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from EyesWideShut Tuesday, July 03, 2007 - 18:22 (Agree/Disagree?) I'm totally on that horse with you right now, Shikaka. I'm sooo disillusioned with the American government, the choices we have in the way of candidates, our BS politics, the secrecy and outright criminality of the Bush administration... The list is long and growing. It's a big deal. A really big fucking deal. I don't want to be represented by these evil people with their shady agendas, I don't want to live in a country full of people who are content to "take it like good little girls". I can't stand the complacency. There are better places to live, places where people can speak freely and openly about politics. Places where presidents are not shmucks who start wars just to make sure their fellow Bonesmen have money continuously coming out of their...ears. Argh. I'm sooo frustrated with my choices. Crazy. Going crazy. (reply to this comment)

From steam Friday, July 06, 2007, 10:58 (Agree/Disagree?) Eyes wide shut. I hope that was just some emotional outbursts, and not a considered opinion. You start out disillusioned with all the nonsense which I totally agree with. Then you jump to "lots of better countries with more freedom etc". For all it's (many) flaws, I can't imagine a single country that would handle it's world supremacy better (remember I don't think America handles it well). Lets keep a little pride in the multitude of great achievements this nation has on record. Having said that I enjoy the occasional several hour rundown of the ways America has fucked up, and I will happily run off a list to any of these blind people who haven't a clue.(reply to this comment)

From EyesWideShut Saturday, July 07, 2007, 00:42 (Agree/Disagree?) Well, the "lots" was going too far, perhaps. But there's at least one that I can think of... As for pride, don't even get me started. Yes, it's late and I'm tired, and I will regret having posted this reply in the morning. Take it with a grain of salt, as I see you did with the first post. Much appreciation. Sounds like there's a good conversation in our future.(reply to this comment)

From an apostate Friday, July 06, 2007, 02:22 (Agree/Disagree?) Like, oh my god! This is sooo gay. Not pound me in the ass, suck my cock gay, but you're sooo pathetic and lame as all hell gay!(reply to this comment)

from conan Tuesday, July 03, 2007 - 14:42 (Agree/Disagree?) Welcome to the real world! Life's a bitch, ain't it? (reply to this comment)

From shikaka Tuesday, July 03, 2007, 15:44 (Agree/Disagree?) Bravo. Precisely the attitude that perpetuates corruption and injustice. (reply to this comment)

From AndyH Thursday, July 05, 2007, 13:19 (Agree/Disagree?) Begging your pardon, but what difference will your new-found attitude make in the fight against corruption and injustice? I predict that both of you will make the same amount of difference: None. And that conan will be happier as he seems at peace with it. (reply to this comment)

From shikaka Thursday, July 05, 2007, 14:15 (Agree/Disagree?) Lets indulge in your thought patterns. Your life is pointless. Why are you here? You can't make a difference. You shouldnt try to achieve anything, ever. Dont take any risks. Dont think about change, it'll only upset you. Just quietly accept having your liberties and rights encroached upon until there is nothing left. You'll be so much happier. (reply to this comment)

From Tinaph80 Thursday, July 05, 2007, 18:31 (Agree/Disagree?) I appreciate what you're saying Shikaka. The second that Americans just give up and say "that's life" is the second that I'll want to leave this country. I do believe that regular people can change the world, even if they have do it on a smaller scale. Maybe just within their town, or circle of friends or whatever! You can speak your mind and say what you feel is the truth and if just one person hears you, and agrees with you, then it's worth it. This may be trivial, or very naive, but I'll give you an example: the 2006 elections. When it came right down to it, even with the questions surrounding the electoral college and all the corruption and politics in Washington etc... I felt as though my voice was heard. Many Americans were unhappy with the direction that America was heading, they we're unhappy about the war in Iraq, and we we're unable to change the vote for President, but we were given a second chance in '06, and I think we got it right. The Republican's fucked up, because they really underestimated the American people. As it turns out, we're not all a bunch of zombies, who believe whatever the President tells us. We were mad, and we did something about it. We took a lot of power away from the Republicans, and because of it, I sleep a little bit better at night. They have the President, but Dem's have the Senate and the House. Suck on that bitch! I just really hope the Dem's don't fuck it up as bad as the Republicans.(reply to this comment)

