Someone non-American judges America's problems

[random0ne]

"America, you so fine
You so fine, you blow my mind
America *armpit fart*" - Bart Simpson

This is America's problem.

You guys are so willing to wave the flag and be patriotic - but as soon as shit gets political you descend into the ugliest god-fuck of all brawls.

Seriously.

Your economy is in the shitter, you're at risk of losing your premier position to China, and what is the biggest problem? The fact that Levi Johnston has maybe had a baby by another woman.

It affects me. How? I'm an Aussie. If China begins to make nasty noises, we're in the firing line. You guys need to continue to be the big bully in the playground, otherwise it affects ALL of us.

And yet you rant and rave about your domestic politics, about things like same-sex marriage and Roe v Wade and that sort of thing. They may be important, but when you have a $US1TRILLION debt, there are bigger fish to fry.

300million of you have a say in your domestic politics which affects six billion people, for better or for worse. Right now, I quite like having a Western power as the big dogs around. But the way you're going, things are gonna change.

[crackedthesky]

Then you should work harder to get young people out to vote. Our problem is that the vast majority of our voting population is the old people - most of whom don't seem to realize it isn't the 1960s anymore.

[random0ne]

Uhh, key to this being I'm not American.

And don't even get me started on your electoral system, by the way.

[crackedthesky]

I know you're not American. I didn't say you were.
But if you're going to complain about someone else's country, perhaps you should be packing more than just whining on the internet.

Yeah, I'm disappointed with a lot of the directions we're taking lately, too. A lot of people are.
Bitching about it on the internet from 3000 miles away isn't going to fix it, though.

So, I offered a suggestion. You, in turn, spewed out dumb insults.

So, better yet, why don't you get off your ass and make your country the leading power in the world and do things your way, since you don't want China invading you and you don't like the way America is handling things?

[Indoor Living]

I don't know a god damn thing about politics, whatsoever. With that said, you're gonna get your ass torn apart.

[knoxgoalie]

"America, you so fine
You so fine, you blow my mind
America *armpit fart*" - Bart Simpson

This is America's problem.

You guys are so willing to wave the flag and be patriotic - but as soon as shit gets political you descend into the ugliest god-fuck of all brawls.

Seriously.

Your economy is in the shitter, you're at risk of losing your premier position to China, and what is the biggest problem? The fact that Levi Johnston has maybe had a baby by another woman.

It affects me. How? I'm an Aussie. If China begins to make nasty noises, we're in the firing line. You guys need to continue to be the big bully in the playground, otherwise it affects ALL of us.

And yet you rant and rave about your domestic politics, about things like same-sex marriage and Roe v Wade and that sort of thing. They may be important, but when you have a $US1TRILLION debt, there are bigger fish to fry.

300million of you have a say in your domestic politics which affects six billion people, for better or for worse. Right now, I quite like having a Western power as the big dogs around. But the way you're going, things are gonna change.

I'd tend to agree with a lot that you have to say, but I'm in Australia right now and there are just as many shit stories about Hollywood here as there are back in the states.

Also, If Australia was the "big bully in the playground" do you think the stories about Hollywood or about the boat people would go away? No, they wouldn't. So we do talk about things like same-sex marriage and Roe V. Wade but it's because it affects our lives and all countries would be attempting to deal with their own domestic problems because it's there in your face constantly. If you can't figure out things domestically there certainly won't be much hope for foreign policy. And for future reference, Bart Simpson quotes aren't the best way to seem legitimate when you're talking about politics and world events, just a thought. Good day sir.

[paper halo]

This guy is edgy as fuck.

[jwicklun]

Cool guy alert.

[paper halo]

Also, using the troll face as an avatar isn't really going to encourage serious responses to anything you post.

[Broken Parachute]

I'll just sit this one out. I do like the Bart Simpson prologue to your argument though.

[Juan Jose]

"America, you so fine
You so fine, you blow my mind
America *armpit fart*" - Bart Simpson

This is America's problem.

You guys are so willing to wave the flag and be patriotic - but as soon as shit gets political you descend into the ugliest god-fuck of all brawls.

Seriously.

Your economy is in the shitter, you're at risk of losing your premier position to China, and what is the biggest problem? The fact that Levi Johnston has maybe had a baby by another woman.

It affects me. How? I'm an Aussie. If China begins to make nasty noises, we're in the firing line. You guys need to continue to be the big bully in the playground, otherwise it affects ALL of us.

And yet you rant and rave about your domestic politics, about things like same-sex marriage and Roe v Wade and that sort of thing. They may be important, but when you have a $US1TRILLION debt, there are bigger fish to fry.

300million of you have a say in your domestic politics which affects six billion people, for better or for worse. Right now, I quite like having a Western power as the big dogs around. But the way you're going, things are gonna change.

i hope you're not using the thread on this site about prop 8 as your sole basis for that assumption (someone else made a thread with a very similar topic before you today). If you talk to most people they do have a lot of concerns about the economy and other issues. Most people who I see get riled up by same sex marriage and abortion are usually kids and people on both the far left and right. and those people are morons (extremists) or just uninformed (younger people)

[paper halo]

i hope you're not using the thread on this site about prop 8 as your sole basis for that assumption (someone else made a thread with a very similar topic before you today). If you talk to most people they do have a lot of concerns about the economy and other issues. Most people who I see get riled up by same sex marriage and abortion are usually kids and people on both the far left and right. and those people are morons (extremists) or just uninformed (younger people)

The bolded is pretty stupid.

[fightinirish217]

Who's the wise guy?

[yves.]

i hope you're not using the thread on this site about prop 8 as your sole basis for that assumption (someone else made a thread with a very similar topic before you today). If you talk to most people they do have a lot of concerns about the economy and other issues. Most people who I see get riled up by same sex marriage and abortion are usually kids and people on both the far left and right. and those people are morons (extremists) or just uninformed (younger people)

Yeah, civil rights are completely unimportant and people concerned with them are just stupid. AMIRITE??

[Unique Dragon]

Don't wanna be an American Idiot

[jtyexists9]

fuckyeahAMERICA

This guy is on to something. Equality doesn't mean shit. NEVER. Apprently your CONTINENT has the worst household debt to disposable income ratio in the world. Not good homeboy, especially with these Americans spending money like it is going out of style.

[mattyrocks]

eh. he has some valid points.

[zachff]

No one cares about Levi Johnston or any of that bullshit, at least no one intellectual. And China's not going to overtake the US anytime soon unless they get their human rights shit in order, which is far, far away from happening.

[LostAllways]

And yet you rant and rave about your domestic politics, about things like same-sex marriage and Roe v Wade and that sort of thing. They may be important, but when you have a $US1TRILLION debt, there are bigger fish to fry.

300million of you have a say in your domestic politics which affects six billion people, for better or for worse. Right now, I quite like having a Western power as the big dogs around. But the way you're going, things are gonna change.

Tou-fucking-che.

[Scrandon]

So your source of news about America seems to be from tabloids and the such. This rant shows no knowledge of American politics or our priorities.

All the issues you bitch about being in the spotlight have taken a back seat to fixing the economy.

