I don't believe that Americans are all that stupid either. I think most Americans are just too distracted most of the time to pay attention to what their elected officials are REALLY doing.....It's a near total lack of oversight and accountability. But your remarks bring to mind mind a funny quote that I heard recently that applies to democracies, lynch mobs, rugby matches, etc...., "Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups." Probably attributable to some conniving politician! LOL
Thats a great quote. I've already repeated that one to a few people around me.
In the case of my State's own candidate, Christine O'Donnell, I like "Never vote for someone who looks like they could use the work".
In the end, we really only have ourselves to blame for the how our political system has deteriorated. After all, they only represent US (or they're SUPPOSED to). I think your point about our attention span is dead on.
In the country with the best set of laws designed to guarentee our liberty, we have forgotten our obligation to pay attention to what our politicians do (in our name) and to hold them accountable when they don't act in our best interests.
I think over the next few cycles, politicians may be in for a rude awakening. They've sunk SO low, that polls ranks them lower in trustworthiness than used car salesmen.
From now on, I'm voting for the candidates that aren't trying to manipulate me with fear, anger, or attacks on his/her opponent. The ones who are willing to state and defend their opinions.
And it is seriously time to restructure campaign financing.
But hey, in this year of yet another bitter, ugly political campaigning, isn't it cool how many developments are occuring in our sphere of interest.
Sure, you may not think this or that endeavor in the Amiga market is ideal, but we are seeing real developments!
And the cool part is virtually none of them have anything to do with Amiga Inc.
We have seen the light and realized that the name/license/badge is less important than aimming to achieve what WE want. And we have multiple projects all aimmed at realizing these goals!
Doesn't everyone here, regardless of personal favorites, get the same thrill I do when they realise WE'RE in control now?
We're not waiting for the fullfillment of empty promises anymore. We can be a contentious group, but I'm beginning to see some cohesion.
Regardless of platform, we know what an Amiga is, and even if Bill McEwen can license the name to someone putting stickers on someone elses X86 machinces, we know what it is not (unless WE choose to install the software/OS WE have developed for it - and then maybe...).
As frightening as these times can be, sometimes things ARE looking up.
It might even restore my faith in humanity (if I had any left).
First maxim - Frequently (far TOO frequently) we can expect our fellow men (and women) to do the DUMBEST thing possible.
Second Maxim - Just when you're about to conclude that the entire human race is a bunch of misdirected F'ups, someone will do something not just right but remarkably well.
Third Maxim - The difference between the two? Just a little thought, care, and introspection. We are not dumb, just lazy and self centered.
