I'm scared...

[curmugeon]

I'm witnessing the breakdown of our political system as it once was and seeing the rise of isolationism, imperialism, and fascism. We are going to have an election in 2004, but I fear that Bush is moving forward to buy the office. His 'war chest' of $200 million, the apparent bias of the national media, the apparent ignorance of a vast majority of the public, all add up to a disaster for democracy. Lies are considered acceptable, cheating is a way of life, winning is to accomplished at all costs. Our moral fiber is weak. We have lost our character, we are allowing our government that took 200 years to refine, be stolen by corporate greed and an urge to subjugate peoples for profit.

In California we face the prospect of a recall of the governor. The Republicans, unable to win in a general election will use a loophole in the election code to allow themselves to take the office with less than a majority vote. I urge all Democrats to be ready to urge all your friends to register and vote NO on the recall.

Comments

[celluloidheroes.livejournal.com]

Your journal is quite interesting. For the record, it's not a loophole, but a law. When an elected official is guilty of gross mismanagement, the people can recall him/her. IF Governor Joe is recalled, it will take more than 100% of all Republicans to remove him. It will be Democrats like the three sitting across the living room from me to do that. When that is done, another Democrat can be elected in his place.

I've been talking for two months to people about the recall and to date, not one, Republican, Democrat or other (As I am) has been able to come up with one reason why Joe should stay. Do you have one?

Also for the record, nearly 3/4 of all political donations of one million or more go to Democratic candidates. Clinton's "war chest" before the 96 election was better than 150 million, I imagine you would have made a similar post to protest his attempt to buy that election. Just for fun, please look up fascism. Hate the President all you like, but it hurts any argument to misuse a word like this. Finally, as an isolationist, I find it amusing that you would criticize Bush policy as both isolationist and imperialist in the same breath. What is infuriating about political cheerleaders on both sides is that you (plural) all seem just fine with any act of war as long as 'your guy' says it's needed. I was hoping that the "anti-war" folks this time around would actually help us turn to a more isolationist policy, but clearly it's more of the same. Rah-rah and wait until your guy is in office so he can send more people to die in a "just" war. Bosnia, Iraq, Haiti...it's all the same game.

Thanks...

[n6vfp.livejournal.com]

Sometimes when making posts emotion overcomes logic. As for the recall, I don't see any candidates from either party that have a better plan for California stepping into the spotlight. Sure Gray Davis isn't doing much of a job, but will spending millions on a recall election help the economy?

Looked at fascism; it is defined as dictatorial movement: any movement, tendency, or ideology that favors dictatorial government, centralized control of private enterprise, repression of all opposition, and extreme nationalism. As for the dictatorial movement, that can come about by repression of all opposition and extreme nationalism. Remember, Hitler was elected. As for centralized control of private enterprise; it hasn't happened yet. It might not be a perfect fit, but the term still applies.

As for isolationism; politics avoidance of international relations: a government policy based on the belief that national interests are best served by avoiding economic and political alliances with other countries. This seems to be the Bush way of international relations.

As for imperialism;

1. belief in empire-building: the policy of extending the rule or influence of a country over other countries or colonies. (This sure sounds like Iraq and the supporting cast of this war)

2. domination by an empire: the political, military, or economic domination of one country over another (We might not be an empire but in many speeches he (Bush) has said you're either with us or against us)

3. takeover and domination: the extension of power or authority over others in the interests of domination (cultural imperialism) We seem to be trying to fashion Iraq in our image. We won't support free elections that may allow establishment of any government that does not meet our approval.

I'm a veteran of the Viet Nam era. That was another misadventure that cost the lives of many of my friends. I have also served in the military working with the Defense Intelligence Agency. I don't think a war solves anything. I have been 'anti-war' since high school, and chose to enlist rather than go to Canada. I had a strong self preservation instinct and after seeing too many young men come home in body bags, and having undergone a pre-induction physical for the draft, I took a path where I had a bit more control, not much, but I was half a world away, 'fighting the cold war'. I have friends who chose to be conscietious objectors, who served as medics in Viet Nam.

As for the whole political money game; we are stuck in this fund grab because no politician or political party has the guts to pass legislation for reforming the system. Clinton did master the game of raising money, the same game Bush is doing now. maybe it's time to change the whole structure of government and have the second American Revolution?

It seems that so many labels can be pinned on George W. Bush. They might not all be a perfect fit, but the majority.

I appreciate the comments and criticisms.