What is the most important political issue to you!! Short answers PLEASE!
- Thread starter blackIpod
- Start date
Universal health care.
Unless you're filthy rich--like Oprah--loss or exhaustion of your medical benefits combined with a chronic illness or catastrophic injury can put you right in the poor house.
Also, health care costs are an undue burden on U.S. companies--especially smaller ones--trying to compete in the global market against companies from almost every other wealthy nation, where universal health care is the order of the day.
Unless you're filthy rich--like Oprah--loss or exhaustion of your medical benefits combined with a chronic illness or catastrophic injury can put you right in the poor house.
Also, health care costs are an undue burden on U.S. companies--especially smaller ones--trying to compete in the global market against companies from almost every other wealthy nation, where universal health care is the order of the day.
Wealth distribution and the problems that emanate from it. CNN reported last week that gang members now out number police. The National Guard is patrolling 4 U.S. cities. It's just a matter of time before we see open warfare on the streets like in 3rd world countries. Unless...we send a very strong message in the upcoming elections but as of now OBama is the only candidate talking about the quiet riots in the inner cities.
Individual liberty. Can't really prosper sustainably without it.
Identity Theft and the use of Social Security numbers as ID. Seems to me that like Social Security fund, politicians are simply afraid to at least propose solutions to this massive problem. Also this bullshit amnisty bill the fucktards in washington are trying to force on the system.
-VG
-VG
Campaign Finance and Government Accountability. All other problems stated in this thread are as a result of those two issues. Those in office in congress and in the white house primarily serve the special interests and lobbyists who fund their political livelihood aka their campaigns. Additionally there needs to be sharper teeth in laws dealing with people who do not follow the laws of our nation at the top of government. People boldly lie to congress, twist laws for their own gain, and all types of shit and there is no long term in prison hanging over their heads.
The good of America as a whole has been subjugated to the will of an even smaller minority of Americans than it ever has been before.
The good of America as a whole has been subjugated to the will of an even smaller minority of Americans than it ever has been before.
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Hard question. I don't think I can boil it down to "The Most Important Political Issue."
I was thinking maybe:
1. The Economy - because a healthy Black people need a strong economy, but that made me think of ...
2. The War in Iraq - because its draining the economy; causing sharp cuts in government spending where its sorely needed, i.e., education, housing, etc.; and the "War" is feeding so many other foreign relations problems ... BUT the social and economic advancement of Black people is to me a priority ... BUT ...
3. Campaign Finance and Government Accountablity (see, Makkonnen post above) are very important because, as he pointed out, they affect my other concerns.
So, its hard to say whats most important. There are a lot of co-equals.
QueEx
I was thinking maybe:
1. The Economy - because a healthy Black people need a strong economy, but that made me think of ...
2. The War in Iraq - because its draining the economy; causing sharp cuts in government spending where its sorely needed, i.e., education, housing, etc.; and the "War" is feeding so many other foreign relations problems ... BUT the social and economic advancement of Black people is to me a priority ... BUT ...
3. Campaign Finance and Government Accountablity (see, Makkonnen post above) are very important because, as he pointed out, they affect my other concerns.
So, its hard to say whats most important. There are a lot of co-equals.
QueEx
Paying people a livable wage. To me all of our problems stem from that. A lot of people have two and three jobs just to stay afloat. Can't take care of their kids properly because they're always working. That's going to lead to another generation of kids raising themselves. Kats that don't work, don't bother because they know working a legit job is unlivable and has no benefits. So crime goes up.
On another tangent, vocational training for convicts so that they have viable skills when they finally get out.
On another tangent, vocational training for convicts so that they have viable skills when they finally get out.
Health insurance. Keep the poor man healthy and let the rich pay the bill.
It's a small response to the question. But i see a lot of different issues.
Wealth distribution
Wealth in America is ever evolving so your comments would point to Wealth Redistribution.
Rob Petter and give it to Paul and his cousins.
There is a lack of forced preparation for the responsible of adult hood in America.
Where in other countries young teens and adults have mandatory service in the arm forces or attendance in either a social or trade school.
