The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

innerSpaceman · 11-13-2006, 09:24 AM

Well, being that hawk Republican McCain and hawk Independant-Democrat Lieberman were on Meet the Press this weekend insisting the only alternatives were a) leave completely, admitting defeat and allowing likely chaos (er, bigger chaos) or b) institute a massive build-up of troops and aim for victory. They each acknowledged they would push for plan b, but that the electorate seemed clear in desiring plan a.

While I'm not one for governing by popular opinion, I believe that ignoring the expressed popular opinion of voting - which is how the message is supposed to get through to government - is an abdication of responsibility to govern democratically (and, in this case, in the most vital area of governing).

I don't think officials should necessarily sacrifice their personal good judgment to the will of the people, and I respect McCain and Lieberman for sticking to their guns. But the people have clearly spoken, and it's quite right for politicians whose judgment does not conflict with the will of the people to govern according to the will of the people.

I know it won't happen this way, but the only thing better than our getting out of Iraq within four months would be getting out in three.

Strangler Lewis · 11-13-2006, 10:01 AM

I don't agree. I believe the knee jerk will of the people should generally be disregarded, just as I would hope my mechanic would disregard my will that my car should fly. Supermarket surveys generally show that most people would unknowingly repeal the Bill of Rights. Further, I don't think this election was a vote for chaos. I think it was an angry reaction to being lied to up and down the line.

€uroMeinke · 11-14-2006, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strangler Lewis

I don't think this election was a vote for chaos.

Speak for yourself

@

11-13-2006, 09:24 AM	#1
innerSpaceman Kink of Swank Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Inner Space Posts: 13,075	Well, being that hawk Republican McCain and hawk Independant-Democrat Lieberman were on Meet the Press this weekend insisting the only alternatives were a) leave completely, admitting defeat and allowing likely chaos (er, bigger chaos) or b) institute a massive build-up of troops and aim for victory. They each acknowledged they would push for plan b, but that the electorate seemed clear in desiring plan a. While I'm not one for governing by popular opinion, I believe that ignoring the expressed popular opinion of voting - which is how the message is supposed to get through to government - is an abdication of responsibility to govern democratically (and, in this case, in the most vital area of governing). I don't think officials should necessarily sacrifice their personal good judgment to the will of the people, and I respect McCain and Lieberman for sticking to their guns. But the people have clearly spoken, and it's quite right for politicians whose judgment does not conflict with the will of the people to govern according to the will of the people. I know it won't happen this way, but the only thing better than our getting out of Iraq within four months would be getting out in three.
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11-13-2006, 10:01 AM	#2
Strangler Lewis Doing The Job Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: In a state Posts: 3,956	I don't agree. I believe the knee jerk will of the people should generally be disregarded, just as I would hope my mechanic would disregard my will that my car should fly. Supermarket surveys generally show that most people would unknowingly repeal the Bill of Rights. Further, I don't think this election was a vote for chaos. I think it was an angry reaction to being lied to up and down the line. __________________ Live now-pay later. Diner's Club!
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