Politics

[Kelsey Brusseau]

Starting this week Paul Tao will be representing the Democrats and Kevin Kelly will be representing the Republicans in our new politics section (http://www.absolutepunk.net/forumdisplay.php?f=150). Every week they each will be writing at least one article about what they feel is important. Then on Sundays (starting on the 13th) at 5 PM Pacific time, there will be a debate between Paul and Kevin that you can watch here (http://www.absolutepunk.net/forumdisplay.php?f=44) about a selected topic. After an hour of debate between the two, the thread will be unlocked and you will then be able to comment and talk about the issue yourself. The first topic will be social security.

[yanggoh]

wow, that's friggin intense. i hope that paul and kelly are equally intelligent, so that the debates aren't totally one-sided trainwrecks.

[FarPastGone]

I know Paul goes to USC so he's gotta atleast a decent head on his sholders.

[I am all talk]

im very excited for this

[MATT2KOOL]

I thought this was a music website ?

[YourLatestVicti]

I thought this was a music website ?


Because, music and politics have no connection whatsoever. I mean no band like Green Day or anything has become political.

[YearsGoneBy]

this makes my head hurt

[Scott Weber]

this makes my head hurt
I love Paul but I'm rooting for Kevin. :wink3:

[I am all talk]

I thought this was a music website ?

you're right, considering no musician ever writes about politics or social issues.
God forbid some of us care about our future enough to be interested in politics

[YearsGoneBy]

whos kevin?

[mydreamrewrite]

God forbid some of us care about our future enough to be interested in politics
dang man, he just asked a question!

[number1alien]

This is a great idea.

[left_punk]

"Republicans and Democrates are simply two adjoining cheeks of the same ass. They need each other. "
Bada Dehili


The primary difference between Democrats and Republicans is that they tell different lies to get elected.
Mickey Z

[timmysavedlatin]

"Republicans and Democrates are simply two adjoining cheeks of the same ass. They need each other. "
Bada Dehili


The primary difference between Democrats and Republicans is that they tell different lies to get elected.
Mickey Z

haha "democrats have absolutely no ideas, and republicans have really bad ideas" - lewis black

[Pat Marquez]

I thought this was a music website ?

Yeah guys, seriously - fuck trying new things.


Anyways, I think this idea is friggin sweet.

[Kelsey Brusseau]

Yeah guys, seriously - fuck trying new things.


Anyways, I think this idea is friggin sweet.


you shoud.... it was ur idea. hahaha

[Pat Marquez]

I'm rooting for Paul.

[Pat Marquez]

^^Good answer! Anyone who actually thinks there is a difference between Republicans and Democrats (Besides the crap they spew) is pretty ignorant. Which is most of the American public. In other words, you people who think politics actually matter shouldn't feel too bad about yourselves, because you're in the majority!

Haha, I better get out of this thread before I want to kill.

[BtoTheRad]

Will Kevin Be wearing a Bow Tie ala Tucker Carlson?

All Kidding aside this is a good idea

[Pat Marquez]

you shoud.... it was ur idea. hahaha

Haha, yeah... I know.

[booyah]

"Republicans and Democrates are simply two adjoining cheeks of the same ass. They need each other. "
Bada Dehili


The primary difference between Democrats and Republicans is that they tell different lies to get elected.
Mickey Z

^^Good answer! Anyone who actually thinks there is a difference between Republicans and Democrats (Besides the crap they spew) is pretty ignorant. Which is most of the American public. In other words, you people who think politics actually matter shouldn't feel too bad about yourselves, because you're in the majority!

[Pat Marquez]

Will Kevin Be wearing a Bow Tie ala Tucker Carlson?

All Kidding aside this is a good idea

Tucker is an asshole. But bow ties are so awesome.

[brianthomas7]

^^Good answer! Anyone who actually thinks there is a difference between Republicans and Democrats (Besides the crap they spew) is pretty ignorant. Which is most of the American public. In other words, you people who think politics actually matter shouldn't feel too bad about yourselves, because you're in the majority!

There are things called party platforms, and yes, politicians pass legislation and fight for those stances that are party affiliated. You are pretty ignorant for thinking there isn't a difference between politcal parties, and that politics is not important.

[Lueda Alia]

Tucker is an asshole. But bow ties are so awesome.
and above all, he's ignorant.

[Adrian Villagomez]

Who thought this up? Sounds like a great idea to me. :dweeba48:

[Pat Marquez]

There are things called party platforms, and yes, politicians pass legislation and fight for those stances that are party affiliated. You are pretty ignorant for thinking there isn't a difference between politcal parties, and that politics is not important.

