Political discourse in the USA

[Gob]

Ok, setting aside, if at all possible, the recent shootings in Arizona, and at this intermediate time in the seasons of American politics, where do you think political debate is going in the USA?

Quite frankly* I've never been a fan of the American political system, you may have noticed, but at present it seems to be taking a nosedive into new uncharted territory of rancour, extremism, volatility, and, to be honest, stupidity.

Ok I may be biased as I am, slightly, to the left of the left in American politics, but the rise of the Tea Party, as a force for melodrama driven, cliché ridden, drum banging, idiot politics, catering to the lowest common denominator, fills me with an unpleasant mix of mirth and fear.

Sarah Palin, (lets not get hung up on her either,) and the other flag bearers of the unthinking right, would not be given a job in charge of a ladies lavatory in any self respecting society, yet we hear of a potential run for the republican nomination.

But I use this example as an illustration of the polarising forces in US politics, and the Presidency of Obama, is another aspect of that. I do not think Obama has fulfilled the role of a President in bringing a nation together in it's own interest, one of the prime roles, quite the opposite in fact. I think he's polarised you.

Are doom mongers like, (you know, them, three, the trolls) right? Is the US going to be racked and riven by internal disputes and divisions, to the point where the nation falls as a unified entity?

Is the political rhetoric going to be elevated in rancour to the point where blood follows and lives are shed?





*I realise I’m setting myself up for more accusations of being “anti-American",:’ shorthand for; “I don’t like what you say”, but I’m old enough and ugly enough to live with that. It affects me not.

[Crackpot]

By and large the media plays up the freakier elements of the positions People want Govt to work together Media (and politicians) play to the extremes which ironically feeds the divide and misunderstanding (as well as the ratings)

Obama made a rookie mistake in that he thought the legislative branch would take it's cues from him and work in a non partizan way towards his goals. unfortunately there were those in both parties that decided it would be better to stick it to the opposition and hold so blindly firm to their own positions that it really killed any hope of bipartisanship for most of the first two years. (since by the time he IMO realized his mistake it was near election time and it would make his party look bad if he suddenly started using the bully pulpit on them) Though with possible the most successful lame-duck session ever he ay be well on the path to righting his mistakes and turning his presidency around.

But then being a cynic deep down I'm an optimist at heart.

[Gob]

Interesting point there C-P, the role of the media.

[Long Run]

I agree with CP that what is reported is what sells, and people not getting along sells better than everyone singing Kumbaya (look at other entertainment -- conflict sells on reality shows and drama).

That said, there does seem to be less of a shared purpose among legislators. Add to that, the number one job a legislator is to get reelected, and most legislators are from districts that are solidly one way or the other, so they legislate to their base of support rather than a more moderate position. This creates what seems like a greater divide.

But is the divide really that big? Look at many of the key issues and the differences don't seem that large (one exception being healthcare reform).

[oldr_n_wsr]

Here's one view of the "cause" a view I agree with


ETA
Hopefully the link will stay, if not I have a copy of the cartoon for anyone who wants it and may want to put it up on a photo server.

[BoSoxGal]

Nice 'toon.

[dgs49]

By historical standards, today's political rhetoric is not that far out of line.

Considering how far apart the major parties are, how different their views on the role and prerogatives of government, it is a wonder there is no significant violence. Indeed, essentially none of the major domestic political exclamation points of the past 50 years has had anything to do with a cogent political movement. Lee H. Oswald. Sirhan Sirhan. The unibomber, Squeeky Fromm... just a list of garden-variety whack jobs.

Politicians in this country are threatened with great frequency, but nothing ever comes of it.

As for the quality of our politicians, it appears that a parliamentary system is better at elevating people who can at least articulate their party's positions intelligently, but the fact is, a large block of Americans is suspicious of anyone who exudes intelligence and/or "sophistication." Surely, that distrust cost John Kerry the election in '04 - he had every conceivable advantage but still couldn't pull it off.

As for the vitriol, look at how far the American Left is pushing this country: abortion on demand, a multi-billion dollar porn industry, the explosion of the welfare state, the embrace of sodomy and gay "marriage," war on American industry, rule by unelected, unionized bureaucrats...

And we are told this is "progress."

[oldr_n_wsr]

Nice 'toon.

And his views are typically considered "liberal leaning" even here in NY.

[Gob]

but the fact is, a large block of Americans is suspicious of anyone who exudes intelligence and/or "sophistication." Surely, that distrust cost John Kerry the election in '04 - he had every conceivable advantage but still couldn't pull it off.

Where's the; "I'd best shut the fuck up at this point" smillie when you need it?