The Midterms

[RickeyM]

Originally Posted by Pio1980

We can celebrate that our democracy didn't die in 2022
https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinio...2023-rcna62978

I'll drink to that.

[bobabode]

Originally Posted by RickeyM

I'll drink to that.

Count me in. I'll bring the ganja and a good bottle of bourbon.

[Rajoo]

Originally Posted by Pio1980

We can celebrate that our democracy didn't die in 2022
https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinio...2023-rcna62978

Good article Steve and thanks.
I would not trade what we have here for anything. Unfortunately most Americans are not aware of the level of freedom we enjoy and take our democracy for granted or even understand what a democracy is.

[bobabode]

Originally Posted by Rajoo

Good article Steve and thanks.
I would not trade what we have here for anything. Unfortunately most Americans are not aware of the level of freedom we enjoy and take our democracy for granted or even understand what a democracy is.

Joining the Peace Corp should count the same as a tour in the armed forces. Get Johnny and Janie out into the Second/Third world to open their eyes.

[Rajoo]

Originally Posted by bobabode

Joining the Peace Corp should count the same as a tour in the armed forces. Get Johnny and Janie out into the Second/Third world to open their eyes.

I used to choke every time I read where it said that India is the largest democracy in the world. Yes, everyone gets to vote and that is just about it. The constitution is a joke and the laws are just well founded rumors (everyone makes it up as they go).

I was once stopped by a cop in Bombay for going through an amber light (yes, there an amber light is stop, then what the f is the red for?), country at that time had stopped recognizing US drivers licenses (news to me) and though I owned the car, it was registered in my sisters name (who did not even have a DL ). The cop who was very communicative in Hindi (which I cannot speak anymore but understand very well) explained to me that by the time he impounds my car, it stays in impound for two to three days till I can get it out with court order after paying associated costs will cost me in excess of 15K rupees, so why not simply pay him 500 rupees? All this while he is sitting in my car as if we were best of friends! I smiled, paid him the money and told him he is one of the best salesman I have ever met.

[finnbow]

Originally Posted by bobabode

Joining the Peace Corp should count the same as a tour in the armed forces. Get Johnny and Janie out into the Second/Third world to open their eyes.

Indeed. As Mark Twain said, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime."

[bobabode]

Originally Posted by finnbow

Indeed. As Mark Twain said, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime."

I like that one, alot.

[Dondilion]

Originally Posted by Rajoo

I used to choke every time I read where it said that India is the largest democracy in the world. Yes, everyone gets to vote and that is just about it. The constitution is a joke and the laws are just well founded rumors (everyone makes it up as they go).

I was once stopped by a cop in Bombay for going through an amber light (yes, there an amber light is stop, then what the f is the red for?), country at that time had stopped recognizing US drivers licenses (news to me) and though I owned the car, it was registered in my sisters name (who did not even have a DL ). The cop who was very communicative in Hindi (which I cannot speak anymore but understand very well) explained to me that by the time he impounds my car, it stays in impound for two to three days till I can get it out with court order after paying associated costs will cost me in excess of 15K rupees, so why not simply pay him 500 rupees? All this while he is sitting in my car as if we were best of friends! I smiled, paid him the money and told him he is one of the best salesman I have ever met.

What a great country India is. A cop is willing to take 500 rupees and let you go on your journey.

[finnbow]

Originally Posted by Dondilion

What a great country India is. A cop is willing to take 500 rupees and let you go on your journey.

Leave to a Putin fanboy to be impressed by corruption endemic to all levels of Indian society.

[Dondilion]

Wow!!! India is corrupt!