Even though you gave me negative scene points, thank you.

[splitsecond]

Well i am hurt and offended that I was not approached for this. I am more Republican than this Kevin guy, and I can own anyone who tries to fight me on politics.


But generally, its a good idea. I am surprised Tate is bringing the fair and balanced to the site....



i think the first topic should be about how fucked the Democratic party is right now, with the possibility of Screamin Howard Dean being the new party chair, and their most likely Presidential candidate being Hellary Clinton.

[boekebong]

Awesomeness. It was about time.

[siberianxkiss]

great. i just cant get enough of pretentious poli sci majors who watch too much cnn/fox news/msnbc and read the ny times everyday and think they know everything. uP tHe PuNxXx!!! Green Day 4 LyFe!

[Greg Dona]

i imagine this will be a democrat-ruled discussion afterwards since this is a democrat-ruled board, but i hope im wrong. not that im a republican, but id like to see real debate, not 'republicanz r such dix. omg, i hate conservatives, like, really.'

[KarateExplosion]

Starting this week Paul Tao will be representing the Democrats and Kevin Kelly will be representing the Republicans in our new politics section (http://www.absolutepunk.net/forumdisplay.php?f=150). Every week they each will be writing at least one article about what they feel is important. Then on Sundays (starting on the 13th) at 5 PM Pacific time, there will be a debate between Paul and Kevin that you can watch here (http://www.absolutepunk.net/forumdisplay.php?f=44) about a selected topic. After an hour of debate between the two, the thread will be unlocked and you will then be able to comment and talk about the issue yourself. The first topic will be social security.
i seriously, seriously doubt anything constructive will come of a "politics" section targeted at 14-18 year olds who don't have jobs or proper education in politics. further, i doubt that half of the people on this board even know what social security is, and over half don't know how the hell it works.

[PlanetThursday]

Thank goodness. The political SPECTRUM obviously only has two sides..the far right and the right...

[left_punk]

There are things called party platforms, and yes, politicians pass legislation and fight for those stances that are party affiliated. You are pretty ignorant for thinking there isn't a difference between politcal parties, and that politics is not important.

But there really is NO difference between these two parties. Its a delusion, like religion. They're both corporate-funded, war-mongering parties with the same agenda; to uphold this capitalist system, further U.$. militarism/imperialism, and rape the environment.
Wake up people!

[PlanetThursday]

great. i just cant get enough of pretentious poli sci majors who watch too much cnn/fox news/msnbc and read the ny times everyday and think they know everything. uP tHe PuNxXx!!! Green Day 4 LyFe!

DOWN WITH THE EDUCATED!

[Just_Insane]

Yeah whey! That's awesome now we can start the real debate here! The debate: should we have capitalism?.....OR...should we perhaps have capitalism!? Tough choice.......

[bromuda]

This is a great idea. I'm anxious to see these guys battle this out, I just wrote a paper on Social Security Reform last term and am well-researched in this area. We need to make some serious progress on this issue and as young Americans have to have open-minds and not be swayed by all the propaganda saying this shouldn't be our first priority. Good luck Kevin.

[scorcho490]

But there really is NO difference between these two parties. Its a delusion, like religion. They're both corporate-funded, war-mongering parties with the same agenda; to uphold this capitalist system, further U.$. militarism/imperialism, and rape the environment.
Wake up people!

Yeah screw capitalism. I've been listening to Anti-Flag a lot lately and that's what they said. I also worship Fat Mike, he is such a genius. I sure am glad I'm "awake."

[seans seatbelt]

THIS IS WHAT BEING PUNKZ IS ALL ABOUT!
fuck, fuck, fuck the police.

this is actually a really good idea though. I'm Canadian, so it doesn't mean much, but I will gladly read along while nodding my head and listening to rise against.

[OveriseFan]

I think this is stupid and unnecessary but what the hell GO KEVIN!!! KICK HIS ASS!!!!!!!

[thecatisblack22]

wow, that's friggin intense. i hope that paul and kelly are equally intelligent, so that the debates aren't totally one-sided trainwrecks.
I completely agree, although I have already decided to root for Kevin

[bromuda]

But there really is NO difference between these two parties. Its a delusion, like religion. They're both corporate-funded, war-mongering parties with the same agenda; to uphold this capitalist system, further U.$. militarism/imperialism, and rape the environment.
Wake up people!

