Ever get the feeling that your country is run by idiots?

[Unrulyhandbag]

Recently there was a bill that if passed would give free healtcare to the families of 9/11 emergency responders. Republicans were against it because it involved a small tax increase but that doesn't really matter because the Democrats decided to use a voting system that required three fourths of the votes to pass instead of a majority. Had they not used this system the bill would have passed. That is my answer.

It's really sad that most voters are as ignorant as you are.

I'm not even old enough to vote yet, this is just what I heard.

Your profile says you'r old enough to know better than to just spout nonsense overheard from passing drunks though. At least you didn't try and defend it as your own opinion.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2239872_form-opinion.html

 

[dragonslayer32]

A Labor Goverment was the worst thing that ever happened to the UK. When they gained power with Blair way back when the UK was in the black, 12 years on the joint party government is cutting back on EVERYTHING just to stop going further into the red and we have a 130 billion debt to clear. I dont care how much people like having benefits for not having a job, because of some minor ailment noone will ever notice etc, it all needs scraping because we simply cant afford it.

'ALL'? Are you serious? My father served 15 years in the navy until he couldn't work anymore because of a condition which causes his joints to seize up. Are you saying that he shouldn't get any money from the country he protected for 15 years? So we can't afford to help people like my dad, but the tax payer CAN afford to pay for David Cameron's 3 houses and staff?

Im pretty sure that doesnt come under the heading of benefits because you cant be bothered to work or ailments that nobody will ever notice.

Let me be more specific. ADHD didnt exist till what. 30 years ago? That doesnt mean it didnt exist. The same number of people "suffered" exactly the same problems but managed just fine without special classes and free trips with funded extra schooling because he cant stop being a dick in class. Just like people who have dyslexia with manifests as an inability to spell. I cant spell. My hand writing is atrocious, I probably qualify for mild dyslexia under some tarded rules. I dont have dyslexia, I just cant spell and my hand writing is crap because I'm left handed.

Its THIS sort of thing I'm complaining about. The people who work 8 hours a week and claim benefits because they can rather than work a 30+ hour week like everyone else.

I have noting against an old solider claiming his due after 15 years of active service. ESPECIALLY if the active service has contributed to his current state. But the general benefits economy we have running atm CANNOT continue to function. The lower income bracket is guna HAVE to be the worst hit whether they like it or not because you cant take benefits away from people who cant or wont claim them, and the higher income bracket tax bracket is already being taxed to breaking point, some of those people pay over 40% of their income in tax ffs what MORE do you want? In my personal opinion, income tax should be a flat % like 20% of your income. Everyone loses the same % of their income. I don't see why just because you earn more you should be levied with more costs to fund people who earn less.

I can see where you are coming from but 30 years ago we had mines and ship yards that people with those ailments would have worked in. The tories basically destroyed manual labour meaning these people were out of a job. It was the labour government that has been trying to pick up the pieces from this, and that is why people say labour have failed. Also, with the current economy, more businesses are closing which effects those 'special' people who still have jobs. I agree with the idea of equal income tax but you can't take people's benifits off them. Do you really think they don't want to work? Granted some don't but I can safely say the majority do. If the current government find can them jobs, great, we will save money on benifits but if they can't, they shouldm't still take them off them. Even university degrees are becoming meaningless now so how doyou expect people who can't get qualifications to manage?

 

[AndyFromMonday]

I live in Romania. What the fuck do you think?

 

[Sehnsucht Engel]

My country is run by idiots. I'm from Sweden, but we're having an election this week, so hopefully someone else gets the power.

 

[Bretty]

Hello fellow Escapists, prepare for a rant. I was watching the local news yesterday and there is a man with cancer that has been refused treatment on the NHS for his cancer because the government says it is too expensive. He will die without those drugs. Also, both of my parents are disabled but have to pay £300+ for prescriptions a year. Meanwhile, the NHS is funding surf lessons (£250 per person) for people with ADHD.

So, does anyone have similar problems with their government?

Oh wow $300+ a year!! THAT IS DEVASTATING!!! My GF's father had to pay $500 a MONTH for his diabetes and other medications.....

The NHS isn't perfect. That's why there is private health care. If you cant afford private health care you will always have coverage up to a certain level.

If that guy was in the states they would give him the drugs he needs, sure. But as he is obviously broke and poor he would have to sell his house for them.

