What do you think of our current President?

[syscom3]

There are two main parties here, with the majority of people in total, no longer identifying with either party.

[FLYBOYJ]

Originally Posted by Aussie1001

So in america rather than being in a party you are a single person ?
In australia we have parties there are 2 main parties they are the Liberals (white coller workers) The labour (white coller workers).

There are actually more than 2 parties here in the US, you just don't hear much about the others...

American Centrist Party
America First Party (2002)
American Fascist Party
American Heritage Party (2000)
American Independent Party (1968 )
American Party (1969)
American Patriot Party (2003)
American Reform Party (1997)
Centrist Party (United States) (2006)
Christian Freedom Party (2004)
Christian Falangist Party of America (1985)
Citizens For Reform Party (2005)
Commonwealth Party
Communist Party USA (1919)
Expansionist Party
Freedom Road Socialist Organization (1985)
Independent American Party (1998 )
Jefferson Republican Party
Labor Party (1995)
Libertarian Party (1971)
Marijuana Party (2002)
National Nihilist Party (1988 )
National Socialist Movement (1974)
New American Independent Party (2004)
New Union Party (1974)
Peace and Freedom Party (1967)
Pacifist Party of America (2007)
Personal Choice Party (1997)
Populist Party of America (2002)
United Fascist Union (1996)
Prohibition Party (1867)
Reform Party of the United States of America (1995)
Socialist Action (1983)
Socialist Alternative (1986)
Socialist Equality Party (1953)
Socialist Labor Party (1876)
Socialist Party USA (1973)
Socialist Workers Party (1938 )
United Citizens Party (1969)
Workers Party, USA
Workers World Party (1959)
Working Families Party (1998 )
World Socialist Party of the United States (1916)

List of political parties in the United States - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Aussie1001]

My god that is a lot of parties....
IN Oz i think that the law is that if you have 20 or more people who want to start a party it is ok to.. Not sure on that will have to check for u.
In america the only parties i have heard of is the Democrats and the Rebublicans are they the main two ?

[comiso90]

Originally Posted by FLYBOYJ

There are actually more than 2 parties here in the US, you just don't hear much about the others...

List of political parties in the United States - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In theory, but they don't stand a chance without matching government funds. I believe a burgeoning party needs significant percentage of the popular vote in order to qualify for matching funds in subsequent elections.

When's the last time major position was held by someone besides a Democrat or Republican? Also, the line between democrat and republican has blurred over the years.

All the smaller partys do is take votes away from the dems or repub. They rarely are taken seriously.

.

.

[Aussie1001]

The same in Oz the main parties have always been in power the little ones just tag along with one of the big ones and change sides occasionally to give or take support.

[Emac44]

Originally Posted by drgondog

The problem in following the line of logic is the question "Who in the Government is accountable for egregious errors and when they occur, do we hold them accountable and criminally liable"

In the above case I am all for, as an example, for parole boards to individually serve out the balance of a parolee's sentence for early release should that felon commit another crime.. or a city Council which decides to flout our immigration laws be arrested and prosecuted for the violations..

The answer so far is basically No.

I would like to see a House and Senate with no special priveleges, no special retirement or medical benefits that all citizens do not enjoy..

I would like to see the same elected officials liable for slander in a small court argued by the accused and accuser - no attorneys, no fees except court costs - each obligated to serve the city they live in for at least one year of community service if they lose.

I could go on and on about my views of Governments, which of course are just people, but accorded far too much power over the years without serious restraint - a condition ripe for abuse.

You make good points and arguments for your slightly different views and I certainly agree the differences between the former Commonwealth country's peaceful transitions versus our violent one as crucial to different perspectives regarding the Right to Keep and Bear Arms.

I like to think that the balance between the Federal Government and the People is a contract, in which the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, are the guiding framework. When the Government goes 'rogue' they (it, they, the 'rogue ones') needs to be amputated and replaced with representatives who understand the contract and the spirit.

Anyway Emac, great to chat.