In America the young are sent to high schools where learning a trade has become a second thought, then they're thrown out into adult-hood with the hopes of College.but no skills.
Many from poor communities are sent off to jail. Then later are release back into society as unskilled and under-educated adults. Which only inflates the problem, basically allowing a move violent upgraded version of the old gang member back onto the streets.
Massive government programs. At the local and federal level, through government agencies throw vast amount of monies, At the problems cause by an education system overloaded and focused on and using the wrong tools, to help produce educated and responsible adults.
Wealth distribution has been applied or misapplied while our streets become more dangerous.
This country has an inner-soul that is capitalistic, yes it's not true capitalism,
but it's not even close to an ideology that would allow Wealth Redistribution.
It's difficult but not hard to become independently wealthy in America compared to most countries in the world.
In fact good-timing, Intelligence, persistence, luck, hard-work and investors is all you need.
In other place wealth for the most part is inherited an is difficult to independently legally archive.
Giving more money to the poor does not free them from poverty but makes them more dependent on government services...
Wealth distribution
Wealth in America is ever evolving so your comments would point to Wealth Redistribution.
Rob Petter and give it to Paul and his cousins.
There is a lack of forced preparation for the responsible of adult hood in America.
Where in other countries young teens and adults have mandatory service in the arm forces or attendance in either a social or trade school.
In America the young are sent to high schools where learning a trade has become a second thought, then they're thrown out into adult-hood with the hopes of College.but no skills.
Many from poor communities are sent off to jail. Then later are release back into society as unskilled and under-educated adults. Which only inflates the problem, basically allowing a move violent upgraded version of the old gang member back onto the streets.
Massive government programs. At the local and federal level, through government agencies throw vast amount of monies, At the problems cause by an education system overloaded and focused on and using the wrong tools, to help produce educated and responsible adults.
Wealth distribution has been applied or misapplied while our streets become more dangerous.
This country has an inner-soul that is capitalistic, yes it's not true capitalism,
but it's not even close to an ideology that would allow Wealth Redistribution.
It's difficult but not hard to become independently wealthy in America compared to most countries in the world.
In fact good-timing, Intelligence, persistence, luck, hard-work and investors is all you need.
In other place wealth for the most part is inherited an is difficult to independently legally archive.
Giving more money to the poor does not free them from poverty but makes them more dependent on government services...
Campaign Finance
Campaign Financing by Government only cutting out all private donations?
Or More caps and restriction to the laws already implemented?
What about the supreme courts trends of over ruling caps and restrictions placed in newer Campaign Finance laws.
The court has repeatedly sided with the Idea that Campaign Financing laws that caps and restrict, violate Constitutionally protected access to free speech.
Campaign Financing by Government only cutting out all private donations?
Or More caps and restriction to the laws already implemented?
What about the supreme courts trends of over ruling caps and restrictions placed in newer Campaign Finance laws.
The court has repeatedly sided with the Idea that Campaign Financing laws that caps and restrict, violate Constitutionally protected access to free speech.
Government Accountability:
How many more laws on this subject do we need?
Constitutional resections and ethical restriction that punish outrageous actions with fines and prison time are in place.
The meaning of the words Government Accountability, Is not as clear as it my sound.
The Government is WE THE PEOPLE right? Not really!
As a democratic republic we elect our representatives.
After they are elected they can do as they please until, the next election cycle.
That statement may come across as being atrocious or simplistic but is what the founding father kind of wanted.
The checks and balances which keeps our representatives some what humbled individuals are simple. Do as the majority in your constituency say or end up Unemployed.
Be found to have broken any constitutional resections or ethical rules. You will either go to prison or fine your career in politics to be over.
Examples are:
James Traficant, in jail. B1 Bob Dornan career in politics over.
Here is a link to current members of the congress under investigation for what ever reasons.
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Category:Members_of_Congress_under_investigation
I haven't even address the following: Bureaucrats and Political Appointees.
Nor the exceptions to these rules like Bill Clinton.
It's up to We The People, to keep an ever watchful eye on our government.
and Vote the Bums out of office.
