Thanks for Backtracking, Obama

[Peikko 1,575]

Ascribing emotion to other people is a wonderful talent.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Ascribing emotion to other people is a wonderful talent.

Kool-aid drinker.

[Peikko 1,575]

I'm strictly Mate

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I'm strictly Mate

I've seen the light, sister.

[Peikko 1,575]

Of the two available choices, I'd still take Obama over McCain. I think what is going on in the UK will spill over into the US eventually. Career politicians are flawed models for a truly representative government. It's been tried, it's not working, a new approach is needed.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Of the two available choices, I'd still take Obama over McCain. I think what is going on in the UK will spill over into the US eventually. Career politicians are flawed models for a truly representative government. It's been tried, it's not working, a new approach is needed.

Time to restore the Monarchy again?

[Peikko 1,575]

Not at all

Time to understand why MP's were traditionally older, not wet behind the ears rookies who don't know their ####### from their elbows. Theoretical politics is one thing, understanding through experience quite another.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Not at all

Time to understand why MP's were traditionally older, not wet behind the ears rookies who don't know their ####### from their elbows. Theoretical politics is one thing, understanding through experience quite another.

How does that correlate to your prior statement?

Career politicians are flawed models for a truly representative government.

Edited May 18, 2009 by Mister_Bill

[Peikko 1,575]

Don't get me wrong, I love queenie but she's a figurehead not a deity. What I love is all the Cromwell quotes that have been coming forward of late. I must admit though, I do really miss Betty Boothroyd

[Peikko 1,575]

Not at all

Time to understand why MP's were traditionally older, not wet behind the ears rookies who don't know their ####### from their elbows. Theoretical politics is one thing, understanding through experience quite another.

How does that corelate to your prior statement?

Career politicians are flawed models for a truly representative government.

It's clear to me that having some life experience outside of politics is essential to be a good poltician and thus to create good government. Simply learning political theory and then trying to apply it, as career politicians appear to be doing, is not enough (and that is the good ones, the bad ones just want to draw a pay check and pay lip service to 'serving the people'). It seems that there is a disconnect between the theory and reality which only experience in life appears to be able to bridge. Of course, this is merely the speculation of an uneducated outsider.

Edited May 18, 2009 by Madame Cleo

[nowhereman 1]

Of the two available choices, I'd still take Obama over McCain. I think what is going on in the UK will spill over into the US eventually. Career politicians are flawed models for a truly representative government. It's been tried, it's not working, a new approach is needed.

I liked the 2000 version of McCain, but it was painfully obvious that the 2008 version sold out in a desperate attempt to get elected. Examples: Sarah Palin (MILF with no credentials), Joe the Plummer (pure gimmick) & worst of all his smear campaign (McCain got smeared in 2000 thanks to Karl Rove & figured if you can't beat em, join em).

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Not at all

Time to understand why MP's were traditionally older, not wet behind the ears rookies who don't know their ####### from their elbows. Theoretical politics is one thing, understanding through experience quite another.

How does that corelate to your prior statement?

Career politicians are flawed models for a truly representative government.

It's clear to me that having some life experience outside of politics is essential to be a good poltician and thus to create good government. Simply learning political theory and then trying to apply it, as career politicians appear to be doing, is not enough (and that is the good ones, the bad ones just want to draw a pay check and pay lip service to 'serving the people'). It seems that there is a disconnect between the theory and reality which only experience in life appears to be able to bridge. Of course, this is merely the speculation of an uneducated outsider.

So, like the US, there should be a minimum age for MP's?

I think it is 25 and 30 here, with 35 being the minimum age for President. Perhaps we should raise that here as well.

[Peikko 1,575]

I wish I knew the answer, but an arbitrary age limit might indeed be an option. 35 worked before because life expectancy was lower and people crammed more into a shorter space of time. 45, 50 and 55 are probably good equivalents these days. I am not saying that that is the magic answer but that would put a stop to people making that their first career choice.

[fozzie 41]

Is it a bad thing for a president to change his mind? Not be blinded by dogma and ideology? Admit mistakes?

[Peikko 1,575]

No.