[Scrandon]

And yet you rant and rave about your domestic politics, about things like same-sex marriage and Roe v Wade and that sort of thing. They may be important, but when you have a $US1TRILLION debt, there are bigger fish to fry.


In your humble opinion that may be. However, if you were gay, and you loved someone and couldn't get married, you wouldn't give a fuck about the economy. So fuck your life for not being able to sympathize with anyone.

[J.C.]

Levi Johnston had a baby by another woman?

[aoftbsten]

Trolling, Australian for Politics.

[eriatarka24]

Most people who I see get riled up by same sex marriage and abortion are usually kids and people on both the far left and right. and those people are morons (extremists) or just uninformed (younger people)
what makes you say that?

[deFobbed14yrs]

Levi Johnston had a baby by another woman?


*having



"i wanna hang down under with the nice australians..." - franco unamerican by nofx


for once i do not agree with fat mike


also, just because we have the right to vote doesn't mean we have this immense power to change everything. we aren't a direct democracy, and we elect people to handle our shit. Go complain to them.

[S7ranburgLar]

No one cares about Levi Johnston or any of that bullshit, at least no one intellectual. And China's not going to overtake the US anytime soon unless they get their human rights shit in order, which is far, far away from happening.

human rights issues don't really keep a country from becoming a world power. it's problematic for many NGOs and religious institutions (human rights violations, and religious persecution etc.) but it certainly isn't bad for business - assuming wealth is the measure of a country's power, which is usually the case.
a documentary i watched 3-4 years ago in high school about China predicted that they would overtake the US in terms of economy in 20-30 years. and that documentary is at least 5 years old.
i know for a fact that my country's (Canada) PM went to China within the last 6 months, and it was strictly business related - Harper side-stepping human rights issues to increase trade with China. so no, human rights issues hasn't really stopped countrries from doing business with them (2008 Beijing Olympics for example).

[zachff]

human rights issues don't really keep a country from becoming a world power. it's problematic for many NGOs and religious institutions (human rights violations, and religious persecution etc.) but it certainly isn't bad for business - assuming wealth is the measure of a country's power, which is usually the case.
a documentary i watched 3-4 years ago in high school about China predicted that they would overtake the US in terms of economy in 20-30 years. and that documentary is at least 5 years old.
i know for a fact that my country's (Canada) PM went to China within the last 6 months, and it was strictly business related - Harper side-stepping human rights issues to increase trade with China. so no, human rights issues hasn't really stopped countrries from doing business with them (2008 Beijing Olympics for example).
How are you 18 years old, watching a documentary 3-4 years ago in high school that was 5 years old

[Aperi Oculos]

And yet you rant and rave about your domestic politics, about things like same-sex marriage and Roe v Wade and that sort of thing. They may be important, but when you have a $US1TRILLION debt, there are bigger fish to fry.

Though I do vote and am pretty active with American politics, even if it may just be doing political service hours for a local trustee campaign, it is hard to change this American way of bringing up the same bullshit of same-sex marriage and abortion each election. Organizations such as the Tea Party think that they are the purest of Americans yet they lead us away from the solution: compromise.

It's how Congress, mayors, groups, clubs, or any body of people make decisions. They make compromise. Politicians from both ends of the spectrum these days will not compromise because they see it as a defeat for their party. This country was built off compromises. The Connecticut Compromise. The Constitution. etc.

[more heart]

Let's be real here in regards to civil liberties(same-sex marriage, abortion). These issues are far much easier to deal with than fixing the failing economy of a world power that's decline was nearly a decade in the making.

[Juan Jose]

The bolded is pretty stupid.

how is it stupid. The OP said that he's noticed how apeshit people get over things like gay marriage when the truth of the matter is most people are concerned about the economy, foreign policy, and energy issues because that affects their lives a lot more than whether or not gay people can get married. And if you look at the news it's always the Far/Christian Right who has a problem with gay people getting married then you have people on the left who spend time countering them, most people do have an opinion about gay marriage but they don't obsess over it like those two groups, and from personal experience mostly younger people seem to look at social issues

[Juan Jose]

Yeah, civil rights are completely unimportant and people concerned with them are just stupid. AMIRITE??

Did you read what the OP wrote? he's talking about people who rant and rave about gay marriage instead of looking to other issues that affect the country, the people I'm saying are stupid are those that obsess over the issue when there are other problems in America

[x togepi x]

Did you read what the OP wrote? he's talking about people who rant and rave about gay marriage instead of looking to other issues that affect the country, the people I'm saying are stupid are those that obsess over the issue when there are other problems in America

You can say this about any issue.

It's good at there are people who are passionate about certain specific things. That's how things get done.

[Praetor]

Dear OP,

Please learn the difference between deficit and debt. Also, you're edgy.

Love,
Me

[Juan Jose]

You can say this about any issue.

It's good at there are people who are passionate about certain specific things. That's how things get done.

That's true but the OP's point was that America's domestic policy affects the world and we should keep that in mind, and focus on issues that have repercussions around the world like our economy instead of issues that are more localized like gay marriage in California

[x togepi x]

That's true but the OP's point was that America's domestic policy affects the world and we should keep that in mind, and focus on issues that have repercussions around the world like our economy instead of issues that are more localized like gay marriage in California

the lack of gay marriage in the united states effects the rest of the world as well. and OP's argument justifies ignoring minority concerns.

[Juan Jose]

what makes you say that?

Well most people have an opinion on gay marriage whatever it may be but most don't spend a lot time dwelling on it, but when you see things like the Prop8 initiative whether it was being voted on or being repealed you usually see people who are very passionate about it pushing things forward and making things happen. Those people are usually concentrating on one issue instead of looking at the bigger picture. Like the Christian Right, they always look at social issues like abortion and gay marriage and give money to candidates that have the same views but do they ever consider things like the economy or foreign policy.

And I mention kids because from personal experience (and common knowledge) most are apathetic so they don't bother to look into more complex issues but can easily have an opinion about being for or against gay marriage or abortion

[Juan Jose]

the lack of gay marriage in the united states effects the rest of the world as well. and OP's argument justifies ignoring minority concerns.

You wanna explain how it affects the rest of the world?
Btw I'm not apathetic towards gay rights but I just feel that your statement was a bit overreaching because I feel most of the world could care less if we let gay people marry or not, that's a bit Americentric

[BornUnderPunches]

:yawn:

[paper halo]

how is it stupid. The OP said that he's noticed how apeshit people get over things like gay marriage when the truth of the matter is most people are concerned about the economy, foreign policy, and energy issues because that affects their lives a lot more than whether or not gay people can get married. And if you look at the news it's always the Far/Christian Right who has a problem with gay people getting married then you have people on the left who spend time countering them, most people do have an opinion about gay marriage but they don't obsess over it like those two groups, and from personal experience mostly younger people seem to look at social issues

Generalisations have a tendency to appear stupid. Also, most of us have the capacity to be concerned with more than one important issue at any given time. Civil rights is an important issue, regardless of your opinion on the matter.

[samsara]

Blow me.

[presdaddy]

im in australia right now, the OP's country isn't much to admire. They're having political debates right now, and the media ignores the two candidates positions entirely, instead focusing on how the girl has big ear lobes and the guy's ears stick out. They talk about this A LOT.