Everything that defines them is based on the fact that Democrats want a larger national governement and Republicans believe in less national and more state-wide and local control.

Democrats support the capitalist system? Everything they stand for (higher income taxes, etc.) result in less productivity. Why would someone choose to work more if they earn less?

[OveriseFan]

Yeah screw capitalism. I've been listening to Anti-Flag a lot lately and that's what they said. I also worship Fat Mike, he is such a genius. I sure am glad I'm "awake."

hahahahaha

I hate political bands!

Which is why I refuse to listen to the new Green Day...

[left_punk]

Yeah screw capitalism. I've been listening to Anti-Flag a lot lately and that's what they said. I also worship Fat Mike, he is such a genius. I sure am glad I'm "awake."

Sarcasm. nice.
I'd recommend checking out Crass, Millions of Dead Cops, Reagan Youth, Propagandhi, and Thought Riot. I DONT worship Fat Mike, that guy is just as much a twat as Michael Moore, it makes my stomach turn!
Anti-Flag are pretty cool.
But yeah, screw capitalism!
NO MORE PRESIDENTS!
NO GODS, NO MASTERS!

"NAPOLEON IS ALWAYS RIGHT"

[Frank Giaramita]

I thought this was a music website ?

Naaa, not anymore, as you can see by Kelsey's post, we are totally transforming the site into a Political website and there will be no more music coverage...because that's what her post clearly said.

[Just_Insane]

hahahahaha

I hate political bands!

Which is why I refuse to listen to the new Green Day...

Umm yeah, that's right. We need more self-centred ego middle class emo bands and poppunk bands or whatever singing about how tough their life is....i mean afterall, there girlfriend doesn't wanna speak to them and maybe she even dumped them. BUUUUH fucking HUH. Let's boycotte all the bands actually concerned about the world and what's goin on around them rather then just crying and bitching. Lame!

What's even lamer and sader is that i bet like 80% of the people on this site won't even realise my sarcasm here...

[theoldviolence]

i seriously, seriously doubt anything constructive will come of a "politics" section targeted at 14-18 year olds who don't have jobs or proper education in politics. further, i doubt that half of the people on this board even know what social security is, and over half don't know how the hell it works.

I very much agree. Only people with a masters in politics can have any valid opinions at all. In fact, I think that should be made a stipulation for those that want to vote in future elections. Well done. Perhaps if there are people who aren't fully acquainted the nuances of the social security system may learn about it from the thread? I think it's a good idea. Although PlanetThursday is incredibly right in saying that there are more angles on politics than those put forward by the two major parties. Lyk, dwn wiv da systm.

[thecatisblack22]

^^Good answer! Anyone who actually thinks there is a difference between Republicans and Democrats (Besides the crap they spew) is pretty ignorant. Which is most of the American public. In other words, you people who think politics actually matter shouldn't feel too bad about yourselves, because you're in the majority!
Whether you want to admit it or not, politics are all around you. And yes, there is more to the distinction between republicans and democrats than just "the crap they spew." I'm not too involved in politics, but there is definitely a huge brick wall separating the two parties. The ignorance is oozing from your body like sweat on a hot summer day.

[OnLegendary21]

Well i am hurt and offended that I was not approached for this. I am more Republican than this Kevin guy, and I can own anyone who tries to fight me on politics.


But generally, its a good idea. I am surprised Tate is bringing the fair and balanced to the site....



i think the first topic should be about how fucked the Democratic party is right now, with the possibility of Screamin Howard Dean being the new party chair, and their most likely Presidential candidate being Hellary Clinton.

Who the hell are you?

[left_punk]

Hey if you guys want some brief info on the "Democratic" party, then check out this article. Maybe that guy debating for the Democrats should check it out too.
"A brief history of the Democrats" by Mickey Z. (http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?ItemID=4876)
Enjoy!

[bromuda]

^^Good answer! Anyone who actually thinks there is a difference between Republicans and Democrats (Besides the crap they spew) is pretty ignorant. Which is most of the American public. In other words, you people who think politics actually matter shouldn't feel too bad about yourselves, because you're in the majority!

I just don't understand the way you think. There are so many people out there that have fought and died so that we can voice our opinions and choose how we are governed.
It's just hilarious that you can call someone ignorant with a statement that is flushed in ignorance.

[siberianxkiss]

DOWN WITH THE EDUCATED!

