AJC and other news media bias (Atlanta, Marietta: living in, move, license)

[otoatlanta]

Originally Posted by Steve_W

There is nothing to analyze about gang bangers who spray bullets in neighborhoods. They grew up in a violent society so they will continue to be violent.

Why waist time with the obvious?

It's the "obvious" that is usually complicated. It is much more complicated than "they grew up in a violent society". Yes, the gangbangers did...but the majority of those who live in the "violent society" don't grow up and become directly aggressive towards others physically(except their children). So, there is indeed something to look into. A great book on the issue is Robin Grille's, Parenting For A Peaceful World. Human relationships are so complicated because they are indeed, so obvious.

[Auntie Freda]

Originally Posted by Steve_W

Are you mad because John Howard is Bush's puppet?

John WHO ?
Oh, you mean that EX-Prime Minister ?
(now retired on his $330,000 year pension - having lost his seat in parliament at the election a couple of weeks ago)

Well yes, I certainly was miffed that he was such a toady to the U.S. warmongers.

His replacement from the opposite side of politics is less likely to be so subservient.
He has already flagged his intention to reverse many of Howard's pro-Yank policies.

Probably means that the CIA will sabotage his government one way or the other.
That is their historical pattern of meddling in the internal affairs of other nations.
Might is right.

[Steve_W]

Originally Posted by Auntie Freda

John WHO ?
Oh, you mean that EX-Prime Minister ?
(now retired on his $330,000 year pension - having lost his seat in parliament at the election a couple of weeks ago)

Well yes, I certainly was miffed that he was such a toady to the U.S. warmongers.

His replacement from the opposite side of politics is less likely to be so subservient.
He has already flagged his intention to reverse many of Howard's pro-Yank policies.

Probably means that the CIA will sabotage his government one way or the other.
That is their historical pattern of meddling in the internal affairs of other nations.
Might is right.

Gotta do what we gotta do I guess.

For the record, I disagree with a lot of the US foreign policy and I also think Bush is a moron.

I just think hearing it from you is an additional slap in the face when US citizens here can't do anything about it. So go ahead and lump us all together as war mongers all you want but don't expect to make any friends in the process.

[Auntie Freda]

" .... US citizens here can't do anything about it. "

Steve. I fully accept that critique. You are 100% right.
I realize that America is not a democracy, that the system has been manipulated to the degree that the people do not determine their own destiny.

If it were not so tragic, it would be amusing.
Democracy ? Republic ? Freedom ?
What a load of codswallop.
There is not a monarch on the planet, now, or for the last century, who has as much personal power as the U.S. president.

Your lot will never realize - but you gave up the gold for the silver.

[Steve_W]

Originally Posted by Auntie Freda

" .... US citizens here can't do anything about it. "

Steve. I fully accept that critique. You are 100% right.
I realize that America is not a democracy, that the system has been manipulated to the degree that the people do not determine their own destiny.

If it were not so tragic, it would be amusing.
Democracy ? Republic ? Freedom ?
What a load of codswallop.
There is not a monarch on the planet, now, or for the last century, who has as much personal power as the U.S. president.

Your lot will never realize - but you gave up the gold for the silver.

Let me rephrase that, we can't do anything about it immediately. The democracy process has to take place in this coming election for changes to happen.

Let me guess, you think Bush will change the constitution with all his power to be elected for a 3rd term or indefinitely?

[south-to-west]

Originally Posted by Auntie Freda

" .... US citizens here can't do anything about it. "

Steve. I fully accept that critique. You are 100% right.
I realize that America is not a democracy, that the system has been manipulated to the degree that the people do not determine their own destiny.

If it were not so tragic, it would be amusing.
Democracy ? Republic ? Freedom ?
What a load of codswallop.
There is not a monarch on the planet, now, or for the last century, who has as much personal power as the U.S. president.

Your lot will never realize - but you gave up the gold for the silver.

A lot of us here realize that our president is doing a lousy job; and a significant portion of us did what we could in 2004; but the majority spoke and we have what we have today.

I disagree with us not controlling our own destiny. That's what separates us from the rest of the world. Many people came over here to control their own destiny, which is how we became a superpower in part. Maybe it's because we're too optimistic--to the point of being naive at times. It's kind of refreshing to be overly optimistic actually, and not too bad of an image to have.

Also, one last thing, I don't mind when people abroad criticize our government. In fact, I welcome it, because what we do in regards to foreign policy has a resounding effect on the state of international relations. However, I hate it when people abroad act like their country has never done any, or doesn't do any dirt themselves.

[nrgpill]

lol - are you regurgitating your tree hugging liberal poli-sci 101 professor at your local community college? No American I know thinks that we are a "pure" democracy. But then again, who is?

Originally Posted by Auntie Freda

" .... US citizens here can't do anything about it. "

Steve. I fully accept that critique. You are 100% right.
I realize that America is not a democracy, that the system has been manipulated to the degree that the people do not determine their own destiny.

If it were not so tragic, it would be amusing.
Democracy ? Republic ? Freedom ?
What a load of codswallop.
There is not a monarch on the planet, now, or for the last century, who has as much personal power as the U.S. president.

Your lot will never realize - but you gave up the gold for the silver.

[mike0421]

Originally Posted by south-to-west

A lot of us here realize that our president is doing a lousy job; and a significant portion of us did what we could in 2004; but the majority spoke and we have what we have today.

I disagree with us not controlling our own destiny. That's what separates us from the rest of the world. Many people came over here to control their own destiny, which is how we became a superpower in part. Maybe it's because we're too optimistic--to the point of being naive at times. It's kind of refreshing to be overly optimistic actually, and not too bad of an image to have.

Also, one last thing, I don't mind when people abroad criticize our government. In fact, I welcome it, because what we do in regards to foreign policy has a resounding effect on the state of international relations. However, I hate it when people abroad act like their country has never done any, or doesn't do any dirt themselves.

I think a way to subvert ourselves from being able to control our destiny, at least from a standpoint of economics, is to keep electing politicians who have no problem confiscating 35-40% of your paycheck before you even see it. That's akin to rolling over and letting our politicians control our destinies, by giving them full economic control. Say what you will about Bush,(I have many separate issues with his presidency) but he signed into law two tax cuts that allowed people to keep more of their own money. To me, that's empowering. Any time a politician wants to raise taxes, conversely, this is a bad thing.

[backfist]

I'm not the mod, but this discussion seems to have veered off course.

[Steve_W]

Originally Posted by backfist

I'm not the mod, but this discussion seems to have veered off course.

Yeah, at least it is somewhat productive though.