[Broken Parachute]

So many Civil Rights haters here lately.

[S7ranburgLar]

How are you 18 years old, watching a documentary 3-4 years ago in high school that was 5 years old

well seeing 18 minus 3-4 years is 14-15 years old, that would put me in grade's 9-10. And i said it's at least 5 years old, implying the documentary had previously been released at least a year before my school got their hands on it, as dvd's are really available upon a movie's immediate release, (that is, nationwide, select theaters, film festivals, whatever.)

i don't see where i confused you :\

[Scrandon]

im in australia right now, the OP's country isn't much to admire. They're having political debates right now, and the media ignores the two candidates positions entirely, instead focusing on how the girl has big ear lobes and the guy's ears stick out. They talk about this A LOT.

Yea but like, America is supposed to be a superhoro and, like, save the world and stuff.

[loveisdead]

So many Civil Rights haters here lately.

Yeah. It's hurting my head.

[3wotkris]

OP, you are going to get so much shit for this.

I agree wholeheartedly with your points however.

(For argument's sake, I am wholly aware of my own country's problems too)

[Manicapathy]

So many Civil Rights haters here lately.
http://www.hatersgoingtohate.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/haters-gonna-hate-eagle.jpg

[paper halo]

OP, you are going to get so much shit for this.

I agree wholeheartedly with your points however.

(For argument's sake, I am wholly aware of my own country's problems too)

:hitself:

[x togepi x]

You wanna explain how it affects the rest of the world?
Btw I'm not apathetic towards gay rights but I just feel that your statement was a bit overreaching because I feel most of the world could care less if we let gay people marry or not, that's a bit Americentric

America's stance on gay rights acts as a model for other less developed countries to follow. Key American Conservative leaders had a hand in the movement in Uganda that criminalized homosexuality under the pain of death. Conservative policies on homosexuality and gender are extremely influential on the development of American foreign aid in the fight against HIV in Africa.

Seeing as we live in an increasingly globalized world, the political actions of any superpower-whether it's the United States or China or whomever- is widely important for the world. That's not "Americentric", it's a function of living in the world today. It's the same sort of phenomenon that explains why American internet activists care that google was helping the Chinese government censor the internet.

[3wotkris]

:hitself:

It's not that much of a facepalm, he's only saying what the rest of the world is thinking.

[paper halo]

It's not that much of a facepalm, he's only saying what the rest of the world is thinking.

What, that civil rights should instantly take a back seat when anything else important is happening? Funny, I don't think that.

[3wotkris]

What, that civil rights should instantly take a back seat when anything else important is happening? Funny, I don't think that.

I never read any of the civil rights stuff, only the OP.

[paper halo]

I never read any of the civil rights stuff, only the OP.

Read the OP again, particularly this part:

And yet you rant and rave about your domestic politics, about things like same-sex marriage and Roe v Wade and that sort of thing. They may be important, but when you have a $US1TRILLION debt, there are bigger fish to fry.

[3wotkris]

Read the OP again, particularly this part:


Are you seriously telling me that the near catastrophic state of the US economy is off less importance than same sex marriage?

[perceptrons]

Are you seriously telling me that the near catastrophic state of the US economy is off less importance than same sex marriage?
Really?

[paper halo]

Are you seriously telling me that the near catastrophic state of the US economy is off less importance than same sex marriage?

No, you tool. I'm saying that it's perfectly possible and acceptable to be concerned about both simultaneously, and that the issue of civil rights should not be ignored because of other problems. Someone already said it in this or another thread, you can't rank these issues in terms of percieved importance, nothing would ever get resolved.

[Sean Rizzo]

"America, you so fine
You so fine, you blow my mind
America *armpit fart*" - Bart Simpson

This is America's problem.

You guys are so willing to wave the flag and be patriotic - but as soon as ****** gets political you descend into the ugliest god-****** of all brawls.

Seriously.

Your economy is in the ******, you're at risk of losing your premier position to China, and what is the biggest problem? The fact that Levi Johnston has maybe had a baby by another woman.

It affects me. How? I'm an Aussie. If China begins to make nasty noises, we're in the firing line. You guys need to continue to be the big bully in the playground, otherwise it affects ALL of us.

And yet you rant and rave about your domestic politics, about things like same-sex marriage and Roe v Wade and that sort of thing. They may be important, but when you have a $US1TRILLION debt, there are bigger fish to fry.

300million of you have a say in your domestic politics which affects six billion people, for better or for worse. Right now, I quite like having a Western power as the big dogs around. But the way you're going, things are gonna change.
Thank you for this. And actually it's a 12 trillion dollar debt and a one trillion dollar deficit.

[3wotkris]

No, you tool. I'm saying that it's perfectly possible and acceptable to be concerned about both simultaneously, and that the issue of civil rights should not be ignored because of other problems. Someone already said it in this or another thread, you can't rank these issues in terms of percieved importance, nothing would ever get resolved.

No need to call me a tool, i have not, as of yet, thrown any unnecessary insults your way.

Of course civil rights shouldn't be ignored because of other problems, the fact is that there are plenty of people who feel that not enough has been done to fix the current economic climate; admittedly the media has had much to do with this. There has to be SOME sense of priority or there is a massive risk that nothing will ever get done.

[Sean Rizzo]

No need to call me a tool, i have not, as of yet, thrown any unnecessary insults your way.

Of course civil rights shouldn't be ignored because of other problems, the fact is that there are plenty of people who feel that not enough has been done to fix the current economic climate; admittedly the media has had much to do with this. There has to be SOME sense of priority or there is a massive risk that nothing will ever get done.
:appl:

[paper halo]

No need to call me a tool, i have not, as of yet, thrown any unnecessary insults your way.

Of course civil rights shouldn't be ignored because of other problems, the fact is that there are plenty of people who feel that not enough has been done to fix the current economic climate; admittedly the media has had much to do with this. There has to be SOME sense of priority or there is a massive risk that nothing will ever get done.

Irrelevant, because, now follow closely, it is possible to focus on more than one issue at a time.

Economic problems cannot be fixed overnight, it's not like they're being ignored while we deal with everything else.

[paper halo]

There is "some sense of priority", you morons. Civil rights rank quite highly in the eyes of most people.

[Sean Rizzo]

Irrelevant, because, now follow closely, it is possible to focus on more than one issue at a time.

Economic problems cannot be fixed overnight, it's not like they're being ignored while we deal with everything else.
Think of it in terms of legislation. Would it be more important to write, amend, and pass economic reforms to fix the economy, or to write, amend, and pass laws allowing same sex marriage? The bigger problems need to be dealt with quickly.

The populus may be able to focus on more than one issue at a time, but it's crucial for the legislature to only work on what's most important, one at a time.

[yetconfused]

Blow me.

i lol'd.

[3wotkris]

Irrelevant, because, now follow closely, it is possible to focus on more than one issue at a time.

Economic problems cannot be fixed overnight, it's not like they're being ignored while we deal with everything else.

You didn't get my point at all, and now you take it upon yourself to speak to me like a child.

