whitnebrat wrote:
Most of you know me as either a "libtard" or libertarian in my politics. It may surprise you with the following screed.
I was watching the state funeral for George H. W. Bush in the last few days, and I was truly moved. Not because of the policies of the forty-first president (which I disagreed with in many instances) but because of the character of the man himself.
As one of the last of the 'greatest generation', he embodied what it meant to be civil, to disagree without being disagreeable, and to be a "gentleman."
The contrast between that generation and the present time is almost light- years of both time and spirit.
We have gone from settling disputes amicably to settling differences with animosity, litigation and guns. We have gone from having civil discourse to yelling at one another through the anonymity of the Internet. We have gone from politics as being for the greater good, to politics as blood-sport with little thought as to what is best for the country. We have gone from soaring oratory which moved the entire country, to a Twitter feed full of hatred, vehemence and putdowns against those with whom we disagree.
George Bush (Sr) never raised his voice nor spoke badly of anyone, and compromise to achieve a common goal wasn't a concept to be avoided. Contrast that against politicians today, who yell insults at each other not only through the Internet, but even face-to-face or through the media.
That incivility has trickled down into social media, and even to this forum. It's almost impossible to have a discussion of issues without being called an idiot, a libtard or some other name intended to insult an opponent, and with no real reasoning or expounding of the facts involved with the original subject. Nothing really gets accomplished other than the ability of people to vent through the opaque avatar of a screen name.
The outpouring of support, grief and emotion on the train trip through the Texas countryside was impossible not to feel. Everyday Americans stood hours in the rain just to catch a glimpse of the funeral car carrying "Pappy Bush" to his final resting place. It was a fitting tribute to a man who said many times during and after his presidency "none of this is about me, it's about the country."
RIP, George.
Most of you know me as either a "libtard"... (
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I don't like incivility either but look at what civility has gotten us - nothing. Ronald Reagan was as civil as any person could be yet he was completely vilified while a candidate and president. He, ultimately, accomplished nothing. No agencies closed let alone either of the departments he promised to close - Energy & Education.
George H. W. Bush, infamously, went back on his promise of no new taxes, which helped seal his fate, because the Democrats promised if he did, they'd reduce spending. We're still waiting for any Democrat to propose a reduction in spending other than for defense.
Now, the Dems are up in arms because Donald J. Trump is simply & openly returning their contempt that they've been dishing out since the days of FDR. To that I can only say, "Bravo, how do you like it?"
I am fearful that we have long since passed the point of no return. Many prognosticators are talking about a massive economic collapse in 2020 which will be laid at Trump's doorstep which will only partly be justified. His reductions of taxes will only be successful if it results in even greater spending reductions. The bills for our debts are coming due and on top of that will be the pension bomb, both government & private.
Last time I did the basic minor calculations, it would take the full Gross Domestic Product for more than 5 or 6 years to pay off the debt. That would leave not a red cent for any American to spend, even on necessities. I'll leave to to anyone else to calculate what a ten, twenty, thirty or forty year plan would entail. In any case, it would be necessary to bring spending under control, otherwise we'd be back again just shoveling sand against the tide.
To really bring this monster to heel, it would take a full scale assault and destruction. I think that at least 8 cabinet level departments would have to be eliminated with most of their function with the remainder assigned to other departments much of which, in turn, should be eliminated. That would likely be political suicide but it would not have to be.
I'll be preparing an article about how it could be done. See you later.