Hi,
The opinions in the USA range over the whole spectrum. That's both good and bad. Good in that neither extreme gets to control, bad in that some necessary things get done slowly or not at all.
I know that Europeans get tired of hearing this, but they never seem to really get it. The USA is big, and it has big problems. Denmark is about 43000 km^2 with a population of 5.5 million. That population is about 90% Danes. The USA has 6 *metropolitan areas* with a higher population than all of Denmark. In population, Denmark would be between the 20th and 21st most populous state, right between Wisconsin and Minnesota. In area, it falls between West Virginia and Maryland (41st and 42nd, respectively). And in diversity, 80% of the people of the USA are lumped into the category 'white'. This includes everyone from immigrants who still feel more attached to their homeland to people with such diverse ancestry they have no idea where their ancestors came from. We have areas that are all one group, be it religious, national, or cultural, and areas where every possible mixture is represented.
So, the next time you speak of the feelings or attitudes or desires of the USA, remember, there is no such thing. It is like asking what are the feelings, etc., of Europe as a whole. The answer you get might depend on whether you ask a Dane or a Greek.
Every form of government has its problems and its advantages. Things like term limits solve the problem of incumbents who are way past their expiration date remaining in office. But they introduce the problem of a government run by amateurs who are expelled just as they get enough experience to do the job right. They fall into the category of simple, easy to understand, wrong answers. Unfortunately, no one really knows what the right answers are, or even if they are. Which is why there are so many different types of government and so many theories for even more. No one, I think, sets out with the intention of establishing a bad government. At most, some set out to establish self serving governments. But the best intentions don't make a bad plan good. There is no 'E' for effort in real life.
--Pete
Hi,
Just as in discussing the validity of science it is imperative to distinguish between science and scientists, the same is true for government. I agree with you about government restricting itself, but not so much about those who govern. The institution in the abstract and its implementation by individuals may be -- and often are -- two different things.
--Pete
(06-12-2010, 03:01 AM)Alliera Wrote: But this is the general feel in Denmark, at least in my opinion. I guess it's quite different in the states.
The opinions in the USA range over the whole spectrum. That's both good and bad. Good in that neither extreme gets to control, bad in that some necessary things get done slowly or not at all.
I know that Europeans get tired of hearing this, but they never seem to really get it. The USA is big, and it has big problems. Denmark is about 43000 km^2 with a population of 5.5 million. That population is about 90% Danes. The USA has 6 *metropolitan areas* with a higher population than all of Denmark. In population, Denmark would be between the 20th and 21st most populous state, right between Wisconsin and Minnesota. In area, it falls between West Virginia and Maryland (41st and 42nd, respectively). And in diversity, 80% of the people of the USA are lumped into the category 'white'. This includes everyone from immigrants who still feel more attached to their homeland to people with such diverse ancestry they have no idea where their ancestors came from. We have areas that are all one group, be it religious, national, or cultural, and areas where every possible mixture is represented.
So, the next time you speak of the feelings or attitudes or desires of the USA, remember, there is no such thing. It is like asking what are the feelings, etc., of Europe as a whole. The answer you get might depend on whether you ask a Dane or a Greek.
Quote:Currently we kick them out no matter how they did after a certain period -- we take the question out of people's hands, essentially. I'm not sure that's a better solution -- it's quite possible there isn't enough time for new policies to go into effect before the time is up, and if there's no discernible answer by that time, they'll most likely elect someone knew, who have the exact same problem.
Every form of government has its problems and its advantages. Things like term limits solve the problem of incumbents who are way past their expiration date remaining in office. But they introduce the problem of a government run by amateurs who are expelled just as they get enough experience to do the job right. They fall into the category of simple, easy to understand, wrong answers. Unfortunately, no one really knows what the right answers are, or even if they are. Which is why there are so many different types of government and so many theories for even more. No one, I think, sets out with the intention of establishing a bad government. At most, some set out to establish self serving governments. But the best intentions don't make a bad plan good. There is no 'E' for effort in real life.
--Pete
Hi,
(06-12-2010, 04:13 AM)Jester Wrote: . . . government can solve at least most of the problems it needs to while restricting itself to the things it (probably) does best . . .
Just as in discussing the validity of science it is imperative to distinguish between science and scientists, the same is true for government. I agree with you about government restricting itself, but not so much about those who govern. The institution in the abstract and its implementation by individuals may be -- and often are -- two different things.
--Pete
How big was the aquarium in Noah's ark?