I can assure you that I most likely understand this situation a little bit better than you; I am studying politics at university next year and I have a more than decent understanding of the subject (apologies if I am wrong about you btw).

[paper halo]

You didn't get my point at all, and now you take it upon yourself to speak to me like a child.

I can assure you that I most likely understand this situation a little bit better than you; I am studying politics at university next year and I have a more than decent understanding of the subject (apologies if I am wrong about you btw).

Wow, we're comparing dicks now are we? I can assure you that you do not understand this better than me. Not that it matters, but I'm several years older than you and have studied politics as an interest and in an academic environment since I was sixteen. That doesn't lend validity to my arguments, and neither does the fact that you will soon be studying the subject at degree level.

[Sean Rizzo]

Wow, we're comparing dicks now are we? I can assure you that you do not understand this better than me. Not that it matters, but I'm several years older than you and have studied politics as an interest and in an academic environment since I was sixteen. That doesn't lend validity to my arguments, and neither does the fact that you will soon be studying the subject at degree level.
Even I lol'd at his post.

[x togepi x]

Think of it in terms of legislation. Would it be more important to write, amend, and pass economic reforms to fix the economy, or to write, amend, and pass laws allowing same sex marriage? The bigger problems need to be dealt with quickly.

The populus may be able to focus on more than one issue at a time, but it's crucial for the legislature to only work on what's most important, one at a time.

Well, considering that same sex marriage will be accomplished through the courts which have really no power to fix the economic woes OP and everyone else is whining about, i'm pretty sure it's quite possible to do both simultaneously, hence their point is entirely bullshit.

it isn't as if the gay rights movement is waiting for Obama to put promoting gay marriage as the corner stone for the rest of his administration's policies.

[paper halo]

Think of it in terms of legislation. Would it be more important to write, amend, and pass economic reforms to fix the economy, or to write, amend, and pass laws allowing same sex marriage? The bigger problems need to be dealt with quickly.

The populus may be able to focus on more than one issue at a time, but it's crucial for the legislature to only work on what's most important, one at a time.

You and I are both fully aware that it is not as black and white as that. Especially with regards to fixing the economy. However, your knowledge of the US system is obviously going to be broader than my own, so I would rather leave this to another US poster to respond to.

[Sean Rizzo]

Well, considering that same sex marriage will be accomplished through the courts which have really no power to fix the economic woes OP and everyone else is whining about, i'm pretty sure it's quite possible to do both simultaneously, hence their point is entirely ******.

it isn't as if the gay rights movement is waiting for Obama to put promoting gay marriage as the corner stone for the rest of his administration's policies.
The gay rights thing was merely an example. Substitute that for, oh, I don't know, maybe illegal drug reform? The overarching point I was trying to get across is that the legislature does need to have priorities.

[3wotkris]

Wow, we're comparing dicks now are we? I can assure you that you do not understand this better than me. Not that it matters, but I'm several years older than you and have studied politics as an interest and in an academic environment since I was sixteen. That doesn't lend validity to my arguments, and neither does the fact that you will soon be studying the subject at degree level.

No we're not comparing dicks, but if we were I'd say you are a massive one. I did my best to appear as undickish as possible and you go on some massive butthurt rant. At the end of the day, civil rights are important, but saving the world from an economic disaster is more important. Imagine the situation of post-WWII Germany being the state of the entire world; I see that as being so much more terrifying than the prospect of two guys not being able to get married.

[paper halo]

Even I lol'd at his post.

I hate responding to the kind of post, qualifications and age mean next to nothing in debates of this nature.

[3wotkris]

The gay rights thing was merely an example. Substitute that for, oh, I don't know, maybe illegal drug reform? The overarching point I was trying to get across is that the legislature does need to have priorities.

:thumbup:

[Sean Rizzo]

You and I are both fully aware that it is not as black and white as that. Especially with regards to fixing the economy. However, your knowledge of the US system is obviously going to be broader than my own, so I would rather leave this to another US poster to respond to.
No, it isn't. But steps need to be put in place as soon as possible. For a layman's example, it would be like trying to restore scratched paint before putting out a fire burning down the house. For a historical example, Rome was losing popular support so they spent all their efforts increasing it through what were known as bread and circuses, all while the Roman economy collapsed.

No we're not comparing dicks, but if we were I'd say you are a massive one. I did my best to appear as undickish as possible and you go on some massive butthurt rant. At the end of the day, civil rights are important, but saving the world from an economic disaster is more important. Imagine the situation of post-WWII Germany being the state of the entire world; I see that as being so much more terrifying than the prospect of two guys not being able to get married.
Try post world war one.

[paper halo]

The gay rights thing was merely an example. Substitute that for, oh, I don't know, maybe illegal drug reform? The overarching point I was trying to get across is that the legislature does need to have priorities.

Oh yes, I even said that there already are priorities. But I would consider civil rights to be a high priority, and, as Togepi pointed out, it doesn't do anything to stall economic recovery.

Oh, and sorry for calling you a moron before. I'm pretty tired and it's making me irritable.

[3wotkris]

No, it isn't. But steps need to be put in place as soon as possible. For a layman's example, it would be like trying to restore fire damage before putting out the fire. For a historical example, Rome was losing popular support so they spent all their efforts increasing it through what were known as bread and circuses, all while the Roman economy collapsed.


Try post world war one.

Typo.
I would have done better to type post-Treaty of Versailles.

[paper halo]

No we're not comparing dicks, but if we were I'd say you are a massive one. I did my best to appear as undickish as possible and you go on some massive butthurt rant.

Excuse me? You attempted to patronise me, and cite your knowlede of politics as superior to my own because you will soon be attending university. Yeah, you're not a dick at all.

At the end of the day, civil rights are important, but saving the world from an economic disaster is more important. Imagine the situation of post-WWII Germany being the state of the entire world; I see that as being so much more terrifying than the prospect of two guys not being able to get married.

How are you not getting this yet? Legalisation of gay marriage is not impeding economic recovery. No one is putting that issue to one side or claiming it is less important.

[Sean Rizzo]

Oh yes, I even said that there already are priorities. But I would consider civil rights to be a high priority, and, as Togepi pointed out, it doesn't do anything to stall economic recovery.

Oh, and sorry for calling you a moron before. I'm pretty tired and it's making me irritable.
Civil rights are very important, but an economic disaster threatens our entire way of life and our societal infrastructure. Working on civil rights may not stall recovery, but from what I've seen more needs to be done to speed up recovery post-haste. As you said, we may be slowly recovering, but we're not out of the woods yet. Unemployment is still extremely high. Let's save civil rights for when we are out of the woods.

Apology accepted, haha. I think that's the first time I've seen anyone in here feel guilty for mean spirited name calling.

Typo.
I would have done better to type post-Treaty of Versailles.
For sure, haha.

[x togepi x]

The gay rights thing was merely an example. Substitute that for, oh, I don't know, maybe illegal drug reform? The overarching point I was trying to get across is that the legislature does need to have priorities.

that wasn't what OP was talking about though so it doesn't matter.

OP is a troll who is obviously trying to capitalize on people on this forum's happiness that prop 8 got overturned. that's all this is.

