I am tired of these fucking president elections

[Frigidus]

why do you need millions to run for prez?

Because it costs money to run commercials. Really easy answer.

Yeah, I should have phrased it better. I meant why should you need millions. Politics shouldn't be based on who has fancier commercials, it should be strictly based on the facts of who believes what and that info should be presented in general debates etc. No private commercials

sorry for that

Well that's a bit more difficult answer, but it's still answerable...

The reason is that most Americans (or people in general) don't like to think. A lot of people just adopt the views of their parents and leave it at that. Still others see a commercial about a candidate who's promising "change" (and what candidate isn't?). Some choose a candidate based on their religion.

I think most of us can agree that all three of the above means of choosing a candidate are stupid, but it's the reality of the matter. People don't think, and when they do, it's not about the politics of something as big as the United States.

And the best way to reach such people is in a plop a flashy 30-second commercial in the middle of Heroes which stays at a superficial level. Go too deep and you lose your audience.

Not much you can do about it. Well, I guess there are two options:

1) Limited democracy, or
2) Make everyone think

#2 is never going to happen. Personally, I'm starting to become a fan of the concept of limited democracy, but that's another thread...

I've always thought that the political ads are too highbrow. They're aiming at the wrong target frankly.

[radiojake]

Democracy is the base of Western Civilization! Get involved, you've been blessed with rights not experenced by many!

Capitalism is the base of Western Civilization - not democracy.

Democracy is how the government runs (supposedly) but the rest of Western Civilization is run on capitalism, which, is quite different to democracy. In a democracy you are free to make your own choices and live your own life. In a capitalist society, you are a mere cog in a money making machine for the rich to become richer -

Plus, add the fact that companies and business donate 'campaign funds' to the candidate of their choice. You soon find that the candidates are then in 'debt' to said company, and it won't be long until that the democratic political system and government that was in place is now having to pay some favours back. Capitalism is inherently greedy, its ultimate goal is to have more money and profit then it did the year before, irregardless of how much that monetary actually is. Once you have governments owing private enterprise, you'll soon find yourself in a system that is nothing at all like a true democracy.

[radiojake]

Not much you can do about it. Well, I guess there are two options:

1) Limited democracy, or
2) Make everyone think

#2 is never going to happen. Personally, I'm starting to become a fan of the concept of limited democracy, but that's another thread...

Limited democracy? Can't say I've heard of that concept. Care to explain? Start another thread if you wish, to stop the thread jack cries

[Skoffin]

Democracy is overrated.

As for the elections... we keep getting news on that even over here. Get oonnnnn with it! And personally, I think the way elections are held over in America is pretty stupid.

And again, GET ONNN WITH EEEET.

[SolidLuigi]

Democracy is the base of Western Civilization! Get involved, you've been blessed with rights not experenced by many!

Capitalism is the base of Western Civilization - not democracy.

Democracy is how the government runs (supposedly) but the rest of Western Civilization is run on capitalism, which, is quite different to democracy. In a democracy you are free to make your own choices and live your own life. In a capitalist society, you are a mere cog in a money making machine for the rich to become richer -

Plus, add the fact that companies and business donate 'campaign funds' to the candidate of their choice. You soon find that the candidates are then in 'debt' to said company, and it won't be long until that the democratic political system and government that was in place is now having to pay some favours back. Capitalism is inherently greedy, its ultimate goal is to have more money and profit then it did the year before, irregardless of how much that monetary actually is. Once you have governments owing private enterprise, you'll soon find yourself in a system that is nothing at all like a true democracy.

extremely intelligent post. I approve, hence my avatar.

[Snorri1234]

Not much you can do about it. Well, I guess there are two options:

1) Limited democracy, or
2) Make everyone think

#2 is never going to happen. Personally, I'm starting to become a fan of the concept of limited democracy, but that's another thread...

Limited democracy? Can't say I've heard of that concept. Care to explain? Start another thread if you wish, to stop the thread jack cries

Ask mandelorian.

I must say I'm starting to agree with him more and more about this. The amount of stupid shit policitians do is getting out of hand.

[Napoleon Ier]

Not much you can do about it. Well, I guess there are two options:

1) Limited democracy, or
2) Make everyone think

#2 is never going to happen. Personally, I'm starting to become a fan of the concept of limited democracy, but that's another thread...

Limited democracy? Can't say I've heard of that concept. Care to explain? Start another thread if you wish, to stop the thread jack cries

Ask mandelorian.

I must say I'm starting to agree with him more and more about this. The amount of stupid shit policitians do is getting out of hand.

You could also limt what politicians can do, by allowing individuals to control their own lives rather than have government unnecessarily involved.

[suggs]

Yes, personal liberty is important Nap.
But what your saying only works on the assumption that everyone is equal, ie born with equal material wealth, intelligence, access to a good school etc.

Thats not the case, and probably never will be.
THATS WHY WE HAVE GOVERNMENTS. You're quite right, governments of any sort inevitably erode personal freedom (tax being the classic example-why i should i pay tax to help a hospital in Glasgow etc-money is taken from me, restricting my personal choice as to what to do with it).

But as a REpublican senator, whose name escapes me, said "Taxes are the price we pay for a civilized society".

Its because we're not equal that we NEED a government to say to me "Hey Suggs, you've got more money than Wee Jock McPlop in Glasgow, pay for some of his hospital fees.

Liberty is often at odds with equity.
Believe me, I love the idea of libertarianism (which is pretty much what you, Thatcher, Reagan and Mr. Mill are/weere) but i love the idea of ending poverty, eradicating UNFAIRNESS where ever we see it.

And for that you need a government.