Polarization of America

[bobabode]

Originally Posted by Bigerik

There is no organized left in the US. There are two parties. One is far right and one is Centre right. The US does not exist in of and by itself. And in the world where it exists as a continuously less important piece, it is beginning to look frighteningly right wing. More importantly, it is missing the boat on the way the world is going. And in a newly weak America can't afford that anymore. It is becoming the angry village idiot of the world community.

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Sadly, I have to agree with that sentiment. We used to send our kids to Third World nations to teach people and to dig wells via the Peace Corps, now we send effin' drones and the Marine's at the drop of a hat. It's tragic and pitiful how we have squandered the enormous good will we built during and more importantly after WWII. Not to mention the precious treasure wasted on the Military Industrial Complex while fucking up everything we've touched overseas.

[mpholland]

Originally Posted by whell

I know. And your comment doesn't match with Pew's methodology in their study.

My comment doesn't match your interpretation of Pews study. My interpretation reads that more people from the center are moving farther to the left, and I believe it is because the far right are pushing them in that direction. The only reason their values and associations are changing is because the political structure of America is now built on extremism. If you don't have an extremist view, you don't count and therefore don't get heard. The center is where the next generation of politicians is going to have to come from to get anything worthwhile accomplished, otherwise you can just look forward to the same ol' same ol'.

[BlueStreak]

Originally Posted by mpholland

My comment doesn't match your interpretation of Pews study. My interpretation reads that more people from the center are moving farther to the left, and I believe it is because the far right are pushing them in that direction. The only reason their values and associations are changing is because the political structure of America is now built on extremism. If you don't have an extremist view, you don't count and therefore don't get heard. The center is where the next generation of politicians is going to have to come from to get anything worthwhile accomplished, otherwise you can just look forward to the same ol' same ol'.

I know I have and so have some of the people in my life as so many others continue to march dutifully to the right.

I can only speak for myself, however, and the more I hear from the right the harder it gets to not despise them.

Dave

[BlueStreak]

Originally Posted by bobabode

Sadly, I have to agree with that sentiment. We used to send our kids to Third World nations to teach people and to dig wells via the Peace Corps, now we send effin' drones and the Marine's at the drop of a hat. It's tragic and pitiful how we have squandered the enormous good will we built during and more importantly after WWII. Not to mention the precious treasure wasted on the Military Industrial Complex while fucking up everything we've touched overseas.

Well, stated, Bob.

[bobabode]

Originally Posted by BlueStreak

Well, stated, Bob.

Thanks Dave, you too. You swabbies have also done a lot. Those Navy mercy/hospital ships are famous in the Third World for the good work they've done.

[mpholland]

Originally Posted by bobabode

Sadly, I have to agree with that sentiment. We used to send our kids to Third World nations to teach people and to dig wells via the Peace Corps, now we send effin' drones and the Marine's at the drop of a hat. It's tragic and pitiful how we have squandered the enormous good will we built during and more importantly after WWII. Not to mention the precious treasure wasted on the Military Industrial Complex while fucking up everything we've touched overseas.

And all the neglect that has caused here at home. The Midas touch is now turning everything from gold to lead.

[bobabode]

Originally Posted by mpholland

And all the neglect that has caused here at home. The Midas touch is now turning everything from gold to lead.

Reminds me of an old Hollies tune. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N3HrYOGpNQ

[mpholland]

Originally Posted by bobabode

Reminds me of an old Hollies tune. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N3HrYOGpNQ

Indeed

He's not the man to hold your trust,
Everything he touches turns to dust in his hands.
Nothing he can do is right, he'd even like to sleep at night, but he can't.

[sheltiedave]

The extremism has been fueled by Congress gerrymandering the majority of districts to ensure that the majority of populous districs are either extremely conservative or liberal.

There are exceedingly few districts which are 50/50 or even 48/52 these days. This redistricting has created a reelection machine, which is a nightmare for national legislation.

[donquixote99]

Originally Posted by sheltiedave

The extremism has been fueled by Congress gerrymandering the majority of districts to ensure that the majority of populous districs are either extremely conservative or liberal.

There are exceedingly few districts which are 50/50 or even 48/52 these days. This redistricting has created a reelection machine, which is a nightmare for national legislation.

An important point. We've gone to largely 'rotten boroughs' in the old British parlance, that is, to districts where election is automatic, so the voters don't matter. So there's no need to 'perform' in the voter's interests. Other interests become completely dominate.