No amount of laws will add up to Government Accountability.
Term Limits, which I'm a big fan of, to a point could manage or minimize the amount of damage done, but not eliminate the problem.
How many more laws on this subject do we need?
Constitutional resections and ethical restriction that punish outrageous actions with fines and prison time are in place.
The meaning of the words Government Accountability, Is not as clear as it my sound.
The Government is WE THE PEOPLE right? Not really!
As a democratic republic we elect our representatives.
After they are elected they can do as they please until, the next election cycle.
That statement may come across as being atrocious or simplistic but is what the founding father kind of wanted.
The checks and balances which keeps our representatives some what humbled individuals are simple. Do as the majority in your constituency say or end up Unemployed.
Be found to have broken any constitutional resections or ethical rules. You will either go to prison or fine your career in politics to be over.
Examples are:
James Traficant, in jail. B1 Bob Dornan career in politics over.
Here is a link to current members of the congress under investigation for what ever reasons.
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Category:Members_of_Congress_under_investigation
I haven't even address the following: Bureaucrats and Political Appointees.
Nor the exceptions to these rules like Bill Clinton.
It's up to We The People, to keep an ever watchful eye on our government.
and Vote the Bums out of office.
No amount of laws will add up to Government Accountability.
Term Limits, which I'm a big fan of, to a point could manage or minimize the amount of damage done, but not eliminate the problem.
Immigration or Illegal Immigrants
We may have 12million to 20 million illegal Immigrants in the US.
Many pay local and federal taxes
Most obey none Immigration laws and most have children born here in the US.
Amnesty or deportation are the black and white solutions, that some on the left and the right have stated would solve the problem.
The bill in congress is a hybrid of both. A compromise which imposes fines and a form of mandatory repatriation. Both guest works and former illegals would have to
leave get there papers in order.to return.
As an immigrant to the Unites States, at the age or 9 I become a citizen.
A a conservative, I fine it had to come to terms with this bill on a fairness and legal level.Where it took my parents years to gain access. Millions, who simply ignored the rule of law, will obtain access, without wait and minimal penalty.
The alternatives to this bill can not be implemented without great sadness
Your evening news would be filled with police and INS agent riping children from the arms of fathers and mothers as the parents are set on a path to deportation.
I don't think the American public would accept that nor will it continue to accept
conditions as they are now.
We may have 12million to 20 million illegal Immigrants in the US.
Many pay local and federal taxes
Most obey none Immigration laws and most have children born here in the US.
Amnesty or deportation are the black and white solutions, that some on the left and the right have stated would solve the problem.
The bill in congress is a hybrid of both. A compromise which imposes fines and a form of mandatory repatriation. Both guest works and former illegals would have to
leave get there papers in order.to return.
As an immigrant to the Unites States, at the age or 9 I become a citizen.
A a conservative, I fine it had to come to terms with this bill on a fairness and legal level.Where it took my parents years to gain access. Millions, who simply ignored the rule of law, will obtain access, without wait and minimal penalty.
The alternatives to this bill can not be implemented without great sadness
Your evening news would be filled with police and INS agent riping children from the arms of fathers and mothers as the parents are set on a path to deportation.
I don't think the American public would accept that nor will it continue to accept
conditions as they are now.
Identity Theft and the use of Social Security numbers as ID
Big time problem, complicated by the WEB & Illegal Immigration.
To employers, banks, Insurance companies and Law enforcement your SSN has become and important tracking tool.
You've become a digit in their database systems.
This makes stealing your Identity a simple task.
Digging through the average Americans trash. I can obtain enough information, that in a few short weeks I can have a credit card in someones name mailed off to me. I can then use said card as I please.
Thieves have even more simplistic ways of stealing your Identity. They do it over the phone or email and people hand their information right over.
Moving away for SSN as a form of ID would be like moving from Cassette Tape to mp3 player. It can be done but what would replace the system?
Wouldn't any type of fix infringe on Individual liberties?
I'm under the impression that this is a problem that can't be solved but controlled.