[3wotkris]

Excuse me? You attempted to patronise me, and cite your knowlede of politics as superior to my own because you will soon be attending university. Yeah, you're not a dick at all.



How are you not getting this yet? Legalisation of gay marriage is not impeding economic recovery. No one is putting that issue to one side or claiming it is less important.

I didn't attempt to patronise you at all, I was simply stating that I have said amount of knowledge on the subject area so as to point out that any patronisation that I felt had been aimed at me previously had been done so unfairly.

And the fact of the matter is, there are plenty of people who feel there has been insuffiecient effort from the American government to fix the current economic problems. On a side note; as much as I understand the importance of civil rights, I feel that there are many times when they are held in too high an esteem.

[Sean Rizzo]

that wasn't what OP was talking about though so it doesn't matter.

OP is a troll who is obviously trying to capitalize on people on this forum's happiness that prop 8 got overturned. that's all this is.
I don't see how he's trolling, and I'm pretty sure the point that we need to prioritize was what he was talking about. Same sex marriage may now be a court issue, but his rant was mostly predicated on how the media chooses to eclipse the larger economic problem with small social issues for political reasons, rather than keeping the average citizen informed of problems that affect everyone which still need to be dealt with and resolved.

[tkamB]

Wtf? How does one state's court decision on same-sex marriage have any bearing on national economic reform?

[Sean Rizzo]

Wtf? How does one state's court decision on same-sex marriage have any bearing on national economic reform?
He used an invalid example because it's now a judicial issue, but his point is still sound if you substitute it with something legislative. Read back.

[x togepi x]

I don't see how he's trolling, and I'm pretty sure the point that we need to prioritize was what he was talking about. Same sex marriage may now be a court issue, but his rant was mostly predicated on how the media chooses to eclipse the larger economic problem with small social issues for political reasons, rather than keeping the average citizen informed of problems that affect everyone which still need to be dealt with and resolved.

You can't tell a minority "we need to prioritize so we devalue your oppression."

Of course, the media is going to not want to talk about economics because they don't want you to realize that they have a vested interest in keeping things largely the same.

[paper halo]

And the fact of the matter is, there are plenty of people who feel there has been insuffiecient effort from the American government to fix the current economic problems. On a side note; as much as I understand the importance of civil rights, I feel that there are many times when they are held in too high an esteem.

Read through the discussion between Prince of Light and Togepi, the issue of gay marriage is a court issue, and so does not affect economic recovery legislation in the slightest. Arguing about it in this context is redundant.

Can you please clarify what you mean by the bolded, because it looks like you're saying equality is overrated.

[Sean Rizzo]

You can't tell a minority "we need to prioritize so we devalue your oppression."

Of course, the media is going to not want to talk about economics because they don't want you to realize that they have a vested interest in keeping things largely the same.
Yes, you can tell them we need to prioritize, because failure to act rapidly through prioritization would adversely affect that minority along with everyone else. This 'devalue' term however, is another issue. Since when did postponing something devalue anything? It simply means something of greater value has arisen. I understand that not much is more important than civil rights, but I'd say saving the economy so our society and by extension the rights themselves won't collapse is just about the third most important thing, behind domestic national defense and some kind of apocalyptic crisis that threatens humanity itself.

[x togepi x]

Yes, you can, because failure to act rapidly through prioritization would adversely affect that minority along with everyone else.

but it won't because it's an easy fix.

Also, since when did postponing something devalue anything? It simply means something of greater value has arisen. I understand that not much is more important than civil rights, but I'd say saving the economy so our society and by extension the rights themselves won't collapse is just about the third most important thing, behind domestic national defense and some kind of crisis that threatens humanity itself.

i don't feel like explaining this to you.

[Sean Rizzo]

but it won't because it's an easy fix.

i don't feel like explaining this to you.
Look at unemployment and say that again.

What's left to explain? This is common sense. My point is that if civil rights were still a legislative issue, they would need to make way for the economy to be fixed.

[3wotkris]

Read through the discussion between Prince of Light and Togepi, the issue of gay marriage is a court issue, and so does not affect economic recovery legislation in the slightest. Arguing about it in this context is redundant.

Can you please clarify what you mean by the bolded, because it looks like you're saying equality is overrated.

Mate I totally understand that, as I've said earlier, my argument is more based on media portrayal of matters than anything else.

What I mean by that is that I watch Sky News, every now and again I will see a 2 minute segment about Barack Obama doing something to help the economy. In the rest of my time watching this, I lose count how many times I see some ludicrous civil rights story coming up; perhaps about Ian Huntley claiming for compensation after being attacked in prison or some terrorist being allowed extradition because it's his human right to be tried in his own country and not face prison for murdering thousands of people (I concede that the second is a lewd, exaggerated example) but there is so much civil rights bullcrap being thrown about that I, and many others (from my own experience) have become disillusioned with several aspects of government policy in that respect. Again, this has a lot to do with media representation.

[Sean Rizzo]

Mate I totally understand that, as I've said earlier, my argument is more based on media portrayal of matters than anything else.

What I mean by that is that I watch Sky News, every now and again I will see a 2 minute segment about Barack Obama doing something to help the economy. In the rest of my time watching this, I lose count how many times I see some ludicrous civil rights story coming up; perhaps about Ian Huntley claiming for compensation after being attacked in prison or some terrorist being allowed extradition because it's his human right to be tried in his own country and not face prison for murdering thousands of people (I concede that the second is a lewd, exaggerated example) but there is so much civil rights bullcrap being thrown about that I, and many others (from my own experience) have become disillusioned with several aspects of government policy in that respect. Again, this has a lot to do with media representation.
That's national security, not civil rights. Obviously that would require more attention than even the economy. By the way, were you thinking of the recent Scotland-Lybia al-Megrahi debacle?

[3wotkris]

That's national security, not civil rights. Obviously that would require more attention than even the economy. By the way, were you thinking of the recent Scotland debacle?

The Scotland thing came to mind slightly, I haven't really followed that as much as I would like to be able to share any decent comments on it if I'm honest :/ I just feel like I see a lot of shit like that all too often. A slightly off kilter example would be; we had a killer on the loose up here within the last month, and there was some woman on TV saying he needed to be protected. Some of my best friends were close friends with one of the guys he shot, and it just hits home; why does this shit get so much attention?

[Sean Rizzo]

The Scotland thing came to mind slightly, I haven't really followed that as much as I would like to be able to share any decent comments on it if I'm honest :/ I just feel like I see a lot of ****** like that all too often. A slightly off kilter example would be; we had a killer on the loose up here within the last month, and there was some woman on TV saying he needed to be protected. Some of my best friends were close friends with one of the guys he shot, and it just hits home; why does this ****** get so much attention?
Controversy = ratings. I don't mind if they want to talk about stuff like that because it raises awareness and the whole hit-home thing helps people realize the gravity of it, but I think the key is in how much one particular story is updated and aired compared to others.

[blackdaisyx]

I'll just sit this one out. I do like the Bart Simpson prologue to your argument though.

this.

[x togepi x]

Look at unemployment and say that again.

There's no trade off with unemployment and civil rights.