No health care system is perfect. But there are MANY different factors in determining the state of health care services. In the US I paid $70k when my appendicitis went septic, all covered by insurance. In the UK the same service would have cost A LOT less and I still would have ended up as healthy. In the UK we allow immigrants to enter this country while being really ill and offer to keep them and administer them aid, read up on third stage renal failures of immigrants who arrive and then claim status because of it.

No system is perfect, but get over it and move on. There is a perfect answer to all of this, GET PRIVATE HEALTH CARE AND STOP BITCHING ABOUT IT!!!

If you are that worried about it $50-$100/month isn't actually anything at all...

 

[Atmos Duality]

Those not in power perceive (with good reason) the government as an entity seeking to kick them or keep them down. "Herding the sheep".

Those in power have become so engrossed in pushing their personal business interests (with maybe a handful of exceptions, literally all of the US Congress are lawyers and business owners, or people with direct, private relations with either) and their public face that real, practical problems go ignored.

This is why political mudslinging and self-exaggeration occurs.

I cannot speak for any other country, but between an apathetic/jaded constituency and a thoroughly corrupt government, it's not only possible but inevitable that the USA will have serious problems and be unable to respond to those problems adequately.

 

[Fetzenfisch]

You know what's great about democratic governments? They're elected.

My two cents, which maybe are not very helpful.

That just means they pander to the lowest common denominator. In America, that's pretty fucking low.

not only in america, the low commoners in europe are fat dumb coachpotatoes too

 

[Cptn_Squishy]

Our biggest problem isn't our government, it's the lack of campaign finance reform and our media. Fox News actually went to the Supreme Court to affirm their right to lie about people they don't like and still call themselves a news organization. And with campaign finance the way it is currently, the only way you have a chance is if you're a millionaire and have many friends who are millionaires.

Fix those two issues, and we can punt the elitists (like Brian Killmeade on Fox & Friends who bitched about potential tax raises on the wealthy because '250k a year isnt rich') and install more genuine people who actually want to get some work done.

 

[manaman]

The current administration of the US seems to be doing everything it can to run the country into the ground, yet most people have no idea how damaging many of the policies are in the long run, and Obama still continues to have a bit of his 'rockstar' status among the 20-35 age group.

Specifically my state (Washington) had a $2 billion surplus before the current governor took over. Now they have so little money they are unable fix the streets properly. Their solution to the problem is to introduce an income tax. This state has never had an income tax, and a lower sales tax then most states. How about the idiots stop spending billions of state tax dollars in Seattle. I don't think the city really needs another museum or an underground replacement for the viaduct.

Yep, it's totally the current administration's fault the US have the highest debt in the world, are in two wars (contributing to that debt) started by the previous president, and that the economy crashed as a result of complete deregulation of the market by the previous administration(s) and are socially behind most Western European countries despite being the most powerful nation on earth as a result of stupid fear of socialism.
On that note, I wonder how much people would like it if there were no free schools, no public sector transport, no laws against exploitation of workers and against child labor, etc. because those are all technically "socialist" things.
I would also know how our beloved deregulated market would like it if the government stopped its subsidies and other forms of helping businesses along. You can't expect that the government shoves billions up your ass and at the same has no say whatsoever in what you do.

Anyway, sorry for the rant. I understand that you're not happy with the situation in your particular state and in the country as a whole, but I just always go into a rage fit when people blame it on Obama. What's that all about? If he can't shovel the country out of the shit that's piled up mile-high above the US in two years he's somehow failed? I also fail to see how bringing the US social system up to par with us Europeans is bad, it works just fine in Germany, and as you might know Germany's a huge economic power "despite" the fact that it's a rather social country. Also look at Norway, wealthiest society on the planet, and yet they provide almost everything for their citizens, you're protected by the state from the cradle to the grave.

Oops, guess I continued my rant. Anyway, I hope this doesn't offend you or anything. It's nothing against you personally.

OT: Currently my country is run by idiots. The FDP, which is the smaller coalition partner of the CDU, is completely retarded. Take this example: Germany needs to cut expenses. A lot. And they lower the taxes for hotels. What is found out soon after? The owner of a large hotel-group gave them a generous gift in the millions. That's just corrupt.

Oh gezz here we go.

Lets counter a few misconceptions first. Alaska has no taxes, and actually gives money to citizens of the state. Alaska is able to do this for the same reason Norway is a rich country. The government is funded by oil rights. Germany is an economic power house of Europe, but actually as per capita GDP of 34,905, while the US has a per capita GDP of 47,701. As bad as the economy is in the US it is recovering faster and is stronger on a general level then Germany.

