Integrity of U.S. Government

[deadendphilosopher]

Do you agree with the way the U.S.A. is run? After reading a non-fiction book called, "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man", I was appalled by the way the government seems to act contrary to the principles on which the U.S. was founded.

[wagnerr]

I'm going to remain true to my bipartisan ways and largely stay out of this one, but i sense that this will become a very intense and lengthy thread. ;D

[Tal]

Difficult question to answer perhaps.

Just taking the petrodollar theory of the US's recent military actions as an example, the actions could be seen both as for the benefit of, and contrary to the interests of the US citizens.

On the one hand, it seeks to maintain US economic, cultural and military hegemony/control over the world thus stabalising the US currency, ensuring the global market remains friendly to US businesses and keeping the country out of economic meltdown.

However, it hurts the reputation of America, makes it citizens targets for anti-Americanism abroad and may just be prolonging (and perhaps making worse) the inevitable changes in global economics which will see a decline in the US's power.

Governments do tend to be full of greedy, corrupt or foolish people doing what they think is best for the country, even if it isn't. Personally I'm no fan of Bush, but I wouldn't like to say whether his government is worse or better than previous administrations.

[Buzzz]

Of course the government has integrity. Why on earth would you think otherwise? Jesus tapdancing Christ, how do people that stupid get jobs in HOMELAND F*ING SECURITY??

[sushiboat]

The question is so broad. Here's a summary of how I view the U.S. federal government over the last few decades.

pros
• has a potential for substantive popular participation
• relatively few legal barriers to exchange of ideas and artistic expression
• independent judiciary
• separation of church and state

cons
• long history of supporting undemocratic and brutal regimes
• economic imperialism
• domestic policies that are hostile to the poor
• plutocratic in practice
• lack of leadership in energy policy and environmental protection

[lowselfesteem]

Integrity and Government don't seem to go together in my view.

[cyclopse]

I think we have a buch of morons running our country. I dont know what the democrats can do i dont think thier two bright either but lets face it Bush is really setting a low standard as well has his staff.

[christfollower]

As long as the US allows the Congress and Senate to have unlimited terms, then any party entering offince will start to lose their beleifs in the sea of old timers that control everything. I feel they should be limited to two terms just like the president. It seems that the only way some states change who they vote for is when the one they are voting for dies. As far as the US Government having integrity, No way! How can anyone say they have intergrity when they lie, cheat or steal! This goes for both parties.

Unfortunately, I do not see another choice. Oh how I wish there was. I see voting as trying to put the lesser of the two evils in office - problem is, there doesn't seem to be one in todays politics.