What's left to explain? This is common sense. My point is that if civil rights were still a legislative issue, they would need to make way for the economy to be fixed.

i don't feel like explaining to you why the media focuses more on civil rights and less on economics when the companies that run the major media companies have a vested interest in keeping major economic reforms from happening.

[tkamB]

He used an invalid example because it's now a judicial issue, but his point is still sound if you substitute it with something legislative. Read back.

So hes complaining about the legislature not having priorities, in that they need to fix the economic problems first even though the legislatures top priority is fixing the economy? Yeah I don't see where you're going with this.

[Sean Rizzo]

There's no trade off with unemployment and civil rights.

i don't feel like explaining to you why the media focuses more on civil rights and less on economics when the companies that run the major media companies have a vested interest in keeping major economic reforms from happening.
Oh, I thought you were saying the economy was an easy fix.

That doesn't need to be explained, haha.

So hes complaining about the legislature not having priorities, in that they need to fix the economic problems first even though the legislatures top priority is fixing the economy? Yeah I don't see where you're going with this.
Highly debatable, which is why he holds that opinion.

[tkamB]

Highly debatable, which is why he holds that opinion.

How is it debatable? In the last two years 2 stimulus packages have been passed totaling almost 1 trillion dollars. Priorities haven't inhibited more movement on economic reform, just differing opinions on what the right movement would be.

[Sean Rizzo]

How is it debatable? In the last two years 2 stimulus packages have been passed totaling almost 1 trillion dollars. Priorities haven't inhibited more movement on economic reform, just differing opinions on what the right movement would be.
Obviously if the movement is in the wrong direction (the debatable part), then the economy needs to remain the first priority.

[roche]

Why would China invade Australia?

[crackedthesky]

Why would China invade Australia?

Haha, thanks for bringing this up. I meant to mention it in my first post, but I forgot xD

Really though, why would anyone invade Australia? What's the point?

[BornUnderPunches]

Haha, thanks for bringing this up. I meant to mention it in my first post, but I forgot xD

Really though, why would anyone invade Australia? What's the point?
Seriously, nobody will ever be able to the defeat the Kangaroo Defenses. It's practically suicide.

[Scrandon]

Why would China invade Australia?

Prob. to correct Australia's insufficient use of shrimp on the barbies, possibly even to toss another one on, you might go so far as to assume.

[caveBEAR]

Prob. to correct Australia's insufficient use of shrimp on the barbies, possibly even to toss another one on, you might go so far as to assume.

:-d

[Scrandon]

:-d

Haha, half way through I was like "Wow is this even funny?"

[eriatarka24]

Seriously, nobody will ever be able to the defeat the Kangaroo Defenses. It's practically suicide.
http://alethonews.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/kangaroo-courtcopy.jpg

[jwicklun]

My head hurts.

[caveBEAR]

Haha, half way through I was like "Wow is this even funny?"

Made me laugh, but I'm high, so...'grain of salt' and all that.

[knoxgoalie]

"America, you so fine
You so fine, you blow my mind
America *armpit fart*" - Bart Simpson

This is America's problem.

You guys are so willing to wave the flag and be patriotic - but as soon as shit gets political you descend into the ugliest god-fuck of all brawls.

Seriously.

Your economy is in the shitter, you're at risk of losing your premier position to China, and what is the biggest problem? The fact that Levi Johnston has maybe had a baby by another woman.

It affects me. How? I'm an Aussie. If China begins to make nasty noises, we're in the firing line. You guys need to continue to be the big bully in the playground, otherwise it affects ALL of us.

And yet you rant and rave about your domestic politics, about things like same-sex marriage and Roe v Wade and that sort of thing. They may be important, but when you have a $US1TRILLION debt, there are bigger fish to fry.

300million of you have a say in your domestic politics which affects six billion people, for better or for worse. Right now, I quite like having a Western power as the big dogs around. But the way you're going, things are gonna change.

Oh and btw, when I watched Sunrise this morning they talked about gay marriage for 5-10 minutes.

[EchoPark]

"America, you so fine
You so fine, you blow my mind
America *armpit fart*" - Bart Simpson

This is America's problem.

You guys are so willing to wave the flag and be patriotic - but as soon as shit gets political you descend into the ugliest god-fuck of all brawls.

Seriously.

Your economy is in the shitter, you're at risk of losing your premier position to China, and what is the biggest problem? The fact that Levi Johnston has maybe had a baby by another woman.

It affects me. How? I'm an Aussie. If China begins to make nasty noises, we're in the firing line. You guys need to continue to be the big bully in the playground, otherwise it affects ALL of us.

And yet you rant and rave about your domestic politics, about things like same-sex marriage and Roe v Wade and that sort of thing. They may be important, but when you have a $US1TRILLION debt, there are bigger fish to fry.

300million of you have a say in your domestic politics which affects six billion people, for better or for worse. Right now, I quite like having a Western power as the big dogs around. But the way you're going, things are gonna change.

You see that's your problem. Aussies stand on their soapboxes and preach their open mindedness and pluralist virtues, but the majority of you sound like ignorant windbags. I'd take a long hard look at your meat pie and VB economy right now. I'm sure you are sitting in your comfortable house in Baulkham Hills somewhere and you've never even been to the US before. Aussies are THE proverbial armchair critics, Have you ever even been out of Sydney ? You don't have a fucking clue mate so just STFU

[OhNoVandetos]

You see that's your problem. Aussies stand on their soapboxes and preach their open mindedness and pluralist virtues, but the majority of you sound like ignorant windbags. I'd take a long hard look at your meat pie and VB economy right now. I'm sure you are sitting in your comfortable house in Baulkham Hills somewhere and you've never even been to the US before. Aussies are THE proverbial armchair critics, Have you ever even been out of Sydney ? You don't have a fucking clue mate so just STFU

haha right on

hes crying that china might attack australia and he bites the hand he expects to feed him, america doesnt owe us anything, if china attacks australia thats australias problem so quit crying and go joing the australian army if your that worried. Every one thinks they are know everything about politics, when realy they know nothing and just believe what the media tells them. The bottom line and reason for all the worlds problems is just that people are a terrible combination of greedy, selfish and lazy, They want the most they can get with the littlest amount of work possible and they dont care who they take it from. The Greedy abuse capitalism and the lazy abuse socialism

but on the other hand, my lifes great, i have a job, a disposeable income and baulkham hills rules

[eriatarka24]

speaking of China - http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100805/ap_on_re_as/as_china_us_carrier_killer I saw this and remembered this thread :-d

[ibecameabear]

Cool thread.
Love when foreigners complain about countries other than their own.

Yo, what the fuck Estonia? Why you slackin'? GET YO SHIT TOGETHER!
You're irking my groove, this is bullshit!

[caveBEAR]

Cool thread.
Love when foreigners complain about countries other than their own.

Yo, what the fuck Estonia? Why you slackin'? GET YO SHIT TOGETHER!
You're irking my groove, this is bullshit!

:yawn:

[ibecameabear]

:yawn:
I like your username, even though you're yawning at me.
Rude.

[mattyrocks]

Why would China invade Australia?

ha this.

[xcloud66x]

Having generalized all Americans as one, you automatically fail.

