Knowledge is Power

[DickT]

I'm a firm believer that one should have to pass some sort of test in order to be qualified to cast a political vote, regardless of the country or government of there affiliation. I do not think this is to much to ask though, I doubt such a mandate will ever be implemented . Lets face it, you have to be 18 to vote, so ok , heres your voters card Johnny , go make the country a better place.

This has nothing to do with race or gender, just stupidity.......see video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyvqhdllXgU


If you find yourself humored by this video, it is not funny. A lot of great people fought and died for your right to vote.

I've spent about a year in Europe and was very sadden by the fact that some of he popular American TV shows aired over there were The Jerry Springer and Rikki Lake shows. This is not a political statement, just ranting. My next post will be a happy one about a nice girl I met on the subway.

All non US members, Have any similar stories

[Josh]

Wow! I am speechless. That is not only sad but scary at the same time.

[DickT]

Wow! I am speechless. That is not only sad but scary at the same time.

very scary Josh, thats why I have a buzz right now.................

[Josh]

Tell you the truth I am not interested in either of the candidates. I haven't been around too long in terms of reaching my voting age and seeing elections but so far I have not observed a candidate that has given me hope. In terms of voters, it is frustrating to see people making uneducated choices. Partisanship for the sake of partisanship upsets me. I understand that party members generally believe in the same things you do but I believe in evaluating the individual. When you don't know an individual's stance, their running mate, or even your party's stance and continue to vote any way something has gone terribly wrong. Sorry that was kind of compressed but I do not have it in me to delve into a political discussion at the moment.

[DickT]

Tell you the truth I am not interested in either of the candidates. I haven't been around too long in terms of reaching my voting age and seeing elections but so far I have not observed a candidate that has given me hope. In terms of voters, it is frustrating to see people making uneducated choices. Partisanship for the sake of partisanship upsets me. I understand that party members generally believe in the same things you do but I believe in evaluating the individual. When you don't know an individual's stance, their running mate, or even your party's stance and continue to vote any way something has gone terribly wrong. Sorry that was kind of compressed but I do not have it in me to delve into a political discussion at the moment.

How old are you Josh ? This is not a thread about politics , its about stupidity

[Josh]

How old are you Josh ?

23

[willard3]

Political discussions are probably not appropriate on a board about chiles...........

[Josh]

Political discussions are probably not appropriate on a board about chiles...........

Well put...

[GrumpyBear]

it's probably safe to talk about the canadian election, i'm pretty sure noone even knows there was one...

[chilehunter]

Political discussions are probably not appropriate on a board about chiles...........

not true! this is the lounge, but then again its a forum thats more world based vs a local forum like some others. I'll agree it can get heated talking about politics/etc.. & I can also understand the rules THP made.

but to say talking about politics on a chile forum is wrong. is wrong to say because thats just part of life no less than your chiles,movies,music,sports,etc...

[chilehunter]

it's probably safe to talk about the canadian election, i'm pretty sure noone even knows there was one...

thats true :lol: I dont even remember ever hearing about an canadain election :lol::oops:

[GrumpyBear]

thats true :lol: I dont even remember ever hearing about an canadain election :lol::oops:

it was last week, voter turnout was at a record low so i'm pretty sure most canadians didn't hear about it either.

[chilehunter]

it was last week, voter turnout was at a record low so i'm pretty sure most canadians didn't hear about it either.

hear about it ! ? they should know about it w/o being told , its their country.
thats kinda sad to hear on your part (canadians) that it was a record low for voter turn out.
my state usually have a high voter turn out compared to the rest of the states.

[GrumpyBear]

hear about it ! ? they should know about it w/o being told , its their country.
thats kinda sad to hear on your part (canadians) that it was a record low for voter turn out.
my state usually have a high voter turn out compared to the rest of the states.

well, i'm sure they heard about it (otherwise i'm sure people were wondering why the prime minister was wearing that sweater on tv all of a sudden...) but i think they called the election out of the blue to try and take advantage of everyone paying attention to your election... whenever i asked anyone if they watched the english debates they said no they watched the vice presidential debates instead (cuz they were on at the same time)

[chilehunter]

wait a minute there GB, you say "called the election out of the blue " what do you mean by that ?
are you telling me canada doesnt have a election set at so many years (ex. 2 & 4 year terms)

[chilehunter]

its funny how most countries around the world revolve around usa & it politics & love our way of life but hate us, go figure.

[GrumpyBear]

you just buy all our stuff, we have a vested interest.

yea, the leader of the house can call an election unprompted or one can be forced if there's a vote of non confidence (which i'm sure harper was hoping would happen so he could say he wasn't responsible for wasting taxpayer money on this ridiculous election, at the start of this session he said he was treating every issue like a confidence issue)

[Novacastrian]

In my opinion all leaders are puppets to some extent, they have to be to survive. The other option is total anarchy though so...........

