Opinion: Are politicians too rich to understand us?

Ducimus · 06-12-12, 04:02 PM

http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/12/opinio...html?hpt=hp_c1

Quote:

In this age of austerity, America is run by men with wealth that could have leapt from the pages of "The Great Gatsby."

Takeda Shingen · 06-12-12, 04:05 PM

When did the civilian legislator ever have a day? Our founding fathers were the wealthy and elite of society. Virtually every elected official since that time has been the same. The illusion of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington was simply that; an illusion. The more I think of it, the 'good old days' that many pine about, whenever they may have been, were probably a lot like today. Humanity is incapable of improving his condition.

Ducimus · 06-12-12, 04:14 PM

Oh just read the article if your inclined. I thought it was a good read. I beleive the point is, none of these bastards we elect, at any level, regardless of party, have a clue as to what the everyday American thinks, needs, or wants. Their off in their own bubble somewhere in the stratosphere. George Carliln was right,

mookiemookie · 06-12-12, 04:20 PM

The only person with a chance of being elected is someone who can spend piles of money. That pretty much rules out any everyday Joe who would have a clue about things that everyday people care about.

Takeda Shingen · 06-12-12, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ducimus

Oh just read the article if your inclined. I thought it was a good read. I beleive the point is, none of these bastards we elect, at any level, regardless of party, have a clue as to what the everyday American thinks, needs, or wants. Their off in their own bubble somewhere in the stratosphere. George Carliln was right,

I did read the arcticle, Ducimus. Did you think that I was just replying off the cuff? Do you see me as impulsive?

My point is that this had always been the case. Today is no different than 50 years ago. From 100 years ago. From 1000 years ago. It is the rich and powerful that decide the fates of many. As it has been, as it is, and as it has always been. To reform humanity is to run his head into the concrete wall. You will neither succeed nor feel well enough to continue.

Ducimus · 06-12-12, 04:38 PM

*sigh* yeah i guess. Money is power, right?

Just when i couldn't get more depressed about the state of our government. "Government of the people, for the people, by the people." What a bunch of BS. And some people I know bitch at me when i tell them I don't bother to vote. This is PRECISELY why i don't. It does not matter if i do, or if i don't, end result will always, be the same.

the_tyrant · 06-12-12, 04:50 PM

Thing is, do you really think the "average joe" can run a country?

I tend to run when politicians claim to be "just like me"

do you trust me to run a country?

Sailor Steve · 06-12-12, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ducimus

This is PRECISELY why i don't. It does not matter if i do, or if i don't, end result will always, be the same.

Of course there are those who will tell you that if you don't vote you have no right to complain. I always reply that as long as they don't have a box labeled "None Of The Above" I can complain.

But something in the way you wrote that made me think. If you don't vote you can't complain that it was the other guy's fault. Of course you have it easier as well. No matter who gets elected you get to say "Don't look at me. I didn't vote for him!"

August · 06-12-12, 05:36 PM

It's just not true that being wealthy or elite is a requirement for high political office.

Abraham Lincoln was certainly not wealthy or elite, nor was Harry Truman, Andrew Jackson, US Grant, Andrew Johnson, Millard Fillmore, James Buchanan, James A. Garfield, Warren Harding, Herbert Hoover or Bill Clinton and that's just at the presidential level. The further down you go on the government ladder the more humble beginnings you will find.

Sure there tends to be more wealthy people in government but that should not surprise or disappoint anyone though. We want successful people in those positions. They are certainly better suited for the job of running a nation than, say, the folks in this forum, myself included.

I mean could you imagine a President Skybird? He'd have the nation in total anarchy within a week and this is not a slam on him because I would hardly fare any better and ditto for the rest of you too.

06-12-12, 04:20 PM	#4
mookiemookie Navy Seal Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 9,404 Downloads: 105 Uploads: 1	The only person with a chance of being elected is someone who can spend piles of money. That pretty much rules out any everyday Joe who would have a clue about things that everyday people care about. __________________ They don’t think it be like it is, but it do. Want more U-boat Kaleun portraits for your SH3 Commander Profiles? Download the SH3 Commander Portrait Pack here.

06-12-12, 04:50 PM	#7
the_tyrant Admiral Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 2,272 Downloads: 58 Uploads: 0	Thing is, do you really think the "average joe" can run a country? I tend to run when politicians claim to be "just like me" do you trust me to run a country? __________________ My own open source project on Sourceforge OTP.net KGB grade encryption for the rest of us

06-12-12, 05:36 PM	#9
August Wayfaring Stranger Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 23,197 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	It's just not true that being wealthy or elite is a requirement for high political office. Abraham Lincoln was certainly not wealthy or elite, nor was Harry Truman, Andrew Jackson, US Grant, Andrew Johnson, Millard Fillmore, James Buchanan, James A. Garfield, Warren Harding, Herbert Hoover or Bill Clinton and that's just at the presidential level. The further down you go on the government ladder the more humble beginnings you will find. Sure there tends to be more wealthy people in government but that should not surprise or disappoint anyone though. We want successful people in those positions. They are certainly better suited for the job of running a nation than, say, the folks in this forum, myself included. I mean could you imagine a President Skybird? He'd have the nation in total anarchy within a week and this is not a slam on him because I would hardly fare any better and ditto for the rest of you too. __________________ Flanked by life and the funeral pyre. Putting on a show for you to see.

06-12-12, 04:05 PM	#2
Takeda Shingen Navy Seal Join Date: Mar 2000 Posts: 8,643 Downloads: 19 Uploads: 0	When did the civilian legislator ever have a day? Our founding fathers were the wealthy and elite of society. Virtually every elected official since that time has been the same. The illusion of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington was simply that; an illusion. The more I think of it, the 'good old days' that many pine about, whenever they may have been, were probably a lot like today. Humanity is incapable of improving his condition.

06-12-12, 04:14 PM	#3
Ducimus Rear Admiral Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 12,987 Downloads: 67 Uploads: 2	Oh just read the article if your inclined. I thought it was a good read. I beleive the point is, none of these bastards we elect, at any level, regardless of party, have a clue as to what the everyday American thinks, needs, or wants. Their off in their own bubble somewhere in the stratosphere. George Carliln was right,

06-12-12, 04:38 PM	#6
Ducimus Rear Admiral Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 12,987 Downloads: 67 Uploads: 2	sigh yeah i guess. Money is power, right? Just when i couldn't get more depressed about the state of our government. "Government of the people, for the people, by the people." What a bunch of BS. And some people I know bitch at me when i tell them I don't bother to vote. This is PRECISELY why i don't. It does not matter if i do, or if i don't, end result will always, be the same.