Man flies plane into IRS building.

[tryfuhl]

You'd never get anyone to run for office if that were the case, but I think that it should definitely be sanctioned more. I mean what's the point in signing off on a bill and then not voting for it, just to spite an administration, because your farms in your state didn't get their extra truckload of pig shit, or whatever?

[Skinny Tee]

Originally Posted by tryfuhl

You'd never get anyone to run for office if that were the case, but I think that it should definitely be sanctioned more. I mean what's the point in signing off on a bill and then not voting for it, just to spite an administration, because your farms in your state didn't get their extra truckload of pig shit, or whatever?

I think there'd still be people running but it wouldn't be smart, rich people who have something to lose. It'd be modest class of people who trust their honesty and nothing to lose.

Perhaps too ideological I suppose : )

[tryfuhl]

Originally Posted by Skinny Tee

I think there'd still be people running but it wouldn't be smart, rich people who have something to lose. It'd be modest class of people who trust their honesty and nothing to lose.

Perhaps too ideological I suppose : )

Indeed, and yes, people would still run and perhaps better candidates. Most politicians have business outside of just their "service" and will be swayed though. Could be opening the floodgates to more Palin's

[MTK]

Originally Posted by tryfuhl

Indeed, and yes, people would still run and perhaps better candidates. Most politicians have business outside of just their "service" and will be swayed though. Could be opening the floodgates to more Palin's

Ugh that's all we need, more idiots.

Personally I don't want Joe Schmoe running things, nor do I want someone running things who I would want to have a beer with.

[BleedBurgundy]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

Ugh that's all we need, more idiots.

Personally I don't want Joe Schmoe running things, nor do I want someone running things who I would want to have a beer with.

Agreed, but by the same token I don't want industry execs to be the sole voice heard either. It's hard to legislate discipline, restraint and integrity into national offices... That's why I laugh at all of these firebrand types that scream "revolution." You want to revolt, cool, no problem, but you better have a better idea, and in 230+ years, one hasn't come along.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by BleedBurgundy

Agreed, but by the same token I don't want industry execs to be the sole voice heard either. It's hard to legislate discipline, restraint and integrity into national offices... That's why I laugh at all of these firebrand types that scream "revolution." You want to revolt, cool, no problem, but you better have a better idea, and in 230+ years, one hasn't come along.

I agree you need to find a happy medium. I just don't understand this concept of dumbed down politicians.

[JoeRedskin]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

I agree you need to find a happy medium. I just don't understand this concept of dumbed down politicians.

Well, I think a lot of the "dumbed down" politician and Palinesque backing is a reaction to the "We're smarter than you, so we know what's best for you" attitude that comes from the left at times.

Again, happy medium is, of course, the best. Education and experience come in many forms. Whether it be intellectual patronizing or anti-intellectual arrogance, each is disrespectful and adds to deepening the division.

For example, Palin ain't the sharpest tack in the box. But - clearly - something she says resonates with a large portion of the US populace. Dismissing this group as stupid idiots who cling to guns and bibles does nothing to further discussion. On the other hand, Palin's backers who dismiss the large group of people who oppose her positions as being out of touch with the real America are equally to blame for the division.

Sure there are idiots on both sides of the aisle, but even extremists may be saying something of value. Some of the divisions are hard to overcome (abortion is murder v. abortion is not murder) but until each side stops being dismissive of the other, actually searches for common ground, and is willing to say, "We may be wrong on this" will anything change.

Rant over.

Anybody got a spare plane?