I agree with what mostly you said Dragon. That Politicans have to except responsibility for their actions if they have committed criminal acts whilst in power or in the positions they are serving in at the time when the criminal act has been done. Trouble is though where do we define criminal acts as for a politican. For example the current issue and debate about President Bush being charged with War Crimes by the Looney Left and if the Looney Left had their way that is what Bush would be charged with. Criminal War Crimes etc. But that is an extreme case I suppose Dragon. But I would have to differ from you in one aspect. That to have effective Government Politicans would have to serve more than one year in Government Office as constant elections every year would distable our forms of Government to much and Politicans would be on constant Re-electioneering and nothing would get done as far as Governmental processes. But I agree that Politicans should not have previlege in Government to slander or malign others in the community and then claim Parliamentary Previlege as we call it here Dragon. If I had my way Dragon Parliamentary Previlege would be removed and Politicans would be reminded that you are there to govern by the will of the people not to act like buffoons at a baboon troop meeting. As for their medicare and health I would place that on a preformance type of scale. Preform well and you earn your health care etc. If not that you get bugger all. But then again Dragon I remember an old saying. We get the Politicans we deserve. Make of that statement as you will. As it can have a variety of meanings not just one. And of course areas of power like that of Government is open to corruption like any other area. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. And that is an area we have to safe guard against no matter how difficult it is to police.. If a Politican is found to be corrupt he or she goes to jail. There is no time off There is no benefits paid There is no good old pals to bail you out of the ****. They go to jail just like any one else found guilty of crimes against the community etc. But I am referring to a perfect world and as you and I both know there isn't such a thing as a PERFECT WORLD. Just IMPERFECT HUMANS running the show

But even though you and I come from 2 different types of democracy Dragon at least we can agree to disagree on certain aspects and disagree to agree on others. We living in our types of democracies have those rights. And even though it isn't perfect and it never will be we have that FREEDOM to express ourselves. I love dearly something that you Americans hold dear and so do we Australians. WE THE PEOPLE. You have it written down on your Declaration of Independance but we Australians have always had it written in our hearts and minds we just didn't need to put it in same way as you Americans had done to form a basis of Government. I love living in a country that values FREEDOM and not just political but also the very fabric of our lives. But as I always maintain those FREEDOMS we have to be responsible for. Not only to ourselves but our country as well and when we **** up we take the responsiblity for ****ing up as well Dragon. Now if we can only get politicans to except that ideal as well and we would have it just about right hahaha

But the one thing I always remain constant to. Our FREEDOMS were bought at a high price. And that PRICE was at the cost of our nearest and dearest. OUR OWN MEN and WOMEN who paid the ultimate price in sacrifice with their lives bodies and blood. THEY GAVE THEIR TODAYS, SO WE COULD HAVE OUR TOMORROWS. We must never forget that Dragon. I constantly remind my own Son that his family has given time blood and sacrifice for this country we call Australia. I tell him never to forget that his own family like that of thousands of his fellow Australian families had paid in blood for his ability to enjoy a life style he now enjoys. Never take it for granted and treat our heritage as Australians as anything less or not of value. That is probarly why I get on so well with Americans Dragon for many of your country men and women have similar aspects towards country and nationhood as I do to mine. Its just we approach it differently at different angles. It doesn't make it right or wrong. It just makes it different. For example when you see your flag being raised and you swear alligence to your nation and your flag and place your right hand over your heart and show outward signs of loyalty to your own country and your flag and stand at attention. Is it really that different to me when I see my nation flag ascend our flag pole and I say my alligence to my flag and country silently and privately to myself? No it isn't Dragon It is just different. But when I see my flag is raised and the National Anthem is played or it is ANZAC Day or any other National Event or even a sporting event. You will never find a more loyal patriotic Australian as myself Dragon. I remember an old poem. It maybe an old piece of bunting. It maybe an old piece of rag. But many have DIED for the FLAG. We Aussies might not show the same emotions of love of country so outwardly as Americans do or are seen to do Dragon. But that is our nature. But individually if you ask a lot of us what we think and feel towards Australia and in private. You will find us not that much different to some one like that from the USA

[Aussie1001]

Emac bloody good.

[Njaco]

Although the Dems and the Repubs are the two most dominant parties in the US, other parties do get on board. I believe there is one independant member of Congress and several independant Governors such as when Jesse Ventura was elected. There have been several prominent Presidental candidates including Ross Perot and in the early 80's John Anderson.

The government subsidizes those canditdates that meet a set financial limit but it does cost big $$$ to run a campaign.

To my friends across the pond, I understand that when elections are held in the UK, adverts on TV are free or at least there is no fee? Is this true?