[sjb2k1]

i have nothing to contribute to this. normally i'd make some smart ass remark, but as an american i don't know anything about australia. i'm too busy eating fast food, sitting on my ass, and watching tv shows about levi johnston's baby mama.

[BornUnderPunches]

IhnUgAaea4M

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Having generalized all Americans as one, you automatically fail.

i have nothing to contribute to this. normally i'd make some smart ass remark, but as an american i don't know anything about australia. i'm too busy eating fast food, sitting on my ass, and watching tv shows about levi johnston's baby mama.

My perception of Australians stems from watching Paul Hogan and Yahoo Serious films as a child.

Oh, and that episode of the Simpsons where they go to Australia.

http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/images/f/fic-spau.gif

That is your country's flag, right?

[sjb2k1]

My perception of Australians stems from watching Paul Hogan and Yahoo Serious films as a child.

Oh, and that episode of the Simpsons where they go to Australia.

http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/images/f/fic-spau.gif

That is your country's flag, right?
oh yeah, all i know about australia i learned from the simpsons. something about a large boot for kicking people in the ass.

and:
"bullfrogs? i'd have called them chazwozzers"

[sjb2k1]

hahaha killer edit

[paper halo]

Cool thread.
Love when foreigners complain about countries other than their own.!

What''s wrong with that? I don't have to live in Iran to have a problem with it's awful treatment of women.

[ibecameabear]

What''s wrong with that? I don't have to live in Iran to have a problem with it's awful treatment of women.
You got me there.

[BornUnderPunches]

Oh, and that episode of the Simpsons where they go to Australia.
fuck yeah

Xqghpm4gXf4

[tkamB]

Obviously if the movement is in the wrong direction (the debatable part), then the economy needs to remain the first priority.

You said the fact that it was the number one priority was debatable, not the movement. Like I said, it is the priority ask any congressman and he will tell you so, its just a matter of differing political ideals holding back movement and remember that anything the legislature does isn't going to be a quick fix, only the federal reserve is only capable of those, but a long term one where we won't see the benefits, or detriments, for awhile.

[Scrandon]

Anyone interested in Australia should check out this little documentary about the country - Kangaroo Jack.

[sjb2k1]

fuck yeah

Xqghpm4gXf4
:appl:

[random0ne]

Okay, I have to be quick cos I REALLY need to go to work, but a couple of things.

Be aware that I have SKIMMED much of this thread, so forgive me if I have misread something.

- Why would China invade Australia?
---Uranium. We have about 40% of the worlds stocks. Plus our other natural resources. We're resourc-rich, and the government already intervened to stop Chinese state-owned corporations from purchasing Rio Tinto.

-Am I targeting Prop 8 specifically and thus an anti-gay?
--No. It's an example. Roe v Wade is probably even better. Yes, they may be judicial issues, but if people put the same effort into trying to get the US economy on track as they do protesting and attacking the other side over these issues, you would have sorted yourselves out by now.

-Debt vs Deficit
--Forgive me, I am a politics student but my major unit on the international political economy is first semester next year. I get these things confused.

As for the debate over whethter civil rights can be saved, well, I like the comparison to Nero fiddling. You have it pretty good over there with regard to your civil liberties, but your economy is crap. The stat came out from an economist on 3AW in Melbourne the other day - it is the first time in 30 years that US tax contributions towards social security cannot afford to pay for the US social security system. That sort of unemployment is probably going to need some sort of infrastructure development program in order to fix anything simply to generate employment.

(And I didn't say I approve of the Australian situation. I can't stand it - both sides for the election aren't actually making policy and it pisses me off immensely. Real policies rather than spin would be nice.)

P.S. Those that are complaining that I'm an armchair critic, well the US is the biggest nation in the world and is still relevant to our security interests. In terms of a simple policy debate, it's not just about HURR DURR CHINA WILL ATTACK. On one level that element is there - every security debate is ultimately about invasion threats - but the reality is a military rise of China will more likely provoke a military buildup in India. They have had a border dispute for 50 years and have fought a couple of wars over it. It also threatens Taiwan - which regardless of the One China policy will be a brutal war indeed. Not to mention South Korea or Japan. There's a flashpoint with the Phillipines with the Spratleys too.
There's only one nation that can put China in its place if/when it decides to be expansionist. The US.
Am I wrong for wishing that they will be there in ten, twenty, thirty years rather than watching them continue their imperial decline?

[caveBEAR]

OK, don't worry guys! He's not 'anti-gay', because he's against Roe v. Wade as well!

Wait, what?

[random0ne]

OK, don't worry guys! He's not 'anti-gay', because he's against Roe v. Wade as well!

Wait, what?

That was seemingly the thread of thought earlier on in this thread. I'm actually FOR Roe v Wade - every woman has the right to the option of abortion. What I am against is the massive expenditure of hot air about these issues when the economy is in the state that it is. It's all well and good to have civil liberties, but what is the use when you lose your pre-eminent position in the world?

I'll compare it to Alderaan. They stood on their principles and had their planet blown up in Star Wars. It's all fine until the rest of the world blows up in your face.

[caveBEAR]

That was seemingly the thread of thought earlier on in this thread. I'm actually FOR Roe v Wade - every woman has the right to the option of abortion. What I am against is the massive expenditure of hot air about these issues when the economy is in the state that it is. It's all well and good to have civil liberties, but what is the use when you lose your pre-eminent position in the world?

This could be the stupidest fucking thing I've ever read...

I'll compare it to Alderaan. They stood on their principles and had their planet blown up in Star Wars. It's all fine until the rest of the world blows up in your face.

...until that.

[tkamB]

Psh if you're going to use a Star Wars reference at least make it correctly. They were going to blow up Alderaan either way as Leia told them where the rebel base was, lied but they didn't know that, and Alderaan was still destroyed.

/nerd

[random0ne]

Psh if you're going to use a Star Wars reference at least make it correctly. They were going to blow up Alderaan either way as Leia told them where the rebel base was, lied but they didn't know that, and Alderaan was still destroyed.

/nerd

Going to try and outnerd you here, but a political interpretation of Star Wars suggests that Alderaan is similar to those within the US that would rather stand for their beliefs (in Alderaan's case, officially staying neutral while actually secretly funding the rebels) than national security and suggested that unless you stood up to the evil empire, youwould be destroyed.

[caveBEAR]

Going to try and outnerd you here, but a political interpretation of Star Wars suggests that Alderaan is similar to those within the US that would rather stand for their beliefs (in Alderaan's case, officially staying neutral while actually secretly funding the rebels) than national security and suggested that unless you stood up to the evil empire, youwould be destroyed.

http://www.collider.com/wp-content/image-base/Clubhouse/F/Funny_Pictures/slices/slice_star_wars_stormtrooper_facepa lm_01.jpg

[tkamB]

Going to try and outnerd you here, but a political interpretation of Star Wars suggests that Alderaan is similar to those within the US that would rather stand for their beliefs (in Alderaan's case, officially staying neutral while actually secretly funding the rebels) than national security and suggested that unless you stood up to the evil empire, youwould be destroyed.

Considering the fact that Episode 3 was pretty much based off of Bush's presidency and using a false security threat to gain power and take away civil liberties, I'm going to guess that isn't what Lucas was going for and that he would much rather have a country stand up for their beliefs than disregard them for national security.

