The US- Spoiled Brats? ( rec'd email today)

[Pembroke_Corgi]

While I agree that we could all learn to be more appreciative of what we have, I think there is a lot of danger in ignoring important events in our country and our world.

Maybe it would make us feel better to ignore unpleasant truths, but our duty as democratic citizens is to understand events around us so we can vote! Without a vote, each of us is powerless, and by advocating being an ignorant, if happy, person, we are essentially giving up the one thing we have as American citizens to make our voices known.

[sparks19]

While I agree that we could all learn to be more appreciative of what we have, I think there is a lot of danger in ignoring important events in our country and our world.

Maybe it would make us feel better to ignore unpleasant truths, but our duty as democratic citizens is to understand events around us so we can vote! Without a vote, each of us is powerless, and by advocating being an ignorant, if happy, person, we are essentially giving up the one thing we have as American citizens to make our voices known.

You don't have to be unhappy to vote You can be happy AND vote.

However, I don't think the local news is the way to understand what you are really voting for. Any news station only tells half truths. it is up to YOU to do the research to find out the whole truths. the sad part is I bet over half the people who vote don't even know what they are voting for. I'm sure most people who didn't vote for bush the second time did so because they don't like the war... not because they LIKE what the other person had to offer. but like many I am sick of having to choose the lesser of two evils.

[Pembroke_Corgi]

You don't have to be unhappy to vote You can be happy AND vote.

However, I don't think the local news is the way to understand what you are really voting for. Any news station only tells half truths. it is up to YOU to do the research to find out the whole truths. the sad part is I bet over half the people who vote don't even know what they are voting for. I'm sure most people who didn't vote for bush the second time did so because they don't like the war... not because they LIKE what the other person had to offer. but like many I am sick of having to choose the lesser of two evils.

My point wasn't that you have to be unhappy to vote- I'm sure there are plenty of happy voters out there! My point is that the tone of the email suggests we should all just be happy with any political situation because we have food in our bellies...and we should just forget and be merry and ignore the outside world as long as everything is ok for us. I don't care how people get their information, either (though I'm guessing the local news is more accurate than what you hear on the street) as long as they are aware of what's going on. And, I would much rather vote for the lesser evil than the greater!

[applesmom]

The informed and "unhappy" pro-active citizens have made this country what it is. We didn't come as far as we have because of citizens hiding their heads in the sand and ignoring the events around them.

This country has been going through some frightening changes brought about by irresponsible and greedy elected officials. Those politicialns would love it if we'd all just shut our mouths, think only of our own comforts and sit back and allow them to continue unchecked.

[sparks19]

And, I would much rather vote for the lesser evil than the greater!

As would anyone I'm sure.... but don't you find it sad that it has to be that way? that not one person that ever runs is worthy of the position? That they all have their own little agendas?

vote for the little guy he may not have the money or the political backing but chances are he will have to work harder to get to where he is. We need to stop voting for the big parties and listen to what the little background runners have to say.... but they don't get the big air time and can't afford the big commercials to tell you what you should think. All they have is their small voice.... perhaps we should start listening to that little voice a little more. it is obvious that the big republican and democratic front runners can't do it right... maybe we should give someone else a chance.

Basically I am sick of hearing all the "promises" made by the big parties. Once they get in where do those promises go? down the toilet. No one forces them to come through on anything they promise. it would be a wonderful thing if they did. Imagine how elections would change if they knew that the promises they made would be enforced. Instead they make empty promises they have no intention of fullfilling, they just say it so we will vote for them.

But to me this all a moot point.... cause I can't vote lol. not here anyway.

[lizbud]

Basically I am sick of hearing all the "promises" made by the big parties. Once they get in where do those promises go? down the toilet. No one forces them to come through on anything they promise. it would be a wonderful thing if they did. Imagine how elections would change if they knew that the promises they made would be enforced. Instead they make empty promises they have no intention of fullfilling, they just say it so we will vote for them.

All politics is compromise. Each party does it & it's worked pretty well
for the mostpart. Each side tries to get things helpful to the people in their
own state or county. They don't promise to get things done, they promise
to work toward getting things done the way his/her district wants it to be.

[sparks19]

All politics is compromise. Each party does it & it's worked pretty well
for the mostpart. Each side tries to get things helpful to the people in their
own state or county. They don't promise to get things done, they promise
to work toward getting things done the way his/her district wants it to be.

when I said that I was actually thinking of someone specific. former Premier of Ontario Dalton McGuinty. Crook. He has really put a bad taste in my mouth. Luckily he didn't last long. I remember all the PROMISES he made to get elected. The biggest one was to lower sales tax. Not even two weeks into office he announced that it was not possible to do so. In two weeks he figured out it was impossible? doesn't sound like he put much work into it.... especially now that Harper HAS lowered sales tax by 1% in his first year and will be lowering it another 1% over the next 5. Doesn't sound like much but at least it is something. now why couldn't Dalton have figured that out? because he had no intention of doing so is my guess. Now I know that is in Canada and not the US but all to often I see this misinformed campaign claims and then when they get in they aren't feasible. perhaps they should do more research before claiming such things.

Our Governor Ed Rendell is full of "working towards things" claims. but then they can't be done because congress needs an 8% pay raise. put more money into medicare! OOPS sorry can't be done so since we can't do that lets give ourselves a huge pay raise so bob can get that summer home he's wanted so badly. If you ask me that guy is Mobbed up. yet he keeps getting elected. it amazes me. I guess his cronies must be out threatening to break legs LOL

[Karen]

I think there is a difference between being unhappy, and being ambitious and wanting to improve one's lot in life.

I would rather live in a country where people strive to improve conditions - even if it means pointing out what's wrong that needs improving a.k.a. complaining - than one where everyone sat back and said "Life is good for me, let's nap."