patrick.net

mell says

The majority of the posters criticizing the status quo does not view those as partisan issues and therefore doesn't go for the left-wing / right-wing rhetoric. In fact it seems it is more those who defend the status quo who try to make this a partisan issue. There really isn't enough of a difference, no matter how much one would like to blame the other party.

But there is. It really comes down to the basic definitions of conservatism and liberalism where one side wants things to more or less stay the same, or in some cases even regress to a previous state while one side wants to move forward and in many instances actually does challenges the status-quo, and particularly when it comes to basic principles like civil rights, environmental concerns, and living conditions. I grew up in a fairly conservative family. I can appreciate what some of the beneficial values that conservatives present. I also realize that no party is perfect and that in reality one cannot live without the other. But its also grossly inaccurate to make a statement that they are more or less the same because they aren't. Good or bad they are totally opposite of one another and while neither "side" is without blame for the partisan mud-slinging, its clear that conservatives seem to be trying to fight a battle they are losing and the closer that reality comes to fruition the louder they seem to become.

Politically what is very apparent to me is that neither side really works for the people anymore. Both sides are manipulated like marionettes by various lobbys, industry groups, financial interests and very wealthy private individuals. You want something done? Better have tons of money to get your voice heard. This is why the infrastructure, schools, state and federal financial situations have gone down the toilet. With outside interests controlling elected officials its clear why everyday Americans are more or less getting the shaft: Infrastructure, schools, and other things that directly benefit the middle and lower class aren't super profitable for those who are doing the spending in Washington. It is absolutely no surprise to me that most any or all proposals that includes a new tax, a new social or public service, or a new program that could possibly benefit everday citizens is instantly shot down or criticized and done-in with overwhelming negative PR, the latest being the health care bill which had an enormous amount of corporate dollars opposing it even in the form of fake astroturf movements which ironically got the very people up in a huff in the name of "Freedom!" who would actually benefit them if it were passed but conversely benefit the corporate interests they were unwittingly protesting on behalf for.

Politics are totally messed up at this juncture. My take is that there needs to be a complete and total elimination of ALL corporate interests in Washington. You want to run for president? Fine. Stick up some posters, get everyday people to donate a few bucks, give a speech or two and be done with it. May the best person win. Want to get a law passed? Write to an elected official and tell them what you want. That's the way it should be.

edvard2 says

a new social or public service, or a new program that could possibly benefit everday citizens is instantly shot down or criticized and done-in with overwhelming negative PR, the latest being the health care bill

our currently f-u'd politics basically required the reform bloc to co-opt the insurance industry, get them in the tent vs. the rest of the health sector that's feeding at the trough, so PPACA would have at least some private money defending it. That was the lesson learned from HillaryCare at least.

Since the insurance industry skims only 10% or so, it's not the biggest ox that needs to be gored. Hospitals (i.e. hospitalization) is #1.