Big time problem, complicated by the WEB & Illegal Immigration.
To employers, banks, Insurance companies and Law enforcement your SSN has become and important tracking tool.
You've become a digit in their database systems.
This makes stealing your Identity a simple task.
Digging through the average Americans trash. I can obtain enough information, that in a few short weeks I can have a credit card in someones name mailed off to me. I can then use said card as I please.
Thieves have even more simplistic ways of stealing your Identity. They do it over the phone or email and people hand their information right over.
Moving away for SSN as a form of ID would be like moving from Cassette Tape to mp3 player. It can be done but what would replace the system?
Wouldn't any type of fix infringe on Individual liberties?
I'm under the impression that this is a problem that can't be solved but controlled.
Individual liberties
This is a modern ideology when it come to human cultures
In the past we lived in tribes or under serfdom
The constitution hold the values of personal liberties (The Bill of Rights) but at the same time it place restrictions on the them..
In modern day western society many take Individual liberties for granted, others take them too serious and damn access to even greater levels.
In America we try to find a balance between the government and Individual liberty.
In Prison some inmate wants to pray to a chicken. Sound strange but it's religious freedom right? Homosexuals want to have access to legally recognized marriage. Are they granted access by the constitution?
The American Patriot Act.To some it protects and to others it Infringes on personal liberties.
The struggle here is what levels of Individual liberties desired by an Individual would him or her be allowed to have access to, and how will that effect the society as a whole.
As a society grants more individuals access to more levels of liberties it can begins to fracture and divide. It can break down into lawlessness and even civil-war.
So we have a balancing act to perform, iIn search of an appropriate level.
This is a modern ideology when it come to human cultures
In the past we lived in tribes or under serfdom
The constitution hold the values of personal liberties (The Bill of Rights) but at the same time it place restrictions on the them..
In modern day western society many take Individual liberties for granted, others take them too serious and damn access to even greater levels.
In America we try to find a balance between the government and Individual liberty.
In Prison some inmate wants to pray to a chicken. Sound strange but it's religious freedom right? Homosexuals want to have access to legally recognized marriage. Are they granted access by the constitution?
The American Patriot Act.To some it protects and to others it Infringes on personal liberties.
The struggle here is what levels of Individual liberties desired by an Individual would him or her be allowed to have access to, and how will that effect the society as a whole.
As a society grants more individuals access to more levels of liberties it can begins to fracture and divide. It can break down into lawlessness and even civil-war.
So we have a balancing act to perform, iIn search of an appropriate level.
Universal Health-Care
Universal health care never will or should never be adapted in the United States.
If the current system is full of mismanagement and out right fraud
What would a government ran program look like?
Who is going to to pay for it is my next Question?
What will happen to primary care?
Will doctors be able to practice privately?
Who will compensate the Health-Care business and Insurances industry for lost of business?"
In Western Europe and Canada the populations are small and healthier.
Even as the World Health Organization gives the French system top rating.
The system can't keep up in services, outside any big French city if you run into a French doctor please yes hello for me.
In Canada the wait for care can cost you your life.The system is losing doctors to America by the truck or bus load.
Britain's health-care system has bee successfully ran on long waiting times and old equipment. It's a matter of a luck of Investments in training and equipment.
The system also suffers from.questionably doctoring.
From the Dutch and German (which i have not commented on) to the British these system, survive on heavy taxation and service relatively healthy populations.
They do not have the burden of managing and providing services to some 300 million plus persons.
.
With small populations to supple health service with. These systems. at their best struggle to keep up with the ever growing demand for care.
Universal health care never will or should never be adapted in the United States.
If the current system is full of mismanagement and out right fraud
What would a government ran program look like?
Who is going to to pay for it is my next Question?
What will happen to primary care?
Will doctors be able to practice privately?
Who will compensate the Health-Care business and Insurances industry for lost of business?"
In Western Europe and Canada the populations are small and healthier.
Even as the World Health Organization gives the French system top rating.
The system can't keep up in services, outside any big French city if you run into a French doctor please yes hello for me.
