Comments on: The Two-Party Mass O’ Junk: My Hope! http://themoderatevoice.com/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/ An Internet hub for moderates, centrists, and independents, with domestic and international news, analysis, original reporting, and popular features from the left, center, and right Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:11:31 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: domajot http://themoderatevoice.com/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/comment-page-1/#comment-134569 domajot Sun, 09 Mar 2008 03:19:57 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/john-mccain/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/#comment-134569 I think you hit the nail on the head when you said that real change can only begin at the grass roots level. That implies a cultural change, though, a very tall order, indeed. <br><br>We talk about politics as if it were something that existed outside of the people who participate in a political process. We forget that politics is just life, in a sense. It's what happens when people get together for any purpose, whatsoever. Cliques of schoolyard friends do politics. Before that, siblings play family politcs. <br><br>Politics is what we, the people, make it to be. If we can't change our character, it doesn't much matter what party label we adopt. It's still the sane old 'us' , seeing opponents as the devil incarnate and friends as untarnished angels. <br> <br>The problem with withdrawing from politics altogether is, IMO, that whether I participate or not, decisions will be made that will impact my life right where I live, on a very persoanl level. I cast my vote in the hope that it helps elect someone that will harm me and my country the least. It's easier if I thnk a candidate might actually help. but it's never black and white or good vs evil. <br><br>That's what life is, isn't it? Just finding the best we can reasonably hope for. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said that real change can only begin at the grass roots level. That implies a cultural change, though, a very tall order, indeed.

We talk about politics as if it were something that existed outside of the people who participate in a political process. We forget that politics is just life, in a sense. It's what happens when people get together for any purpose, whatsoever. Cliques of schoolyard friends do politics. Before that, siblings play family politcs.

Politics is what we, the people, make it to be. If we can't change our character, it doesn't much matter what party label we adopt. It's still the sane old 'us' , seeing opponents as the devil incarnate and friends as untarnished angels.

The problem with withdrawing from politics altogether is, IMO, that whether I participate or not, decisions will be made that will impact my life right where I live, on a very persoanl level. I cast my vote in the hope that it helps elect someone that will harm me and my country the least. It's easier if I thnk a candidate might actually help. but it's never black and white or good vs evil.

That's what life is, isn't it? Just finding the best we can reasonably hope for.

]]> By: T_Steel http://themoderatevoice.com/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/comment-page-1/#comment-134566 T_Steel Sat, 08 Mar 2008 02:47:00 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/john-mccain/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/#comment-134566 I did it all for you George. That's why I'm deep-sixing Disqus comments this weekend.<br><br>Macan, Winston Churchill would be figuratively burned at the stake in today's political environment. He was raw, honest, and forceful. That's called being a "loose cannon" these days.<br><br>I don't run from fights. But to parse EVERY DAMN WORD a presidential candidate or surrogate says is sad and sickening. It's too much. I did it all for you George. That's why I'm deep-sixing Disqus comments this weekend.

Macan, Winston Churchill would be figuratively burned at the stake in today's political environment. He was raw, honest, and forceful. That's called being a “loose cannon” these days.

I don't run from fights. But to parse EVERY DAMN WORD a presidential candidate or surrogate says is sad and sickening. It's too much.

]]> By: DLS http://themoderatevoice.com/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/comment-page-1/#comment-134565 DLS Sat, 08 Mar 2008 00:44:03 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/john-mccain/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/#comment-134565 "He could give as good as he got too. That is the nature of politics."<br><br>He didn't need to be elaborate or immortal in his choice of words, either:<br><br>"You're drunk!" "And you're ugly, but tomorrow I'll be sober." “He could give as good as he got too. That is the nature of politics.”

He didn't need to be elaborate or immortal in his choice of words, either:

“You're drunk!” “And you're ugly, but tomorrow I'll be sober.”

]]> By: GeorgeSorwell http://themoderatevoice.com/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/comment-page-1/#comment-134557 GeorgeSorwell Sat, 08 Mar 2008 00:21:25 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/john-mccain/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/#comment-134557 Does this mean you'll have time to fix the comments now? <br><br>; ) Does this mean you'll have time to fix the comments now?

