Comments on Sultan Knish: A Nation of Independent Voters

Well I would hope they go back to their roots, the...

2009-06-26T11:49:39.863-04:00

Well I would hope they go back to their roots, the nationalists in India have been very active before, but the economy is likely to be the big factor now

It seems there might be a world-wide leftwing move...

2009-06-26T11:35:13.394-04:00

It seems there might be a world-wide leftwing movement in response to globalization and excesses of the multinationals across the globe. Growth in population and poverty might be a factor too. Recently in India the right-wing, Hindu-inspired Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) failed to unseat the Left of Center Congress Party (an agglomeration of unions, Muslims, academia, students, socialists etc.)
The BJP was assailed in similar terms as the GOP. Namely that it lost its voice, way and vision. It chose to ape the Left rather than stand up and against, and offer a cogent idea.
Something to think about, in the interest of progress as well as sanity.

"...while moderate socialism is preferable to radi...

2009-06-23T14:07:47.632-04:00

"...while moderate socialism is preferable to radical socialism, in the same way that a merely angry doberman is preferable to a rabid doberman, it raises the question of whose interests the Republican party actually represents."

Sadly so. And the fact that we aren't hearing this more (ok, I've actually seldom heard it, and never articulated so well) means it's not enough of a concern to them, which is not a good sign.

Yes!

2009-06-21T18:50:31.302-04:00

Yes!

You're right, too. We're supposed to a a governmen...

2009-06-21T13:59:22.255-04:00

You're right, too. We're supposed to a a government of the people, by the people and for the people.

It hasn't been that in years.

Anonymous 1 is correct. As Glenn Beck likes to say...

2009-06-21T10:08:24.788-04:00

Anonymous 1 is correct. As Glenn Beck likes to say about the parties it is progressive light (Rep) and progressive (Dems). Same way with socialism.... neither one describes me. I just want sonme in DC who really represents we the people.

I use to say that the only way to change dc is to move lock stock annd barrel...nevr were truer words said!

Anonymous #2 12:30 AM (sorry, don't know your name...

2009-06-21T04:48:44.215-04:00

Anonymous #2 12:30 AM (sorry, don't know your name) is right about the analogy between the US and the Roman Empire. It is fascinating, really.

The Republican party has indeed become something of a branch of the Democratic party.

To make any inroads with voters in the next election the Reuplicans still must confront an enduring perception problem--that it is the party of the rich and elite.

Somehow they must reach out to the lower middle class and working class.

Thank you for an excellent post. An observation I...

2009-06-21T03:56:48.970-04:00

Thank you for an excellent post. An observation I have is that elites seldom willingly surrender power to those whom they consider of less stature. This can be seen in Iran this weekend, or America in 1776. Also, how many people are really dissatisfied - not enough is my guesstimate. Sudden abject poverty and dissatisfaction would be a great blessing for this country, correcting the many insane policies the government has adopted.

By the way, while it is somewhat problematic to ma...

2009-06-21T00:30:37.178-04:00

By the way, while it is somewhat problematic to make analogies to past history, especially ancient history, it is interesting to compare the United States with the Roman Empire - especially the period 200-325 A.D.

I think it's accurate to say that the U.S. is movi...

2009-06-21T00:23:42.597-04:00

I think it's accurate to say that the U.S. is moving back to what gov't. always was - a source of revenue, jobs, power, & status.
The American political elite of both parties have become a ''nomenclatura'' - a privileged class with similar interests.
The American Revolution was an attempt to break away from the ancien regime & give individuals economic power. In the past, the source of money & power was always government.
This is how the Third World still operates. And this is where we're headed.