From conan Thursday, July 05, 2007, 20:31 (Agree/Disagree?) You are very naive. By the way, you're whole "you can change the world" routine sounds eerily similar and equally creepy to that of a certain cult I used to belong to. I guess it must be nice to be a naive, gullible, innocuous little idealist, and perhaps I don't really understand where you're coming from in that regard. If you really feel that your voice was heard and you helped make a difference, I'm sorry but that's hardly the case. The president has still pretty much bullied the 'Democratic' congress and senate around as much as he's wanted to, and while the Democrats have stalled several issues, they have yet to win a single significant battle and won't because the margin of majority is so slim they can't possibly hope to ever get the necessary 2/3 majority vote needed to overrule or veto anything the President wants. Case in point, the American president (who somehow managed to be reelected in '04 despite people like you voting for the other guy) pardons his crony's crony, I. Lewis 'Scooter' Libby, who had been found guilty of several significant charges of perjury and obstruction of justice and narrowly beat out charges of treason with more charges potentially to follow. Oh wait, I'm sorry...he 'only' granted him clemency which is not technically a public act of forgiveness. Of course, if you feel your voice was heard in your request to end the war in Iraq (which I'll assume you did if you voted Democrat as that was what most of them preached), ask the American people how they like our 'surge'. You know, what? Maybe, you're right. Maybe your voice was heard, and you have helped to 'change the world'! Nice. Maybe you're naive? Heh...ok! Keep on believing, amigo!(reply to this comment)

From Tinaph80 Sunday, July 08, 2007, 08:34 (Agree/Disagree?) I appreciate the fact that you feel I am a "naive, gullible, innocuous little idealist", and you may be right, however I take offence to what you said about my need to change the world sounding "eerily similar and equally creepy to that of a certain cult". I've been out of the group for almost 10 years now, and I do not give the group very little if any thought, and I certainly do not insert their values into my way of thinking. We give the group far too much "power". They have no power over me. I've been through therapy, and I've had 10 years of life experience in the real world which has given me a chance to form my own opinions about life and they are free of any cult influences(reply to this comment)

From GetReal Thursday, July 05, 2007, 21:44 (Agree/Disagree?) What cult did you grow up in my friend ? As far as I'm aware there was zero attempt by cult membership to prevent crimes committed against those who could not defend them selves. I don't agree with shikaka on the extent of the shit this country is in but if he thinks he can do some thing to make a difference by all means he should . Even if its just passionately stating his dislike for the way things are done at least its some thing. (reply to this comment)

From AndyH Thursday, July 05, 2007, 15:14 (Agree/Disagree?) You've jumped to all kinds of conclusions. I suppose I should've expected that. I've thought about these things plenty, and I've been just about as angry and indignant as one can be. I never criticized your perspective, in fact, I was the first to concur. What I do crtiticize is your quickness to blame conans attitude for the corruption and injustice in this country. All I wanted to ask is, what is it that separates you from the complacent? Nothing, a bit of noise, a little attack on easy targets, like those with wisely chosen complacent attitudes. (reply to this comment)

From conan Thursday, July 05, 2007, 15:22 (Agree/Disagree?) Here, here! And just to clarify to shikaka...complaining on an online forum isn't exactly setting the world around you on fire to get things done. That was my original point, more than just 'deal with it' or 'go along with it'. (reply to this comment)

From shikaka Thursday, July 05, 2007, 15:29 (Agree/Disagree?) I didnt manage to glean all that from your cryptic 10 word post. But point taken. (reply to this comment)