; )

]]> By: Macan http://themoderatevoice.com/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/comment-page-1/#comment-134551 Macan Fri, 07 Mar 2008 23:39:53 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/john-mccain/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/#comment-134551 T-Steel...I would beg you to reconsider. <br><br>I was reading a couple of biographies of Winston Churchill recently (Manchester's "The Last Lion"). Churchill was one of the great inspirational politicians of modern history...but he had to fight in the trenches against much pettiness and viciousness. <br><br>He could give as good as he got too. That is the nature of politics. <br><br>There is nothing to be gotten in this life without struggle. It is the struggle that defines us...and the titans endured incredible struggles.<br><br>I would argue that we have it easy today, in contrast to the past. Recently I was watching a program on the Civil Rights movement...and marchers in linked arms walking forward into a cannon of water...and then police whacking them with clubs.<br><br>Yet, one can see those images, and then read King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail" and be startled by the careful reason of his words...and its contrast to the appalling events in the society around him.<br><br>Could I have done the same...or retained moderation in the face of brutal racism and oppression? I wonder....<br><br>It is a messy, hard business...no doubt...but one should not resign the field when one can actively contribute to make the world better with one's voice...as you can. T-Steel…I would beg you to reconsider.

I was reading a couple of biographies of Winston Churchill recently (Manchester's “The Last Lion”). Churchill was one of the great inspirational politicians of modern history…but he had to fight in the trenches against much pettiness and viciousness.

He could give as good as he got too. That is the nature of politics.

There is nothing to be gotten in this life without struggle. It is the struggle that defines us…and the titans endured incredible struggles.

I would argue that we have it easy today, in contrast to the past. Recently I was watching a program on the Civil Rights movement…and marchers in linked arms walking forward into a cannon of water…and then police whacking them with clubs.

Yet, one can see those images, and then read King's “Letter from Birmingham Jail” and be startled by the careful reason of his words…and its contrast to the appalling events in the society around him.

Could I have done the same…or retained moderation in the face of brutal racism and oppression? I wonder….

It is a messy, hard business…no doubt…but one should not resign the field when one can actively contribute to make the world better with one's voice…as you can.

]]> By: DLS http://themoderatevoice.com/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/comment-page-1/#comment-134550 DLS Fri, 07 Mar 2008 23:36:12 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/john-mccain/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/#comment-134550 Consider how a threat by Obama to go independent if the superdelegates misbehave or if Florida and Michigan are improperly handled would affect the course of events from now on. Consider how a threat by Obama to go independent if the superdelegates misbehave or if Florida and Michigan are improperly handled would affect the course of events from now on.

]]> By: DLS http://themoderatevoice.com/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/comment-page-1/#comment-134543 DLS Fri, 07 Mar 2008 23:15:01 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/john-mccain/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/#comment-134543 Actually, Obama can do it if Clinton engineers a nomination and Obama clearly retains a good deal of support. If Lieberman can do it, why not Obama? heh Actually, Obama can do it if Clinton engineers a nomination and Obama clearly retains a good deal of support. If Lieberman can do it, why not Obama? heh

]]> By: T_Steel http://themoderatevoice.com/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/comment-page-1/#comment-134541 T_Steel Fri, 07 Mar 2008 23:02:13 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/john-mccain/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/#comment-134541 Thanks for the link Paul. I'm no anarchist looking to cause chaos for chaos sake. I just can't tolerate politics "American style" anymore. It's so petty and vile. Thanks for the link Paul. I'm no anarchist looking to cause chaos for chaos sake. I just can't tolerate politics “American style” anymore. It's so petty and vile.

]]> By: PaulSilver http://themoderatevoice.com/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/comment-page-1/#comment-134540 PaulSilver Fri, 07 Mar 2008 22:56:40 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/john-mccain/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/#comment-134540 Your revulsion is understandable. So perhaps you can redirect your attention to the non partisan groups that aim to level the playing field for moderates, centrists and independents. <br><br><a href="http://www.fairelectionsnow.org/more/supporters">http://www.fairelectionsnow.org/more/supporters</a> Your revulsion is understandable. So perhaps you can redirect your attention to the non partisan groups that aim to level the playing field for moderates, centrists and independents.

http://www.fairelectionsnow.org/more/supporters

]]> By: The Two-Party Mass O’ Junk: My Hope! · The Spin Doctor http://themoderatevoice.com/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/comment-page-1/#comment-111102 The Two-Party Mass O’ Junk: My Hope! · The Spin Doctor Fri, 07 Mar 2008 22:42:35 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/john-mccain/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/#comment-111102 [...] The Wall of Separation wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt I waded into the Democratic and Republican sea because I was drawn to the first viable black presidential candidate, Senator Barack Hussein Obama (middle name games don’t work on me). I followed Senator Obama’s run and in the process followed the runs of all the Democratic and Republican candidates. MSM, blogs, flash cards, you name it. I was thoroughly engaged in the process. But the recent news cycles of NAFTA-gateness, 3am-ism (which is a fine time for one last drink), Monster-stuff, Prez Bu [...] [...] The Wall of Separation wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt I waded into the Democratic and Republican sea because I was drawn to the first viable black presidential candidate, Senator Barack Hussein Obama (middle name games don’t work on me). I followed Senator Obama’s run and in the process followed the runs of all the Democratic and Republican candidates. MSM, blogs, flash cards, you name it. I was thoroughly engaged in the process. But the recent news cycles of NAFTA-gateness, 3am-ism (which is a fine time for one last drink), Monster-stuff, Prez Bu [...]

