Why have so many American's started distrusting thier government? (generation, Reagan, how much)

[MPowering1]

Because politicians have proven themselves to be untrustworthy. Over and over again.

[turkey-head]

Originally Posted by MPowering1

Because politicians have proven themselves to be untrustworthy. Over and over again.

Very true. And IMO they're just a reflection of the people who keep electing them.

IOW the only real difference between us and them is that they have the opportunity to engage in wholesale corruption. Most Americans would do the same given the opportunity.

[burdell]

Originally Posted by turkey-head

Very true. And IMO they're just a reflection of the people who keep electing them.

IOW the only real difference between us and them is that they have the opportunity to engage in wholesale corruption. Most Americans would do the same given the opportunity.

I couldn't disagree more strongly. I know it would shock some but there are actually people who enjoy being able to look in the mirror in the morning and not feel bad about what they see.

I've played golf with those who have the peculiar ability to take 8 strokes on a hole, write down 5, and actually believe it. I still don't understand how one manages to lie to themselves and actually believe that lie but it seems many politicians have that ability.

The old saying is true, character is what you do when no one's looking.

[andywire]

Originally Posted by burdell

I've played golf with those who have the peculiar ability to take 8 strokes on a hole, write down 5, and actually believe it. I still don't understand how one manages to lie to themselves and actually believe that lie but it seems many politicians have that ability.

America today is a lot like a golf game with those folks you describe. The thing is, they aren't even pretending to keep score anymore. They know the game is as good as in their back pockets. Because "we the people" do not stand up for ourselves any longer. And we certainly don't behave as a unified people with any common objective.

Government has domesticated the people, and they don't seem to mind.

[MPowering1]

Originally Posted by turkey-head

Very true. And IMO they're just a reflection of the people who keep electing them.

IOW the only real difference between us and them is that they have the opportunity to engage in wholesale corruption. Most Americans would do the same given the opportunity.

You may be like that, but I believe most Americans are honest, hard working people who would not engage in corrupt activities.

Otherwise, they'd go into politics or crime.

That's redundant, isn't it?

[GregW]

Burdell - Psychologist have determined that memories created by an internal fantasy are just as strong and permanent as the actual experiences. Apparently there is a physical reason for self delusion. So the 8 stroke golfer will write down 5 and then be able to brag about making par. He simply counts on his fellow golfers backing up his delusions. Most do.


Do you know the difference between a Fairy Tale and a War Story? The Fairy Tale starts with "Once upon a time..." and the War Story with "No **** this really happened...." Either should be taken with a grain of skepticism.


The political variant is "Vote for me and I will save you." Preachers use a variant on the same theme.

[LauraC]

There are a lot of reasons (fed bureaucrats and politicians) including:

1) The way they spend our tax dollars.

2) They don't enforce the law.

3) We give them low approval ratings and they treat it like it's a joke.

4) Inefficiency and ineffectiveness.

5) Overreach. They stick their nose into things for which they have no business.

6) Corrupt.

7) Unethical.

8) They all get "mysteriously rich" while in office.

9) A lot of them are lawyers and lying and obfuscation comes natural to them.

10) The politicians are meat puppets who do what their big donors tell them to do.

11) Racist - The Congressional Black Caucus.

12) The news media is just as corrupt as they are and give them cover.

This is not to say they weren't just as bad in the past, it's just the tools we have now allow us to all be aware of what's going on.

[crone]

Lots of reasons.

One being the politicians who tell us every day that government does not work.

Then they underfund it so it does not work.

Congress is supposed to do oversight of everything they fund. They are so busy chasing election donations nobody is minding the store.

There was a time when a bill was being formed the discussion included the pros and cons. Not any more. All we get so propaganda.

Couple that with one side not seeing any reason to compromise and this is what we get.

Not so sure if the government doesn't work or democracy that is purchased does not work. In the early days only property owning men could vote. They still control us to the point that IMO, it is looking like free enterprise does not work either.

My problem with the government started when I was a child in school. When we said Pledge Of Alligiance I believed it was true. By Middle school I knew it was fantasy.

[burdell]

Originally Posted by andywire

America today is a lot like a golf game with those folks you describe. The thing is, they aren't even pretending to keep score anymore. They know the game is as good as in their back pockets. Because "we the people" do not stand up for ourselves any longer. And we certainly don't behave as a unified people with any common objective.

Government has domesticated the people, and they don't seem to mind.

I'm just not a believer that 'everyone' would do certain things, especially things like lie, cheat, and steal if given the chance. I've know people who'd rather cheat you out of $0.10 than make an honest $1.00 off you, it's just not the way I was raised and I'm too old to change now so politics is out. I'd guess one of the most common objectives amongst the 'common' people is getting the government to just leave them be.

[Frank DeForrest]

Unfortunately there aren't enough people untrusting of govt., as evidenced by the throngs voting for the same tired crooks spouting the same lies while spouting their favorite teams plattforms.
I always chuckle when a certain subset whom continually bashes private business business ownership, corporate officers, employers etc., turns around and trusts politicians and with their litany of laws to police them. As if getting a govt job or winning elected office somehow transfers a person into trustworthiness lol
At least in the realm of private you can withhold money from those whom you disapprove, with public office you have no such choice.