No, 90% of what you learn in school (college) is complete bullshit. Taking a few courses, reading the papers, watching c-span doesnt make you educated, real life experiences make you educated. Kids at our age should not seriously be debating politics. Yes, it is okay to formulate opinions now at a young age, but guarantee most of those will change as you get older and start the experience more. and enter the real world.

[Just_Insane]

I just don't understand the way you think. There are so many people out there that have fought and died so that we can voice our opinions and choose how we are governed.
It's just hilarious that you can call someone ignorant with a statement that is flushed in ignorance.

And now you let them down by not keeping up there fight. Hooray for you.

[thecatisblack22]

Who the hell are you?
Although it is a little overdone, I think its nice that someone is so confident about thier skills :lol2:

[left_punk]

I just don't understand the way you think. There are so many people out there that have fought and died so that we can voice our opinions and choose how we are governed.
It's just hilarious that you can call someone ignorant with a statement that is flushed in ignorance.

Sorry, but those people who have fought and died, weren't doing it for our freedom to be ruled by rich, white guys, but more to protect U.$/multi-naitonal corporations and to maximize thier profits.
Yeah, the statement you were commenting on IS filled with apathy and nescience, but, nonetheless, its true.

[UndefinedBoy]

Paul shall dominate.

[bromuda]

And now you let them down by not keeping up there fight. Hooray for you.

That comment was made in respect to Americans not caring about politics and it being a non-issue. I think well-educated debates are great, I just hate seeing people say its not important to understand what's going on with our government.

[k0d1ak]

more two party bullshit

[bromuda]

Sorry, but those people who have fought and died, weren't doing it for our freedom to be ruled by rich, white guys, but more to protect U.$/multi-naitonal corporations and to maximize thier profits.
Yeah, the statement you were commenting on IS filled with apathy and nescience, but, nonetheless, its true.


Okay, believe whatever you want, I don't have the time for this... Watch another Michael Moore film...

[theoldviolence]

No, 90% of what you learn in school (college) is complete bullshit. Taking a few courses, reading the papers, watching c-span doesnt make you educated, real life experiences make you educated. Kids at our age should not seriously be debating politics. Yes, it is okay to formulate opinions now at a young age, but guarantee most of those will change as you get older and start the experience more. and enter the real world.

Certainly people's opinions will alter as they grow, experience new things and come into contact with different ideas, but I can't help but feel that saying to people that their opinions are somehow less valid because of their age is a bit defeatist. Surely everyone should be open to the ideas of others and expect their opinions to alter as they hear different viewpoints, no matter how old or educated they are? To have them stay the same irrespective of what they were exposed to would, I think, be foolish.

[mewithoutyou]

God forbid some of us care about our future enough to be interested in politics

God forbid some of us get our political views from a pop punk chat board.

[Just_Insane]

Okay, believe whatever you want, I don't have the time for this... Watch another Michael Moore film...

Umm well that's certainly ignorance, probably the lamest most ignorant thing i've ever heard i think. If you would've scrolled up a little you would've seen he just said he didn't like Michael Moore. And you may not be aware of it but there are actually Moore people then Michael Moore who realise how fucked up America is and who are even smarter then Michael Moore. But well as i use to say; Ignorance= basis for capitalism to maintain and exist.

[IAPAI]

This is a horribly stupid idea. I'm all for getting the discussion of politics out there, but in this case it's not going to. It's going to get people who are already interested in politics out there. If you care, you already know what you need to and have based your opinions. If you don't care, you are one of the people who said "I thought this was a music website". If I need the news, or political commentary, I'll just read the good old Canadian newspapers that can report legitimate stories without fear of being slapped on the wrist by the US government and the rest of you should do the same rather than taking your cues from two NEW pundits.

[siberianxkiss]

Certainly people's opinions will alter as they grow, experience new things and come into contact with different ideas, but I can't help but feel that saying to people that their opinions are somehow less valid because of their age is a bit defeatist. Surely everyone should be open to the ideas of others and expect their opinions to alter as they hear different viewpoints, no matter how old or educated they are? To have them stay the same irrespective of what they were exposed to would, I think, be foolish.

I agree with hearing different viewpoints, but face it, most kids in which the website is targeted at, have no idea what it going on in politics, and I'm not saying I do either. I think its great to have a discussion about politics and hear opposing views, but yes, the opinions of kids this age have no merit until they enter the real world.

edit: and i think if the webmasters wanted to have serious discussions about politics, it could be executed in a better fashion.

