09-03-2007, 04:16 AM
Quote:To put it bluntly, no. The fear mongering in politics isn't a partisan problem, both parties seem equally invested in this kind of political practice. I don't see the liberal swing in Congress as anything particularly different, except maybe for the colored animal on their banner.
The fear mongering in politics has become a kind of cycle: hype up one concern more than the others, promise a definitive solution, if solution is somewhat effective get re-elected to continue and finish the job, if unsuccessful face a loss to the other party who has a new cure-all answer.
In 2006 the popular opinion swung the other way, and felt that the Republicans have failed to live up to the fears of terrorism. Democrats (at least the ones in the Northeast) road a platform that consisted of: 1. The Republicans haven't focused enough on homeland security leaving our country vulnerable to new attacks; 2. The Republicans haven't focused enough on Al Qaeda hide outs in Afghanistan/Pakistan; 3. The Republicans have us stuck in Iraq and they will get us out (a few campaigns were so bold as to allude to the 'Unhappy Iraqi's mean more terrorists in the future' argument). As a result the Dems road a wave to Congress while some great moderate senators got bounced because they were riding the wrong animal.
Propaganda about studies proving the "US is more vulnerable to attacks now than before 9/11" were touted, everyone remained scared of their middle eastern descendant neighbors, and control of Congress swapped hands. The result a year later? Efficiency, a paradigm change to fear quelling, a much safer America, and the end of foreign wars. Wait, no, none of that happened. But that's the nature of the creature that is Congress.
What has remained along with the attitude that 'the Republicans got it wrong' is the same intensity of fear. Not only did the Republicans get it wrong, but you must elect us to quickly fix the dire problem.
As I said earlier, I don't want to make light of the threat of terrorism. There's a good reason to have a bit of irrational fear about it. But the fear is being amplified by both sides, and both are trying to ride that wave for their advantage.
With all that said, I do feel I must make a qualifying statement. I've spoken in some very broad strokes about politics in America, strokes broad enough that even I can think of some places to nit pick my argument. But I do think the general weight of my argument is true, we're in a very odd situation when it comes to politics. Personally, I gave up a long time ago believing politicians were super-human moral beings. It's a dirty affair run by some imperfect descendants of monkeys. It's not an excuse for their poor actions, but it's also the reason I don't think they should be crucified for them either. We'll see how the next election shapes up, but as I see it right now there doesn't seem to be much change, except some immigration and health care hot topics thrown in to the mix.
Cheers,
Munk
The only thing that the Dems have stated about the whole terrorist/war issue regarding Republicans is your 3rd point about being stuck in Iraq. I haven't seen anything about your first 2 points being used by the Democrats. You can say a lot about both parties but one thing is certain: The Republicans are tougher on the whole terror issue than the Democrats. They take it more seriously or whatever else you want to call it. Call it using the terror card or whatever else but the fact remains that they are tougher. To deny that is just dishonest. So, while your first post *was* good, as was already pointed out above, I think it was simply wrong.