The Obama administration had mangled every promise they have tried to keep, and neglected the vast majority of changes. He has increased the GDP to debt ratio almost the breaking point (one it has never been close to before). The country for it's strong economy is nearly strained to the point of no recovery, and only vast economic upswing coupled with intense taxes will enable the US to pay down its burden. The burden goes beyond just the $12 trillion gross dept is just the tip of the iceburg as well. The man has allowed dept the government owes to itself to skyrocket as well. Unless the government calls those debts to itself void we already have passed the point of no return. Yes he managed that is two years.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/USDebt.png

You can see in that chart various economic, and the Bush spending, but you will also notice that the debt was actually fairly steady as a function of the GDP, right up until Obama took office. That's the giant upswing in debt at the end of the graphs. Especially bad is the giant upswing in gross debt vs the public debt.

As for bringing the social system up to par with countries in Europe... Is the US striving for high crime rates? Or we only talking health services here? Because the Education system is actually around a median level and really only needs to breach the socioeconomic barrier to surpass most places in Europe. As for health services he failed at that. We need either a single payer system or a forced buy in system. We got an attempt a hybridized and bastardized version of that. As for as the status of the health care system, it's not all that bad, just expensive.

There isn't a fear of socialism in the US there is a fear of badly implemented socialism leading to oppressive high tax rates.

As for big business friendly, the Obama administration has actually shown itself to be friendlier to big business then bush ever did. Basically if you want to compare the two presidents Obama has shown little to no interest in keeping his promises, and outright lying about committee findings to justify not keeping those promises, yet continues the same military build up, out of control spending, and other policies I hated about the bush administration. I disliked Bush especially his last two years, but I far and away feel Obama is the worse president of the two.

 

[The_Graff]

H.L.Mencken "Democracy is a system of government based on the idea that the people know what they want and deserve to get it, good and hard"


seriously though this would appear to be the same with every party in every country, they make stupid mistakes. you could argue that we appear to be forgetting that they are human, and so likely to cock up on a regular basis, but especially with OPs story about the cancar treatment vs surf lessons it just doesn't make sense. unless the government gets off on poorly run countries.

 

[Wayneguard]

Spoiler

.... yes.

 

[Talshere]

A Labor Goverment was the worst thing that ever happened to the UK. When they gained power with Blair way back when the UK was in the black, 12 years on the joint party government is cutting back on EVERYTHING just to stop going further into the red and we have a 130 billion debt to clear. I dont care how much people like having benefits for not having a job, because of some minor ailment noone will ever notice etc, it all needs scraping because we simply cant afford it.

'ALL'? Are you serious? My father served 15 years in the navy until he couldn't work anymore because of a condition which causes his joints to seize up. Are you saying that he shouldn't get any money from the country he protected for 15 years? So we can't afford to help people like my dad, but the tax payer CAN afford to pay for David Cameron's 3 houses and staff?

Im pretty sure that doesnt come under the heading of benefits because you cant be bothered to work or ailments that nobody will ever notice.

Let me be more specific. ADHD didnt exist till what. 30 years ago? That doesnt mean it didnt exist. The same number of people "suffered" exactly the same problems but managed just fine without special classes and free trips with funded extra schooling because he cant stop being a dick in class. Just like people who have dyslexia with manifests as an inability to spell. I cant spell. My hand writing is atrocious, I probably qualify for mild dyslexia under some tarded rules. I dont have dyslexia, I just cant spell and my hand writing is crap because I'm left handed.

Its THIS sort of thing I'm complaining about. The people who work 8 hours a week and claim benefits because they can rather than work a 30+ hour week like everyone else.

I have noting against an old solider claiming his due after 15 years of active service. ESPECIALLY if the active service has contributed to his current state. But the general benefits economy we have running atm CANNOT continue to function. The lower income bracket is guna HAVE to be the worst hit whether they like it or not because you cant take benefits away from people who cant or wont claim them, and the higher income bracket tax bracket is already being taxed to breaking point, some of those people pay over 40% of their income in tax ffs what MORE do you want? In my personal opinion, income tax should be a flat % like 20% of your income. Everyone loses the same % of their income. I don't see why just because you earn more you should be levied with more costs to fund people who earn less.

I can see where you are coming from but 30 years ago we had mines and ship yards that people with those ailments would have worked in. The tories basically destroyed manual labour meaning these people were out of a job. It was the labour government that has been trying to pick up the pieces from this, and that is why people say labour have failed. Also, with the current economy, more businesses are closing which effects those 'special' people who still have jobs. I agree with the idea of equal income tax but you can't take people's benifits off them. Do you really think they don't want to work? Granted some don't but I can safely say the majority do. If the current government find can them jobs, great, we will save money on benifits but if they can't, they shouldm't still take them off them. Even university degrees are becoming meaningless now so how doyou expect people who can't get qualifications to manage?