[Mattkoon8]

it sounds like there are a lot more conservative kids coming out about politics these days. thank God that the democrats are starting to lose control. theyre goin nuts out there. though actually it seems like there's a method to the democrats madness. "The talk among congressional Democrats is about the tactics Newt Gingrich used as House minority whip in 1993 and 1994. As they remember it, Gingrich opposed, blocked, attacked, zinged, or at least criticized everything President Clinton and Democratic leaders proposed. It was a scorched-earth approach, Democrats believe. And it worked, crippling Clinton and resulting in the 1994 election that gave Republicans control--lasting control, it turned out--of the House and Senate. Now Democrats, after losing three straight elections, hope brutal tactics will work for them." (- Fred Barnes, the weekly standard)
except, the democrats aren't getting it."... Democrats cannot confer or deny legitimacy. Nor do they really understand the lessons of the Gingrich era. True, Newt used rough tactics to tear down Democratic proposals and challenge Democratic leaders. He was relentless. But he was also an idea factory of conservative concepts and initiatives. His goal was to attract conservative voters who weren't Republicans. And he succeeded.
The 1994 breakthrough "was the culmination of a long process in which voters' ideology finally got in line with their partisanship," columnist David Brooks explained recently in the New York Times. "The Democrats today . . . have all the liberals. What they lack is support from middle-class white families in fast-growing suburbs. But by copying the Gingrich tactics--or what they think of as Gingrich tactics--of hyperpartisanship and ruthless oppositionalism, they will only alienate those voters even more."
.... just thought id throw that in the mix....

also this article is interesting. seems South Park leans more conservative than it does liberal which im willing to bet is a surprise to most of you.... check out the new breed of conservatism: South Park Conservatives (http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/005/131vxnun.asp)

[theoldviolence]

I agree with hearing different viewpoints, but face it, most kids in which the website is targeted at, have no idea what it going on in politics, and I'm not saying I do either. I think its great to have a discussion about politics and hear opposing views, but yes, the opinions of kids this age have no merit until they enter the real world

I think your right about almost everything you've said, I mean I think everyone (most definately including myself here) probably knows less about the political world than they'd like to admit, and sure, people our age's opinions may have less substance, if I can call it that, than someone who's been working for 25 years and observing the, as you say, real world, but concepts like equality and so on, principles rather than opinions perhaps are surely valid whatever age?

[Paul Tao]

finally, i can post under my new name. whew.

[I am all talk]

God forbid some of us get our political views from a pop punk chat board.
you are right, an internet forum is not nearly enough to give someone a wide variety of political views but if one apathetic kid is able to form an opinion from reading these then it was a success.

[Adeniz19]

this would be a good idea if most of the people on this board werent teenagers and knew more about politics then just what their parents tell them. this should be interesting either way to see if people can actually have a real debate without calling someone a retard and taking all their scene points away for not having the same views as them lol.

[siberianxkiss]

I think your right about almost everything you've said, I mean I think everyone (most definately including myself here) probably knows less about the political world than they'd like to admit, and sure, people our age's opinions may have less substance, if I can call it that, than someone who's been working for 25 years and observing the, as you say, real world, but concepts like equality and so on, principles rather than opinions perhaps are surely valid whatever age?

yes principles, morals , values, etc. can remain the same, but opinions generally do not. I know that a person's principles can greatly influence their opinions on some matters, but not to all in regard to politics.

[xLOCUST REIGNx]

Yeah guys, seriously - fuck trying new things.


Anyways, I think this idea is friggin sweet.
I think this is an awesome idea.

[theoldviolence]

yes principles, morals , values, etc. can remain the same, but opinions generally do not. I know that a person's principles can greatly influence their opinions on some matters, but not to all in regard to politics.

Again, I agree, but I'd say that personally principles would be possibly the single largest influence on my political views. Which would almost certainly make me a truly rubbish politician!

[VGB]

I like the idea but not because I want to see one side "pwn" the other, I would honestly like to see some healthy debate, plus its always nice to know what another sides opnions are so you know where they are coming from

[siberianxkiss]

Again, I agree, but I'd say that personally principles would be possibly the single largest influence on my political views. Which would almost certainly make me a truly rubbish politician!

well i definitely can appreciate anyone with strong convictions. cheers

[BlueSkiesDiner]

Interesting that this site is starting a "debate" feature just as Crossfire is cancelled from CNN since the CEO deemed such a kind of "headbutting" format unproductive (influenced by John Stewart pointing this out). Time will tell if AbsolutePunk.net can do a better job than CNN or FOXNews of presenting such a thing in a productive format.

