I have to disagree with that description. The system of checks and balances created by the constitution, with three separate co-equal branches of government, each acting as a check on the others is an excellent system.
Unfortunately, campaign donations (i.e. bribes) from the wealthy and corporations has subverted our political system. Lobbyists swarm over congress spreading corruption. The cure is real campaign finance reform laws. Especially repealing the horrible Citizens v United decision (2010) by the Supreme court.
Another brilliant feature of the U.S. system is the Bill of Rights. That document has given Americans unsurpassed protection of our civil liberties and rights. From freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to peaceful assembly, right to bear arms, due process of law, prohibition of cruel punishments, etc. But we the People have to make sure the Bill of Rights is enforced. The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.
Unfortunately, campaign donations (i.e. bribes) from the wealthy and corporations has subverted our political system. Lobbyists swarm over congress spreading corruption. The cure is real campaign finance reform laws. Especially repealing the horrible Citizens v United decision (2010) by the Supreme court.
Another brilliant feature of the U.S. system is the Bill of Rights. That document has given Americans unsurpassed protection of our civil liberties and rights. From freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to peaceful assembly, right to bear arms, due process of law, prohibition of cruel punishments, etc. But we the People have to make sure the Bill of Rights is enforced. The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.
ffony · M
@badminton I admire all attempts everywhere - charters, bills and even insurrections - to secure the rights of populations. They go back a lot farther then the 'discovery' of America. I admire any of that country's efforts along those lines, but reject the strange notion that Americans have 'unsurpassed protection'.
dancingtongue · 80-89, M
Give it time. It is a document designed for self-correcting corruption through checks and balances, but it takes time for those checks and balances to take effect. A lot of what is currently happening is patently un-Constitutional, and not just imo. Cracks in the Congressional idolatry support already are surfacing. Lower courts are throwing up roadblocks. And while the headlines on SCOTUS would lead one to believe blind obedience from the conservative majority, if you read more closely they are very carefully picking apart flaws in the filings -- wrong court, haven't proved standing in the issue, etc. -- it reads more like a "we want a flawless test case" to me. I may be just an optimist, or one who always looks for nuance and context.
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sunsporter1649 · 70-79, M
dancingtongue · 80-89, M
@sunsporter1649 Which is what we currently have in all three branches of the government. I finally agree with you on something.
ffony · M
@sunsporter1649
A horse designed by majority consenus.
Of a group who had no idea what they wanted the horse to do.
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AlanAPartridge · M
ffony · M
you are welcome to move to another country.
No reason to do that. I like the country where I already live by personal choice. Haven't held a passport for decades. I would never choose to live in a country where I was NOT free to leave, anytime. Life is good.
whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M
No. Its a great document for its time.. Sadly its purpose has been perverted by corrupt people..😷
whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M
@ffony Looking up those traditional recipes for single pan cooking myself. I will have to try it...😷
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SomeMichGuy · M
Madison et al. are spinning in their graves...
sunsporter1649 · 70-79, M
Kwek00 · 41-45, M
@sunsporter1649 Whenever I point out your hypocrisy, you point to a bad example to justify yourself. That means that you pretty much agree with living up to the bad example, while still calling yourself "descent" and "law-abiding". Which... well, proves my point.
But it's okay that this goes over your head Sporter. Two potplants have smarter conversations with eachother, then you'll ever have with any other living being.
But it's okay that this goes over your head Sporter. Two potplants have smarter conversations with eachother, then you'll ever have with any other living being.
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Kwek00 · 41-45, M
no