From shikaka Thursday, July 05, 2007, 15:21 (Agree/Disagree?) Yeah, I jumped to some conclusions. Its nothing personal, just overeagerness on my part. At this point, the only thing that separates me from the complacent is my attitude, and perhaps some demonstrations I took part in, in Long Beach. Those were pretty lame and probably didnt accomplish much. I dont have the resources to change the world. But its a start. I think just changing one's attitude, and trying to change other's, is a good start. Call me crazy. (reply to this comment)

From madly Thursday, July 05, 2007, 15:09 (Agree/Disagree?) Or rather realizing that unless you are willing to go through the circus of placing yourself in a place of power, there is very little one person can do and worrying about it will make little difference other than making yourself and those who have to listen to you miserable. It is great to want to change the world and be a good person, it is something we were brought up believing in, to the point that we weren’t allowed to think about our own happiness, it was all about the other person. They neglected to realize that if you do not allow yourself to live in a way for yourself enabling yourself to become fulfilled and complete, then there is nothing you can offer to anyone else. Giving your life to your fellow man leaves you but a shell to exist in and I don’t know about you, but this is my life and I want the entire nut. The reality is that you may make a difference in your little environment, but until the heart of human nature changes, one good person will do little to rectify the evils of this world. It is better to try to be a decent person and realize that is about all you can do. Accepting this isn't bringing more hurt and pain into the world; it is just realizing that the world is made up of a lot more evil than good and that will probably never change. You not accepting this fact will not change it either. If you want to make a difference then go into politics and try to change the laws, but remember that for every one good law that is passed, 20 or more questionable things were done in order to get it passed. If you make it up the ladder and remain clean and uncompromised, you will be one of the only honest and completely untouched politicians that I know. It isn’t that they start out as bad people; they are probably just like you, wanting to make this world better. Unfortunately, they get lost in the circus and show and all the compromises that they must make in order to allow themselves to reach a place of power where they feel they need to be in order to make a difference. By the time they arrive and can make a difference they have lost what it is they wanted to do all along because they have rubbed elbows with many a greedy man, tasted money and the good life given to them for the compromises they allowed. Or they have just become so discouraged with the realization that making a difference is almost impossible to do and being a good person leaves you very much alone in world where everyone is out for themselves. After years of dreaming of making a difference they slowly realize and accept that even now there is very little that they can do and become discouraged and lose their hope and settle into the life and world that has made them like everyone else. It is a frustrating world we live in and being honest about it doesn’t mean that you believe that it should be this way; it is just coming to terms with the fact that one person can do very little when it comes to changing the world. You may be able to change a few people’s worlds and perhaps, if you have enough money and connections, a lot of people’s worlds. Unless you feel it makes you a better person to talk about how bad this world is, then I suggest that you find a way to change it, but you had better have a rather large bank account, friends in powerful places and a whole lot more than dreams of a brighter tomorrow. (reply to this comment)

From shikaka Thursday, July 05, 2007, 15:27 (Agree/Disagree?) I agree with some of your statements, but I dont share your gloomy outlook. I still have some faith in grass-roots movements. But who knows, maybe I'll tire of my soapbox and start enjoying being pounded in the ass by Uncle Sam. (reply to this comment)

From conan Thursday, July 05, 2007, 15:16 (Agree/Disagree?) You can have my nuts in their entirety :p(reply to this comment)

From madly Thursday, July 05, 2007, 15:59 (Agree/Disagree?) What good are your nuts when I can't have your 15 babies? Don't you want to make the world a better place? (reply to this comment)

From Samuel Thursday, July 05, 2007, 18:07 (Agree/Disagree?) Wow Madly, 15 babies? You do know that regardless of the number of kids, the law says you can't take more than 1/3 of his salary in child support payments, right? :)(reply to this comment)

From madly Thursday, July 05, 2007, 18:13 (Agree/Disagree?) *rolls eyes*... and so it begins.(reply to this comment)

From madly Thursday, July 05, 2007, 18:16 (Agree/Disagree?) Why don't you worry about how to have kids before you start telling people how much they get to support them. (reply to this comment)