[I am all talk]

Interesting that this site is starting a "debate" feature just as Crossfire is cancelled from CNN since the CEO deemed such a kind of "headbutting" format unproductive (influenced by John Stewart pointing this out). Time will tell if AbsolutePunk.net can do a better job than CNN or FOXNews of presenting such a thing in a productive format.

in theory crossfire was a great idea. The mistake was made in casting.

[thecatisblack22]

That comment was made in respect to Americans not caring about politics and it being a non-issue. I think well-educated debates are great, I just hate seeing people say its not important to understand what's going on with our government.
3 cheers to you

[MDR]

republicrat democran one party system




god do I hate fucking politics

[BlueSkiesDiner]

in theory crossfire was a great idea. The mistake was made in casting.
Well, in theory, debate is good. The problem arises when the debate degenerates into people yelling at each other, just repeating ideas that politicians put forth. Nothing is revealed, nothing is accomplished aside from putting people into one of two restrictive categories that few if any can really fit into. When neither side can cede any point to the other, then nothing will ever be accomplished. When people put pride and self-interest aside and start thinking for the good of humanity, then debate will be productive, as people work together to find which ways are best to help humanity as a whole. Until then, little will be accomplished. I look forward to seeing whether AP.net's format will provide something insightful - in fact, I challenge the two debaters to do so - instead of just mimicking what is seen on shows like Crossfire, Hardball, or Hannity and Colmes. You can do it, guys.

Edit (this was added, nothing else was changed): I just noticed the forum for political debate is called "The Political Pundits." This does not bode well...there is an inherent problem in stating someone is an "expert" in this sort of thing. If nothing else, the main problem is that these "pundits" (n., a learned expert or teacher) pundit (v., to make pronouncements like an expert) their ideas as truth or something like it.

[Paul Tao]

let's just say, i ain't no tucker carlson

[Paul Tao]

or colmes for that matter. i would like to think i actually possess a backbone.

[I am all talk]

Well, in theory, debate is good. The problem arises when the debate degenerates into people yelling at each other, just repeating ideas that politicians put forth. Nothing is revealed, nothing is accomplished aside from putting people into one of two restrictive categories that few if any can really fit into. When neither side can cede any point to the other, then nothing will ever be accomplished. Until people put pride and self-interest aside and start thinking for the good of humanity, then debate will be productive, as people work together to find which ways are best to help humanity as a whole. Until then, little will be accomplished. I look forward to seeing whether AP.net's format will provide something insightful - in fact, I challenge the two debaters to do so - instead of just mimicking what is seen on shows like Crossfire, Hardball, or Hannity and Colmes. You can do it, guys.

I completely agree

[I am all talk]

let's just say, i ain't no tucker carlson

so you are james carville?

[KarateExplosion]

i stand justified with my earlier post that nothing constructive would come of political threads on here. nothing has. nothing will.

[bromuda]

But well as i use to say; Ignorance= basis for capitalism to maintain and exist.

WOW...Do you know how lucky you are to live in a society with capitalism as its backbone. The heart of the Declaration is the idea that we can live with life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Over the past century the amount of countries that have followed our lead has incresed four times the amount. I mean, are you not happy that you have the ability to choose what you want to do in life? Do you not want to have any upward mobility in the job of your choice? I just don't understand how you can say capitalism is ignorance when we are living in the most prosperous era of any civilization ever. I'm really interested to where your getting this zero-substance rhetoric.

[MidniteVulture]

hahahahaha

I hate political bands!

Which is why I refuse to listen to the new Green Day...Well that sucks you've been so brainwashed by the media into believing that the new Green Day album is politically based. Maybe you should take your head out of your fucking ass.

[aminorthreat55]

No, 90% of what you learn in school (college) is complete bullshit. Taking a few courses, reading the papers, watching c-span doesnt make you educated, real life experiences make you educated. Kids at our age should not seriously be debating politics. Yes, it is okay to formulate opinions now at a young age, but guarantee most of those will change as you get older and start the experience more. and enter the real world.
The most intelligent people in the world know how to teach themselves.

To whoever said they refuse to listen to the new Green Day is stupid. It's not political, it's a social commentary, there is a difference. And that is also being close-minded. It's a shame because that is actually a very good record.

