change it. Waiting around for someone else to do it won't help.
Roach-Busters
04-04-2005, 19:18
...continuously vote for big-government political candidates?

Republicans have no problem with big-government policies, so long as it's a Republican pursuing these policies, and not a Democrat.

Democrats have no problem with big-government policies, so long as it's a Democrat pursuing these policies, and not a Republican.

This is the sort of fucked-up politics we have in the U.S. :(
Dementedus_Yammus
04-04-2005, 19:20
...continuously vote for big-government political candidates?

1) i don't

2) i think i posted this somewhere else, but i can't remember where:

liberals want to take your money and make schools and hospitals.

conservatives want to take your money and build bombs and factories

[edit] and i agree with the post above me