From shikaka Thursday, July 05, 2007, 14:08 (Agree/Disagree?) I dont disagree that the chances of me actually making a difference are slim to none. I dont pretend to be some kind of activist. The complacency and indifference demonstrated in the comment are what I object to. A mirror image of the American public. If everyone thought the way I do, things would be different. The weight of public opinion would force change. How do you change public opinion? Start somewhere. Make yours known. The journey of 1,000 miles starts with a single step. (reply to this comment)

from Phoenixkidd Monday, July 02, 2007 - 12:42 (Agree/Disagree?) Welcome to the US of A Kiddo! It aint' perfect but it's home--We just have to make the most of it....Can't wait till the older baby boomers die or just plain stay out of politics...Oh yeah and can't wait till Texas is banned from producing anymore presidents! (reply to this comment)

from wundrin Friday, June 29, 2007 - 20:47 (Agree/Disagree?) Who wrote this? (reply to this comment)

from cheeks Friday, June 29, 2007 - 11:40 (Agree/Disagree?) I have two thoughts on this issue on one hand I agree. On the other I don't. I have a very good friend who is serving many years of hard time in Federal, so I am very aware of what goes on in there and the limited rehabilitation the government provides. That being said I live in a small town that is being over run by crack, and it's dealers. It's easy to say you do drugs and it does not affect you. Maybe it doesn't and maybe does and you don't realise. I don't have a problem with drug dealers being locked up for a good amout of time because I see around me the harm that is does to a community. The women who are selling their bodies to get that drug, who forget about their children and their jobs and their lives for that drug. The children who lose their homes and their parents because of drugs. This is not a harmless vice. It's not like smoking a cigarette or taking a hit of pot, it ends lives. Then we move on to the drug dealers, who for the most part are criminals who carry far too much money and then carry wepons. They use their own product and then go and commit more crimes murder and atempted murder being at the top of the list. To most young people drugs are an adventure a thrill, somthing they think they can do one time and then stop. I have seen the damage it has done in my small community and don't feel bad that those drug dealers and those people who break the law are locked up. (reply to this comment)

From shikaka Friday, June 29, 2007, 13:37 (Agree/Disagree?) good points by all. While I agree that people who commit violent crimes should be in prison, I disagree with the assertion that drugs are the problem. The problem lies with human nature, and the fact that some people have the sufficient mental and physical control to resist addiction, and many weaker ones do not. Imagine if drugs were sold legally. This would eliminate the criminal factor, generate massive revenue for the government, create employment, and decriminalize the gangsters who currently deal drugs. Certainly, lock up or execute the weak-minded individualls who cant handle their shit while on drugs, the ones that commit assaults and murders. But usually the motivation for violence with drug users is because they are trying to acquire money or more drugs. Legalize it, turn it into a multi-billion dollar cash cow, why the fuck not?(reply to this comment)

From cheeks Saturday, July 07, 2007, 17:29 (Agree/Disagree?) I think it depends on the drug and the nature of the people who use that drug. Some drugs are very adicting while others are not. Some are highly toxic while again others are not. Just like body chemisty one drug may do to someone what that same drug in that same amount may not do to another person. I see little or no point in making crack or meth or even heroin legal. It certainly would not take away the drug dealers. Here in the south they still make moonshine even though you can buy alcohol everywhere. (reply to this comment)

from Tinaph80 Friday, June 29, 2007 - 05:22 (Agree/Disagree?) Not to sound too corny or idealistic, but I'm not quite as negative about the American government as you are, because I still believe there are many in a place of power who do care about doing the right thing. Don't even get me started on Bush. I have no love for him, and did NOT vote for him in 2000 or 2004. He's responsible for the deaths of several thousand US troops, and they are going to continue dying until he allows them to come home. There is nothing more we can do in Iraq. Although I agree with you that there are many nasty evil cops out there. I hear stories on the news or on the web almost every day about police brutality. However, I also agree with Hansel who said, for every cop that is evil there is another trying to do what's right. I've met a lot of cops who really are just good people. They want to "serve and protect" the community. Many of them have children at home, and they want their children to be live in a safe environment, and the only way to have that is with law and order. (reply to this comment)