[HailTheHartBrak]

im down, i think it is a good idea even though i gave up trying to argue politics on absolutepunk a long time ago because im a republican but the only reason i am a republican is becasue my parents are and i do not really have a clue what i am talking about when it comes to politics and when i used to argue politics on here, i would alwasy end up feeling really stupid. Im glad the site has 2 opinions though and is not limiting it to only one, goodluck republican guy and democrat guy, y not?

[booyah]

Well... I can't say I'm surprised at the responses to my post...

Anyway... I suppose I should do a better job explaining myself. First of all, I agree that it is important to know how our government is run. However, if someone thinks politics are important, they show their ignorance of the way our government runs. Politics were created to waste our time, and make us think we actually have a say in what goes on. There is only ONE party in the U.S., (and worldwide for that matter), the Illuminati. Voting for the president is a waste of time, simply because no matter who you vote for, the man who the "Group" (aka the Illuminati, although there is no indication that they still go by that name) wants to win will win. Every president we have ever had has descended from royal european bloodlines. Heck, the major canidates have as well, with the one with the stronger bloodline ties winning. All these people are groomed from day one in occultic secret societies. Bush and Kerry BOTH belong to a secret society known as the Skull and Bones. Most of the early founding fathers were Freemasons, one of the most prominent secret societies in this nation. America is an experiment in controlled freedom. We're free to do many things that can't be done in other societies, yes, but at the expense of being brainwashed by the media. And I won't claim to be immune to that. Breaking free from what our society tells us is real and peeking behind the curtain to see what's really going on is not easy to do, especially when the rest of the world is conditioned to believe that you're some "crazy conspiracy theorist." Sometimes I almost wish I was ignorant like the rest of the world, because it would be easier in many ways. There's SO much more I could say on this subject, but it would take forever to type. No doubt I'll be adding more things as people continue to rail on me.

[splitsecond]

I like how its the left-leaning people who are claiming the new Green Day isn't politically biased....

[MidniteVulture]

I like how its the left-leaning people who are claiming the new Green Day isn't politically biased....I voted Libertarian, actually.

Seriously though, the first song on the album is the only thing that is politically based. The rest of the album is a story about a kid who falls in love and tries to discover who he is, done rather shittily.

[maledixtion]

Well i am hurt and offended that I was not approached for this. I am more Republican than this Kevin guy, and I can own anyone who tries to fight me on politics.


But generally, its a good idea. I am surprised Tate is bringing the fair and balanced to the site....



i think the first topic should be about how fucked the Democratic party is right now, with the possibility of Screamin Howard Dean being the new party chair, and their most likely Presidential candidate being Hellary Clinton.
hahhaha, oh my god

[maledixtion]

i imagine this will be a democrat-ruled discussion afterwards since this is a democrat-ruled board, but i hope im wrong. not that im a republican, but id like to see real debate, not 'republicanz r such dix. omg, i hate conservatives, like, really.'
i agree

[Paul Tao]

omgz republicans suck so much. fat mike for president!!1

[maledixtion]

Why did you have to retire your username?

[Paul Tao]

well i have to post the political stuff and anything official AP under this name, so i might as well just start over. it'd be retarded logging in and out constantly of two names anyways

[corporeal]

funny note: all (generalization) the people praising this would call themselves democrats, and the reverse is true for so-called republicans.


this will reflect very, very badly on AP. as much as soap-boxing is popular with retards on this message board (...), this is pushing it to an extent far beyond what band's latest album is better. as much as AP will try to keep it clean/dignified/the antithesis of a 'real' debate. it'll degenerate into bullshit "facts" that were proven by chomsky and moore, or limbaugh and some other dick.
end it before it gets off the ground, you've already seen the average level of intellect in the posts, all you'll end up doing is feeding them opinions they'll call their own.

[maledixtion]

corporeal is so right. i for one hate this idea. it seems like one more "public service" ploy the site uses to seem more professional and mature. all i can see coming from this is bickering, stress, arguing over the net that gets nowhere, and headaches. while i realize the importance of being politically aware, the people appointed to do this are far from qualified, and i just don't want to see this on a site where i come for enjoyment. i may have to switch over to punknews.org or another site and quit coming here. george bush is president for 4 more years. he was elected democratically, winning popular and electoral votes. this idea is a little late to have an impact. not to mention most users aren't even registered voters due to age or nationality. a better idea would be starting a new site called absolutepolitics.net. then the people that actually wanted to see this could voluntarily go there, and those of us that come here for music news and leave the politics to the professionals wouldn't have to see it.