There is a big difference between cant get qualifications and wont. To give you an idea, I grew up in Hull. The city has over 10% unemployment. There simply aren't the jobs to go round. My sister applied for a job job at Morrisons. They had 5 vacancies. They got over 250 applications. For those people, I sympathise. But for every person trying to get a job there are 5 who just don't bother. I know people with A-levels who have been living on the dole since they left college. They haven't even TRIED to get jobs. I know via proxy one guy who has turned down over 10 jobs offered by the job search centre because "he has to catch the bus to work". WTF kind of excuse is that? I have a "friend" who got sacked because his job wouldn't let him take off any time he wanted. They gave him 4 days off for medical reasons, because it was to uncomfortable for him to mover around much, but after that I personally couldn't see why he couldn't work, he was going to the shops, taking his kid to the park, but somehow he cant work behind a counter....He refused to go back, so they sacked him. Imo, thats fair play on his jobs part. But as far as he was concerned they were being unreasonable. He HAD a job and he blew it off cos he couldn't be arsed, and has been living on the taxpayers dime ever since. Like 2 years now. Needless to say I lost all respect for him after this debacle.

And this is in an area with over 10% unemployment. Some people would count themselves lucky to have a job and go in any day they are physically allowed to. But reliably you go to the job centre and its the same 50 guys queueing up every week to turn down jobs. And thats just the days I went.

Then you get areas where people are DESPERATE for workers. You see a recruiting poster in every other shop window and STILL you have estates in these areas when half the people don't have jobs and are not in education.

Also, saying the Tories destroyed our industry is a misnomer. As long as we have a minimum wage our industry's like that were doomed. The same company's can extract the same mineral from a mine in a different country that is worth the same amount, they can then ship it half way around the world to be smelted and they distribute it globally for 1/5th of the price they can just extract it in the UK. Then you add in all our over done health and safety and the fact that ~EVERYONE, literally EVERYONE claims benefits for something or other due to ill health no matter how minor. Its amazing we still have any running mines at all tbh. To say any one government was the sole cause of the downfall of industry in the UK is just being ignorant. The Tory's might have given it that final push but they were already standing on a crumbling precipice. It was only a matter of time.

Now might not be the best time to start cutting back due to the economy, but we have no choice. Everyone is just guna have to suck it up.


Interestingly. You know those MASSIVE cuts everyone is up in arms over? You realise thats not even reducing our debt right? All thats done is attempted to get it to the point we are no longer going into debt.



EDIT: Side note. At one point my mum turned a promotion and py rise DOWN because the increase in income would have resulted in a net loss to household income due to the loss of benefits. So she delayed her promotion 3 months. This sort of this is a disgrace that the system allows it to happen. How can ANYONE justify a system that causes you to LOSE money when you get a promotion.

 

[Lord Mountbatten Reborn]

The UK is certainly run by monkeys. The whole prision, benefits, health and tradition are completely mucked up. The only thing they havnt fucked up FULLY is the education system, but even that has its flaws. Wooo England -_-

The Academies Act means they're already about to.

 

[The Procrastinated End]

Considering they spend most of their energy arguing with each other regardless off the stupidity, yes I do, everyday.

 

[black orchid1]

to make mine simple:- i believe the world is run by idiots, every country, every organisation, everythin

 

[manaman]

The current economic crises was set in motion by Clinton, it just happened to burst at the end of the Bush administration. The housing bubble was set off by the very humanitarian notion that everyone should be able to afford a home. To much sub par lending lead to the housing bubble, the policies that enabled that bubble where set in place while Clinton was in office. Since you are pointing fingers even through you said you didn't want to, I figured you should at least point them in the correct general direction.

Still running with the lie about how poor people forced banks to securitize mortgages, slap fake AAA ratings on them, create fake insurance in the form of CDS and sell them to investors?

What's a lie about it? Don't bastardize what I said. The intent was to make it easier for the poorer, and younger to get homes, those that traditionally carried to much risk to loan to. A noble goal, and one that was abused. People bought beyond their means, and bought multiple houses, out of control investments during the bubble periods, all worked towards the bubble bursting. You can start getting into weather or not the bubble would have burst without later policy changes, but securitization of the sub prime market opened up the can of worms.