from Hansel Friday, June 29, 2007 - 00:46 (Agree/Disagree?) The media is constantly exposing this stuff & lawyers are constantly suing police departments so there is some balance of power there. But remember, for every cop that is on a ridiculous power trip, there is another trying to do whats right. 17 people killed in SD by cops is a tragedy (if that really is the number and if so I'm sure the city is paying for dearly in civil suits). But, how many where killed by the thugs they detained? (reply to this comment)

From GetReal Thursday, July 05, 2007, 22:11 (Agree/Disagree?) Interesting point but about the criminals, I wish cops could do more to prevent crimes a like robbery, murder, rape and sex slavery .Some times I wonder if they really wanted to they could do more to prevent rampant US crime rates. It could also be that because of our ridiculous laws on drugs and prostitution, dealers and pimps have more money then law enforcement ( that's just a guess) they are resigned to just minimizing crime. But i don't think that because criminals kill we should cut our cops some slack for murder. How come cops in other industrialized nations don't kill people at the same ridiculous rate ?Obviously there are better ways to operate. If we at least try and make our voices be heard perhaps they will think twice before shooting some poor fool dead .(reply to this comment)

from steam Thursday, June 28, 2007 - 16:13 (Agree/Disagree?) Welcome to the real world man. As they say "reality has a liberal bias". (reply to this comment)

from Nick Thursday, June 28, 2007 - 15:42 (Agree/Disagree?) It's a signs of the times man! Just a matter of time before jezuz will fly down from the moon on an oversize white horse and rule the world with love! (reply to this comment)

From Nick Thursday, June 28, 2007, 15:47 (Agree/Disagree?) All sarcasm aside, I would like to point out that no matter how bad we feel the world is right now, its come a hell of a long way since the dark ages. I mean you think you have crooked politicians now, think of the barbaric kinds and lords they had back then? You think the governments medical structure sucks ass, think about back then when kids could die from a common cold. I just get pissed off when I hear "oh, the world has never been so bad" when in reality it's safer, people are living longer and freedoms and rights that we take for granted now were unheard of 500 years ago. So if Jezuz really did want to come down and save the world from it's hell, why didn't he come back 500 or 1000 years ago? (reply to this comment)

From Nick Thursday, June 28, 2007, 15:48 (Agree/Disagree?) P.S. American cops, at least all the ones I met, are nothing but thugs with a gun and a badge and a small penis syndrome. (reply to this comment)

From conan Tuesday, July 03, 2007, 14:41 (Agree/Disagree?) Just curious as to how many American cops you've met. While I am not exactly a fan of police in general, as a rule the police force is there to 'protect and serve' and the instances of brutal violence and beatings, while increasingly more widespread are still the exception rather than the rule.(reply to this comment)

From Ne Oublie Tuesday, July 03, 2007, 14:57 (Agree/Disagree?) Aside from grammatically, I would actually challenge the notion that police brutality is "increasingly more widespread" with that it is instead given increasing media/public attention.(reply to this comment)

from I concur Thursday, June 28, 2007 - 15:31 (Agree/Disagree?) Very well said. Fouad Kaady was killed in my hometown. I agree with you that this problem is not going away but is rather snowballing, it will be interesting to see the point at which it bursts. Glad you were able to face the truth. (reply to this comment)

from madly Thursday, June 28, 2007 - 15:05 (Agree/Disagree?) Isn't it sad that sometimes it is better not to know the truth or at least pretend that you don't? So many people know that what you say is true, but if they admit to it, they will have to do something about it or live with the guilt of doing nothing. Fantasy land is always a beautiful place to live; unfortunately, fantasies are made to escape from the life we don't care to live or see or make an effort to change. (reply to this comment)