[Jesse2]

Not to sound like a Dick, but is Kevin a Republican in the traditional sense or Religious-Republican. I think this whole thing would run a lot smoother and be far more interesting if it were the former. For what it's worth, I vote keep Religion out of it. After all, that is what American was founded on.

Aaaaaand there go my scene points

[Jesse2]

corporeal is so right. i for one hate this idea. it seems like one more "public service" ploy the site uses to seem more professional and mature. all i can see coming from this is bickering, stress, arguing over the net that gets nowhere, and headaches. while i realize the importance of being politically aware, the people appointed to do this are far from qualified, and i just don't want to see this on a site where i come for enjoyment. i may have to switch over to punknews.org or another site and quit coming here. george bush is president for 4 more years. he was elected democratically, winning popular and electoral votes. this idea is a little late to have an impact. not to mention most users aren't even registered voters due to age or nationality. a better idea would be starting a new site called absolutepolitics.net. then the people that actually wanted to see this could voluntarily go there, and those of us that come here for music news and leave the politics to the professionals wouldn't have to see it.

yeah switch over to punknews where every thread is "this band sucks".

ps skip the political thread if it bugs you this much. This is Tate's site and if we wants to have a section dedicated to ginormous naked girls, he can do just that. And I will skip that section the same way you can skip the political one. I think this could be very cool if people are mature about it, and don't just bash the other side without basing it on anything. Given the average age of this website I'm sure it will happen, but oh well.

[MATT2KOOL]

For all you assholes who tore me apart because I asked a question, FUCK YOU.

That's all it was, a question.

I never said anything like "This idea sucks" or that there wasn't any connection between music and politics.

[aminorthreat55]

I like how its the left-leaning people who are claiming the new Green Day isn't politically biased....
I like how if you were to ask anyone in the band, Rob Cavallo or anyone at Reprise they'd tell you the same thing.

[theoldviolence]

Would it not be prudent to reserve judgment as to the usefulness of this thread until the debate starts? I'm from the UK so it's not gonna influence the way I feel about politics that much, but I'd be interested to hear other people's views and insights into a system I don't know much about, if only because I find politics interesting. In my eyes if this debate would allow me to do that, it would have been a success.

To siberianxkiss - Thank you! Cheers also!

[Pat Marquez]

^^ Now that's a mature response.

[aminorthreat55]

^^ Now that's a mature response.
Yeah I'm tired of all those kids who say "you fucking dumbass liberal" or "you close-minded conservative". I'd like to see debate, if I want immature arguments, I'll walk over to the playground at the campus daycare center.

[yeknom]

good idea. ill have fun with this.

[maledixtion]

tell me again why only one person from each side is going to be doing these debates? bad bad bad idea. there should be teams at least if this trainwreck of a feature is going to take place.

[Paul Tao]

i wouldn't actually mind if it was 2 on 2, that would make it more interesting i think

[Jesse2]

Yeah I'm tired of all those kids who say "you fucking dumbass liberal" or "you close-minded conservative". I'd like to see debate, if I want immature arguments, I'll walk over to the playground at the campus daycare center.

I agree. I wish they could just ban the people who just come in and say shit like fuck bush or fuck kerry. if you have shit to back it up i would love to listen to both sides. i had to stop reading the threads before the election because of all the kids simply repeating their parents' beliefs. If this section is only full of people who take it seriously I think it could be very interesting.

[Willy_Fister]

I agree with hearing different viewpoints, but face it, most kids in which the website is targeted at, have no idea what it going on in politics, and I'm not saying I do either. I think its great to have a discussion about politics and hear opposing views, but yes, the opinions of kids this age have no merit until they enter the real world.

edit: and i think if the webmasters wanted to have serious discussions about politics, it could be executed in a better fashion.


I agree with you completely. But i think this is going to be done more for entertainment purposes and to get more people visiting, but i dunno.

[MidniteVulture]

You should get somebody or a few people to represent some of the third parties as well...

[aminorthreat55]

You should get somebody or a few people to represent some of the third parties as well...
I think that should be taken into consideration in the future. This is a fledgling feature and it shouldn't get too complicated from the start. Maybe once the feature is establishing and is functioning well it would be a good addition, but until then I think it would just over-complicate the discussion. It's easier to respond to one opposing opinion rather than having overlapping arguments and multiple arguments to attack. That all came out kind of weird, hopefully you get what I'm saying.

[originalslacker]

all I can say is read David Icke, William Cooper, my homeboy Noam, or listen, watch Alex Jones and get educated...still a cool idea though for those who still care about it.