Social Security

[Theresa]

I figured this was more WN that CC.
(subject matter copied from unknown source)

[TrekkieMage]

Personally, I'd love to see where all the data is from, I'd also love to see the voting records for it.

I'm not defending the Democratic party if they are being hypocritical about this, but I do find it strange that the Republicans weren't using it as a defence for themselves when the Dems were (and still are) attacking them about SS.

I think that both parties are responsible for it, and that no matter which one did the most damage they both need to re-evaluate it and look into reparing the system.

[Link, the Hero of Time]

Yay for Political slander.

I'd like to see some sources and data to back up all of that. But as a counter:

[Hitchhiker]

I'll agree with TrekkieMage that the blame does not rest solely with the Democrats (shame on them!). The Republicans have had 6 years to make improvements if they'd really wanted to.

However, it's also true that voters are woefully uninformed about such issues. This is in part because campaigning has become more about smear tactics than actually, say, talking about the issues. Crazy idea, I know. Sadly, most people aren't motivated enough to learn about the issues, which is why I fully support civics classes in high schools.

America, and any other democratic country, has its rights and freedoms because people fought for to secure those rights and freedoms. It is a sign of disrespect to ignore the political process and refrain from voting--essentially, you are shirking your duty as a citizen of a democratic country. Especially those people who complain about how terrible the country is. If you think that, then go vote. Maybe your selected candidate will not get elected, but at least you participated. Otherwise, democracy without participation is basically an oligarchy.

[TrekkieMage]

Very good point about the uninformed bit. I kind of skimmed right past that...

I think the fact that American *are* so uninformed makes all these smear tactics so succesful. We pride ourselves on being educated, but we really aren't as educated as we think we are once you start looking at how gullible people can be in politics.

As for the voting, I think it would make a big difference if election day were a national holiday, unfortunetly, Congress is afraid of change that will impact who votes and most Americans don't seem to me motivated or aware enough to push them to do it.

[Theresa]

I'm glad that no one took that as gospel, especially since it came with no source. I primarily agreed with what the writer was saying, that no one thinks for themselves anymore, does any investigating into anything. And that seems to be what you all got, (most of you), out of it, too.