Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, 21st Century American Government

xepherys · 08-07-2006, 11:34 AM

So, this has been on my mind a lot lately, and an article linked to me by Scottkuma has prompted me to post this diatribe about our branches of government. Without further adieu:

The Good - Judicial: This branch seems, to me, to be the last vestige of the government truly concerned with the American citizen. Sure, there are still rulings that I do not agree with, and there is still politicking involved in the judiciary. However, I really do believe that, in the end, the judicial system works in our favor. Some additional links that support this theory: Link 1 - Link 2 - Link 3 - Link 4 (towards the end)

These are all rather recent. While some may appear obvious, you'll see info in the next two sections about how even the most obvious infractions of laws and rights are disregarded in the legislative brand, and particularly in the executive.

The Bad - Legistlative: The fine folks that brought you the USA PATRIOT Act (HR 3162) but also tried impressively to pass legislation for stem-cell research (this is why they are bad, but not ugly) are quite a mixed bag. There seem to be a lot of players in both parties that are on both sides of the fence regarding Americans. Almost every session brings to light a ping-pong game of civil rights, forward progress and government allowances. Abortion, stem-cell research, USA PATRIOT, minimum wage, black voting rights (no, seriously)... all important things, some good, some bad, all looked at very closely. The gang on the hill, however, seems like they're all starting to get tired of beaing beat up by the Prez. Even his cherished fellow GOP members appear to be awed and amazed at the "what's next?" situations that have arisen lately.

The Ugly - Executive: Record numbers of Presidential Signing Statements alone are reason for concern by many. A veto of the stem-cell research bill against the polled desires of the public-at-large and even a majority (though sadly not a super-majority) of congress calls into question W's use of his personal ethics over the people's wishes. Yes, I agree, a president should use good judgement, and even ethical views when making tough decisions. However, what happend to "... of the people, by the people, for the people ..."? When did the will of the people become second (or third or furhter) to the will of those in power?

There are plenty more examples for all three branches. When did Americans become so lazy, so apathetic, as to allow such blatent violations of our country's founding wisdom to carry on? I pity the future of our country if the course of things is not changed sharply and soon. Our Executive Branch has become a rabid dog that needs a new (or two) stronger leash. Why can't the other branches reign in the happenings at the highest level of government? Why can't the peopel get worked up enough to really try to change things anymore? Hell, people were OUTRAGED over Watergate. Are the People okay with this now because it's not secretive and hidden? Is it okay to be hoodwinked as long as you know what you're getting into? Where HAVE all the patriots gone to, anyway?

08-07-2006, 11:34 AM	#1 (permalink)
xepherys <3 TFP Location: 17TLH2445607250	The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, 21st Century American Government So, this has been on my mind a lot lately, and an article linked to me by Scottkuma has prompted me to post this diatribe about our branches of government. Without further adieu: The Good - Judicial: This branch seems, to me, to be the last vestige of the government truly concerned with the American citizen. Sure, there are still rulings that I do not agree with, and there is still politicking involved in the judiciary. However, I really do believe that, in the end, the judicial system works in our favor. Some additional links that support this theory: Link 1 - Link 2 - Link 3 - Link 4 (towards the end) These are all rather recent. While some may appear obvious, you'll see info in the next two sections about how even the most obvious infractions of laws and rights are disregarded in the legislative brand, and particularly in the executive. The Bad - Legistlative: The fine folks that brought you the USA PATRIOT Act (HR 3162) but also tried impressively to pass legislation for stem-cell research (this is why they are bad, but not ugly) are quite a mixed bag. There seem to be a lot of players in both parties that are on both sides of the fence regarding Americans. Almost every session brings to light a ping-pong game of civil rights, forward progress and government allowances. Abortion, stem-cell research, USA PATRIOT, minimum wage, black voting rights (no, seriously)... all important things, some good, some bad, all looked at very closely. The gang on the hill, however, seems like they're all starting to get tired of beaing beat up by the Prez. Even his cherished fellow GOP members appear to be awed and amazed at the "what's next?" situations that have arisen lately. The Ugly - Executive: Record numbers of Presidential Signing Statements alone are reason for concern by many. A veto of the stem-cell research bill against the polled desires of the public-at-large and even a majority (though sadly not a super-majority) of congress calls into question W's use of his personal ethics over the people's wishes. Yes, I agree, a president should use good judgement, and even ethical views when making tough decisions. However, what happend to "... of the people, by the people, for the people ..."? When did the will of the people become second (or third or furhter) to the will of those in power? There are plenty more examples for all three branches. When did Americans become so lazy, so apathetic, as to allow such blatent violations of our country's founding wisdom to carry on? I pity the future of our country if the course of things is not changed sharply and soon. Our Executive Branch has become a rabid dog that needs a new (or two) stronger leash. Why can't the other branches reign in the happenings at the highest level of government? Why can't the peopel get worked up enough to really try to change things anymore? Hell, people were OUTRAGED over Watergate. Are the People okay with this now because it's not secretive and hidden? Is it okay to be hoodwinked as long as you know what you're getting into? Where HAVE all the patriots gone to, anyway?