In Canada the wait for care can cost you your life.The system is losing doctors to America by the truck or bus load.
Britain's health-care system has bee successfully ran on long waiting times and old equipment. It's a matter of a luck of Investments in training and equipment.
The system also suffers from.questionably doctoring.
From the Dutch and German (which i have not commented on) to the British these system, survive on heavy taxation and service relatively healthy populations.
They do not have the burden of managing and providing services to some 300 million plus persons.
.
With small populations to supple health service with. These systems. at their best struggle to keep up with the ever growing demand for care.
Another issue is this fucked up two party system. The number of Independents in congress is in the single digits or the low teens. Democrat or Republican, we end up with the same "look over here!" with one hand while the other hand is in our pocket. Meanwhile people believe vote for an Independant is a wasted vote. If people started voting with their feet shit would change.
People have got to mobilize and take back their country. Waiting for government or big business to govern themselves is nonsense. It's silly to think that a government organized to protect the interest of rich white men [i.e big business] is going to suddenly find a heart and start doing the right thing. The only time things change is when people take it to the streets and start tearing shit up.
There are many other political parties in America. Most of the time, the few indivisibles from these parties that are elected to congress change party affiliations or state none.
Now picture a congress with member from the socialist party, green party and people from the labor party, mixed that in with democrats or republicans.
My questions it's what would a 3 or 5 party congress accomplish?
This new congress has been in power almost a full 6 months and what have they done?????
It takes time for groups to compromise. And we Americans have shown little interest in or patients for the coalition or federation methods or governing.
It's not there has never been other political parties in power in congress.
Here is blog I check out even now and then, http://www.poliblogger.com/?p=12093 that has some interesting things to say on the topic.
Now picture a congress with member from the socialist party, green party and people from the labor party, mixed that in with democrats or republicans.
My questions it's what would a 3 or 5 party congress accomplish?
This new congress has been in power almost a full 6 months and what have they done?????
It takes time for groups to compromise. And we Americans have shown little interest in or patients for the coalition or federation methods or governing.
It's not there has never been other political parties in power in congress.
Here is blog I check out even now and then, http://www.poliblogger.com/?p=12093 that has some interesting things to say on the topic.
Good Topic...I concur about the issue of government accountability...In the military we always are accountable for stuff we do whether major or minor but our employers who give us said orders dont have to be accountable for their actions until election time...bullshit...And let me say that its not just on the federal level, look at the state and municipal levels as well...I cant even begin to explain how much people have complained about how their state government or local municipality has been mismanaged to outright ran poorly...Its rediculous...
As far as the whole illegal immigration issue is concerned, Im impartial...When me and some of the white guys I work with talk about the topic of amnesty for illegal immigrants, you should see how fired up they get about the subject...And I always tell them "your white forefathers robbed, stole, and killed to get this land and if the government (which is predominantly white) wants to free willingly give it to mexico then Ill go out, learn spanish, set up business ventures with the hispanic community and laugh my ass all the way to the bank....Shit its the white mans land to lose and if they dont mind having most of central america impede on it then hey they cant blame the black man this time...
As far as the whole illegal immigration issue is concerned, Im impartial...When me and some of the white guys I work with talk about the topic of amnesty for illegal immigrants, you should see how fired up they get about the subject...And I always tell them "your white forefathers robbed, stole, and killed to get this land and if the government (which is predominantly white) wants to free willingly give it to mexico then Ill go out, learn spanish, set up business ventures with the hispanic community and laugh my ass all the way to the bank....Shit its the white mans land to lose and if they dont mind having most of central america impede on it then hey they cant blame the black man this time...
Out-sourcing of Jobs. - its eliminating the middle class If we dont do something about that this country is done for.
cuz theyre concerned with the superficial while ignoring the root causes
Ending the war on drugs.
I would.
Corporate/big business domination of our government and society. Its as if they think there is a book in the Bible and an amendment in the Constitution granting big business control of our minds, bodies and souls. I am also pissed off that the typical American cannot recognize this. Now i am not anti big business per say, but they are not required to be citizens, but they have all the rights of individual citizens.