[caveBEAR]

Considering the fact that Episode 3 was pretty much based off of Bush's presidency and using a false security threat to gain power and take away civil liberties, I'm going to guess that isn't what Lucas was going for and that he would much rather have a country stand up for their beliefs than disregard them for national security.

I bet George Lucas invoked whatever storyline would crap out the most action figures.

[random0ne]

Considering the fact that Episode 3 was pretty much based off of Bush's presidency and using a false security threat to gain power and take away civil liberties, I'm going to guess that isn't what Lucas was going for and that he would much rather have a country stand up for their beliefs than disregard them for national security.

That's what the implication of the original was. Star Wars is a subtle crack at the whole liberal side of politics. Thus the Rebels are the ones who stand up and fight bringing victory, while those that refuse to fight (Alderaan) or who attempt to make a deal (Lando) lose out.

[sjb2k1]

HURR DURR CHINA WILL NOT ATTACK AUSTRALIA....and we're really using star wars references now?

i'd rather the US take a complete backseat to the rest of the world than forget about civil liberties. i want freedom and equality in my own country.

[Scrandon]

As for the debate over whethter civil rights can be saved, well, I like the comparison to Nero fiddling. You have it pretty good over there with regard to your civil liberties, but your economy is crap. The stat came out from an economist on 3AW in Melbourne the other day - it is the first time in 30 years that US tax contributions towards social security cannot afford to pay for the US social security system. That sort of unemployment is probably going to need some sort of infrastructure development program in order to fix anything simply to generate employment.


We all know Social Security is in trouble, we have known this for at least thirty years now. It is a direct result of something called the 'baby boom' generation. Oh but thank God we have you around to diagnose all of our known problems and say the are caused by things like unemployment. I mean, who told you that? You make it up on your own? Unemployment? LOL.

Just because you bold something doesn't mean it's true. So yea, I think you should really get back to work - like you keep saying you need to, and maybe learn something.

[Scrandon]

That's what the implication of the original was. Star Wars is a subtle crack at the whole liberal side of politics. Thus the Rebels are the ones who stand up and fight bringing victory, while those that refuse to fight (Alderaan) or who attempt to make a deal (Lando) lose out.

First you analyze our country, now you analyze our Star Wars? Too. Fucking. Far.

[Scrandon]

HURR DURR CHINA WILL NOT ATTACK AUSTRALIA....and we're really using star wars references now?

i'd rather the US take a complete backseat to the rest of the world than forget about civil liberties. i want freedom and equality in my own country.

Truth is, even though some people don't realize it, we don't have to do either.

[sjb2k1]

Truth is, even though some people don't realize it, we don't have to do either.
well yeah. OP and others in this thread don't seem to realize that the US might be able to multitask.

[EchoPark]

FYI the 16 post n00b troll who posted this succeded with his trollish agenda.

Don't ever let me catch you on the streets of Sydney. I own this fucking city.

[crackedthesky]

That's what the implication of the original was. Star Wars is a subtle crack at the whole liberal side of politics. Thus the Rebels are the ones who stand up and fight bringing victory, while those that refuse to fight (Alderaan) or who attempt to make a deal (Lando) lose out.

Did you even watch Star Wars? Lando piloted the Millenium Falcon to victory in the end, dumbass.
And Alderaan didn't refuse to fight, they got their planet blown up from a remote location. What'd you want them to do? Dodge the death laser?

[Scrandon]

Did you even watch Star Wars? Lando piloted the Millenium Falcon to victory in the end, dumbass.
And Alderaan didn't refuse to fight, they got their planet blown up from a remote location. What'd you want them to do? Dodge the death laser?

No, see, you don't get it. This guy is really good at analyzing things without knowing jack.

[crackedthesky]

No, see, you don't get it. This guy is really good at analyzing things without knowing jack.

That guy's wrong anyway. George Lucas isn't a Republican, so Star Wars was in no way a political statement against "liberalism."
It was, for all intents and purposes, a way to bring Akira Kurosawa's Hidden Fortress to the states in a way that the American public could understand and accept.

[Zeran]

Prob. to correct Australia's insufficient use of shrimp on the barbies, possibly even to toss another one on, you might go so far as to assume.

i laughed pretty hard.

but seriously, why does this thread even exist?

[Machu505]

If I were China, I'd go ahead and conquer Japan first. Just sayin'.

[sjb2k1]

If I were China, I'd go ahead and conquer Japan first. Just sayin'.
everyone in this thread should play one big game of risk.

[new_arbiter]

If I were China, I'd go ahead and conquer Japan first. Just sayin'.

If China takes Nintendo away from me, I will personally burn it to ground.

[Simulcast]

If I were China, I'd go ahead and conquer Japan first. Just sayin'.

Better use a stalker/zealot combo. Don't forget the observers.

[mattyrocks]

everyone in this thread should play one big game of risk.

ha i fuckin love risk.

[Zeran]

Better use a stalker/zealot combo. Don't forget the observers.

a couple collosus and void rays would help too.

[Simulcast]

a couple collosus and void rays would help too.

I like you.

[InTheatersNow]

Then you should work harder to get young people out to vote. Our problem is that the vast majority of our voting population is the old people - most of whom don't seem to realize it isn't the 1960s anymore.

Get better candidates and people will vote.

[crackedthesky]

Get better candidates and people will vote.

Lol, yeah, THAT'S the problem. 100% of candidates suck, so every single Democrat would rather just not vote at all.

You don't have any idea how politics works at all, do you?

[sjb2k1]

i remember reading after the 2004 election that despite all the effort made to entice young voters to the polls (vote or die, etc), there wasn't an increase in 18-whatever's considered young (it's been a few years).

[InTheatersNow]

Lol, yeah, THAT'S the problem. 100% of candidates suck, so every single Democrat would rather just not vote at all.

You don't have any idea how politics works at all, do you?

I don't want to know how politics work. I know how people work, and if they don't have anyone they believe in they aren't going to vote.

[caveBEAR]

I don't want to know how politics work. I know how people work, and if they don't have anyone they believe in they aren't going to vote.

Source?

[crackedthesky]

I don't want to know how politics work. I know how people work, and if they don't have anyone they believe in they aren't going to vote.

This makes me feel both :lol: and :hitself:

[liarsturnmeon]

As an Australian I'd like to point out that certain views represented here don't reflect the views of the majority. We're not all fucktards. Our electoral system is hardly better given the (well) hung parliament, our economy is still in debt, we're America's bitch politically and I'm pretty sure with a population of 23M no one could give a shit about us. We have crazies on both the far left and far right, alot of young people don't care about voting here as well, and we've got a solid deficit ourselves. And the China thing is a left-over colonially-linked fear of invasion, which was exacerbated at the time by racist literature, and the sentiment of the asian invasion is still around, if only because of how fucking racist we are as a majority. Also like to point out that reliable media coverage contributes alot to ones knowledge about political matters in this country, and there's generally representative approaches to stories in the decent newspapers (ie. not tabloids or shitty morning tv shows). At least America's willing to open up to discussion about gay marriage /endrant.