]]> By: The Two-Party Mass O’ Junk: My Hope! http://themoderatevoice.com/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/comment-page-1/#comment-111101 The Two-Party Mass O’ Junk: My Hope! Fri, 07 Mar 2008 22:39:32 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/john-mccain/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/#comment-111101 [...] DotNetSlackers: ASP.NET News and Articles For Lazy Developers wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt I waded into the Democratic and Republican sea because I was drawn to the first viable black presidential candidate, Senator Barack Hussein Obama (middle name games don’t work on me). I followed Senator Obama’s run and in the process followed the runs of all the Democratic and Republican candidates. MSM, blogs, flash cards, you name it. I was thoroughly engaged in the process. But the recent news cycles of NAFTA-gateness, 3am-ism (which is a fine time for one last drink), Monster-stuff, Prez Bu [...] [...] DotNetSlackers: ASP.NET News and Articles For Lazy Developers wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt I waded into the Democratic and Republican sea because I was drawn to the first viable black presidential candidate, Senator Barack Hussein Obama (middle name games don’t work on me). I followed Senator Obama’s run and in the process followed the runs of all the Democratic and Republican candidates. MSM, blogs, flash cards, you name it. I was thoroughly engaged in the process. But the recent news cycles of NAFTA-gateness, 3am-ism (which is a fine time for one last drink), Monster-stuff, Prez Bu [...]

]]> By: The Two-Party Mass O’ Junk: My Hope! · SmokeSignalz http://themoderatevoice.com/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/comment-page-1/#comment-111100 The Two-Party Mass O’ Junk: My Hope! · SmokeSignalz Fri, 07 Mar 2008 22:19:20 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/john-mccain/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/#comment-111100 [...] Stupid Celebrities Gossip wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt I waded into the Democratic and Republican sea because I was drawn to the first viable black presidential candidate, Senator Barack Hussien Obama (middle name games don’t work on me). I followed Senator Obama’s run and in the process followed the runs of all the Democratic and Republican candidates. MSM, blogs, flash cards, you name it. I was thoroughly engaged in the process. But the recent news cycles of NAFTA-gateness, 3am-ism (which is a fine time for one last drink), Monster-stuff, Prez Bu [...] [...] Stupid Celebrities Gossip wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt I waded into the Democratic and Republican sea because I was drawn to the first viable black presidential candidate, Senator Barack Hussien Obama (middle name games don’t work on me). I followed Senator Obama’s run and in the process followed the runs of all the Democratic and Republican candidates. MSM, blogs, flash cards, you name it. I was thoroughly engaged in the process. But the recent news cycles of NAFTA-gateness, 3am-ism (which is a fine time for one last drink), Monster-stuff, Prez Bu [...]

]]> By: The Two-Party Mass O’ Junk: My Hope! · One Looking http://themoderatevoice.com/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/comment-page-1/#comment-111099 The Two-Party Mass O’ Junk: My Hope! · One Looking Fri, 07 Mar 2008 22:14:33 +0000 http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/john-mccain/18262/the-two-party-mass-o-junk-my-hope/#comment-111099 [...] Stupid Celebrities Gossip wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt I waded into the Democratic and Republican sea because I was drawn to the first viable black presidential candidate, Senator Barack Hussien Obama (middle name games don’t work on me). I followed Senator Obama’s run and in the process followed the runs of all the Democratic and Republican candidates. MSM, blogs, flash cards, you name it. I was thoroughly engaged in the process. But the recent news cycles of NAFTA-gateness, 3am-ism (which is a fine time for one last drink), Monster-stuff, Prez Bu [...] [...] Stupid Celebrities Gossip wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt I waded into the Democratic and Republican sea because I was drawn to the first viable black presidential candidate, Senator Barack Hussien Obama (middle name games don’t work on me). I followed Senator Obama’s run and in the process followed the runs of all the Democratic and Republican candidates. MSM, blogs, flash cards, you name it. I was thoroughly engaged in the process. But the recent news cycles of NAFTA-gateness, 3am-ism (which is a fine time for one last drink), Monster-stuff, Prez Bu [...]

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