[Emac44]

Aussie you would be surprised at how many Political Parties there are in Australia. But all have to be registered to form a Political Party. But remember you can also have Independants not aligned with Political Parties etc. But like the Americans we also have factional areas within the main body politics of Political Parties. For example there is the Labour Party ALP. With Left, Centre Left, Right and Centre Right all within the ALP. So did the Australian Liberal Pary and the Australian Nationals as well Aussie. I will give you an example. Years ago was a factional party called the DLP. which meant the Democratic Labour Party and a an area within the Liberal Party of Australia that merged to form another type of party. Today we more akin that to the Democrat Party Don Chip formed in the 1970s. Don Chip had a favourite saying. The Democrats in Australia were formed to keep the BASTARDS HONEST. He was of course referring to the main larger parties in Australian Politics and that was the basis of part why Don Chip along with others of his like minded idealism formed the Democrats in Australia. Sort of taking ideals and members from ALP the Liberals and Nationals and welding it into one unifying party if you like we call today the Democrats. But the DLP had done something similar during the 1950s so it wasn't a totally brand new idea. One Nation came about similar fashion. But before you start yelling and screaming about Pauline Hanson being a racists etc. I suggest you do read her maiden speach to Parliament from the 1990s and see how a hatchet job was done by the media towards Pauline Hanson at the time. Remember the Liberal Party had disendorsed her just prior to the 1995 Federal Election and see most of the political comment or media comment was based purely on politics. And not actuality of what Pauline Hanson actually stood for. Yes Aussie if you are going to ask I have met Pauline Hanson on quiet a few times as I live in her former electrote of Oxley in Queensland. Bernie Ripoli our current ALP member for Oxley in my opinion is just a political hack and a numbers man for the ALP and lacks the back bone to be more effective in Oxley as far as Federal Govt goes. I also know former ALP Leader Bill Hayden. He was hatcheted by Bob Hawke in the early 1980s. And an old school mate of mine was the State of Queensland MLA Transport Minister David Hamill who was the Australian Labour Party member for Ipswich. You might say I mixed with some very high classed arseholes who were in Government in one form or fashion hahaha

[pbfoot]

Originally Posted by Njaco

Although the Dems and the Repubs are the two most dominant parties in the US, other parties do get on board. I believe there is one independant member of Congress and several independant Governors such as when Jesse Ventura was elected. There have been several prominent Presidental candidates including Ross Perot and in the early 80's John Anderson.

The government subsidizes those canditdates that meet a set financial limit but it does cost big $$$ to run a campaign.

To my friends across the pond, I understand that when elections are held in the UK, adverts on TV are free or at least there is no fee? Is this true?

All political parties in the north are given equal free air time by all the networks but it's not a great amount but they also opt to pay for airtime on their own dime

[Emac44]

Originally Posted by The Basket

If You have no proof about the Lusitania then don't say it.
Highly probable? What about the Athenia in 1939? Churchill was alive in 1962...why not check if he was the second gunman on the grassy knoll in Texas november time.

No respect for Churchill? What did he do? Nothing? If you have not respect for him then you have no idea who he was or what he did.

Churchill bashing gets my goat. I and my fellow countrymen owe him far more than any other man.

Sorry Basket for getting back late to this. If you think I am Churchill bashing and it gets your goat. That my friend you are going to have a bloody paddock full of free ranging goats who are getting goat herded all day. And I do have an exceptional idea who Winston Spencer Churchill was and what he achieved in Britian during his time in office as Prime Minister, And if you don't like the idea Australians like me find Winston Spencer Churchill was quiet willing to sacrifice Australia to the Japanese during World War 2 and we Australians like me have a some what varying aspect to this and we depise Churchill for this. Well mate hold on tight to your goat as its about to get clicked and shorn again. England was quiet willing to use Commonwealth Troops to defend British Empire interests. Get with this idea basket Australians defended British interests but when it came down to defending Australia. And Churchill decided this wasn't a fair thing for Australians to do. The problem laid with Churchill and if you see that as Churchill bashing then unfortunately Basket I have 2 words for you. STIFF SHITE mate. Because mate if I had been John Curtain the Australian Prime Minister at the time. And Australia was threatened as it was in 1942 by the Japanese Imperial Navy Army and Air Force. I would have told Churchill to go **** himself and often. Australian Troops were coming home to defend Australia and that Australia was forming a new friendship with the USA in the defense of Australia and war in the Pacific and Asian Regions of the world

[Aussie1001]

Blunt and to the point as always emac.
Subtle as a steamroller....

[FLYBOYJ]

Originally Posted by comiso90

When's the last time major position was held by someone besides a Democrat or Republican?

BERNARD SANDERS (I) NEW HAMPSHIRE

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders

[Aussie1001]

Year ?

[comiso90]

Emac: You provide intersting insight for a Yank... I never thought of it like that. The Battle of Coral Sea is often overshadowed by Midway but IMO it is equal in importance... it provided greater security for Australia.

The prospect of Betty bombers over Townsville is as sickening as seeing them over San Diego.