Democrats abandon Feingold on proposed NSA censure

[Preechr]

Originally Posted by mburbank

I also, obviously believe in government. I just wish it was coupled with transperancy, rigid ethical laws, rigid campaign finance laws, strog checks and balances and surrounded by watchdog organizations that had some damn teeth.

At the end of the day, no matter what walls you build, you've still left the foxes in the henhouse. The lack of these features is proof positive that government just doesn't work that way. You also have to realize you are building a cage for this animal for a reason. Abuse of power is the essential nature of government. Government is THE thing we empower to threaten our lives for our own good. I'm not the kind of guy that condones people walking around brandishing weaponry to get their way, even if the weapons involved are in the form of collective good will.

Originally Posted by mburbank

To my mind, the purpose of government is to be a collective force for our collective best instincts.

There's a name for that system of government, and it isn't democracy.... hehe...

Originally Posted by mburbank

Of course we'll argue about what those are, of course we will frequently fail, but we need to be trying a whole lot harder.

To my mind, the most important first step there is understanding the nature of the tool we are attempting to use. The basis of our government is the Constitution, and that document focuses on limiting government power, not expanding it. The second step is understanding the nature of those we govern. When you say "we" need to be trying a whole lot harder, you are asking for a whole hell of a lot. You have to be talking about ALL of us, because the system you want requires the constant dilligence of at least most of the population.

You can't have that. We the People don't function that way. Those that are both interested and qualified will always be the tiniest of the minority.

Originally Posted by mburbank

Right now it seems as if we're saying "Just keep us safe, and in return we won't ask any questions". There's a name for that system of government, and it isn't democracy. We're letting this administration say "We can't protect the people and protect the constitution at the same time". There's a name for that too, it's failure.

I'm ashamed of the Democratic party, but I have nowhere to turn.

Well, then by all means, do nothing different. Hope and complain more, but keep on voting for dissapointment based in pipe dreams.

Originally Posted by mburbank

My sincere hope is that new generation of candidates will rise up and say the what we have allowed to happen to our country is wrong. Sure they won't get the money other play it safe candidates will, and they'll probably loose, but maybe, just maybe they'll pave the way for future change the way Adalai Stevenson and Gene Mccarthy did. Maybe Feigngold is doing that right now. It has to start somewhere.

So, we're to wait for someone that can make big government founded in regressive economics work fairly? Maybe you should write in David Copperfield next time around.