[Chiliac]

Over here you are allowed to vote when you're 18. You don't have to register or anything. A few years back, they made a bunch of potential first time voters believe they were being casted for a TV show and tested their knowledge about politics and the world in general. Most had no idea what the abbreviated names of the big parties mean or came up with really weird explanations, couldn't find their country on a map - let alone other European countries, couldn't tell actors from politicians (yeah, I know - where's the difference, but you know what I mean) etc etc... It was really sad to watch while being hilariously funny at the same time, but in the long run it is VERY scary!!!
One guy was told he was going to interview a famous politician and in came a guy dressed up as Napoleon (!) and he was also introduced as Napoleon. The kid had not only never heard of him, he started interviewing him, which let the crew speechless, because they didn't think anyone would fall for that!!!
Here's to the future....

[ring sting]

its funny how most countries around the world revolve around usa & it politics & love our way of life but hate us, go figure.


I wish not to denegrate, but that sounds like a really, really, really stupid comment. I can only hope it was tongue in cheek.

Most countries pay attention to the US because they have no choice. For example, economically, if you guys sneeze, we dont get a cold, start s**tting blood, and puking all over the place.

Most of our content on TV is from the US not because it is of high quality, but because it is cheap for our channels to buy. Ergo, we 'larve' your culture. Not. But, we cannot produce a media product here that the world will buy, because our market is so small that we cannot support production in and of itself for our market.

'We' dont hate people from the US, but things that perhaps are done in your name, without your consent, knowledge or approval.

In fact, the best and most exciting thing about the USA is that you guys tend to attract the world's smartest and most talented individuals so as to create, manipulate and deploy some of the best technology/inventions that the world has seen. How can that be hated?

[ring sting]

DickT, you're right to some extent. But I put forth the opinion that it is every citizen's duty to be politically informed, and those that aren't perhaps should be struck off the electoral roles.

Here, we have universal suffrage (everyone votes, and if you don't you get a $60 fine) and the voting system and regulation is done nationally, so the same regulation applies everywhere.

Moreover, if it is every citizen's duty to vote, then I also believe that it's every politician's duty to represent their constituents, not the views of the party they belong to. Sadly, this doesn't occur anywhere in the world.

And yes, we have ideologues here that will vote for their 'party' without looking too hard at the policies, individuals or with any thought. But, being Australia, if voting were optional, I think less than 10% would show up to vote.

[talas]

Politics..

politics (n.) Look up politics at Dictionary.com
1529, "science of government," from politic (adj.), modeled on Aristotle's ta politika "affairs of state," the name of his book on governing and governments, which was in Eng. 1450 as "Polettiques."

"Politicks is the science of good sense, applied to public affairs, and, as those are forever changing, what is wisdom to-day would be folly and perhaps, ruin to-morrow. Politicks is not a science so properly as a business. It cannot have fixed principles, from which a wise man would never swerve, unless the inconstancy of men's view of interest and the capriciousness of the tempers could be fixed." [Fisher Ames (1758–1808)]

Meaning "a person's political allegiances or opinions" is from 1769. Political animal transl. Gk. politikon zoon

[DickT]

DickT, you're right to some extent. But I put forth the opinion that it is every citizen's duty to be politically informed, and those that aren't perhaps should be struck off the electoral roles.

Here, we have universal suffrage (everyone votes, and if you don't you get a $60 fine) and the voting system and regulation is done nationally, so the same regulation applies everywhere.

Moreover, if it is every citizen's duty to vote, then I also believe that it's every politician's duty to represent their constituents, not the views of the party they belong to. Sadly, this doesn't occur anywhere in the world.

And yes, we have ideologues here that will vote for their 'party' without looking too hard at the policies, individuals or with any thought. But, being Australia, if voting were optional, I think less than 10% would show up to vote.

Sting, is the $60 fine strongly enforced. How often do you vote in Australia ?

[DickT]

Politics..

politics (n.) Look up politics at Dictionary.com
1529, "science of government," from politic (adj.), modeled on Aristotle's ta politika "affairs of state," the name of his book on governing and governments, which was in Eng. 1450 as "Polettiques."

"Politicks is the science of good sense, applied to public affairs, and, as those are forever changing, what is wisdom to-day would be folly and perhaps, ruin to-morrow. Politicks is not a science so properly as a business. It cannot have fixed principles, from which a wise man would never swerve, unless the inconstancy of men's view of interest and the capriciousness of the tempers could be fixed." [Fisher Ames (1758–1808)]

Meaning "a person's political allegiances or opinions" is from 1769. Political animal transl. Gk. politikon zoon

Nicely done Taley, I love to watch the sessions in the House of Commons, are regular citizens allow to sit in and observe. On the fun note, when I look at Jack Straw, he reminds me of the kid who threw the eraser when the teacher wasn't looking. He's just got that look on his face

[cheezydemon]

The partisan issues of people I see, are not usually someone who is completely ignorant and just votes along party lines, it is more of a political blinder, that filters out bad about their party or candidate, and outright distortion of facts about the other party or candidate to suit the way they want it to be. And they vote completely along party lines.

[klyth]

I'm sure they had to interview 50 people to find those 3. This is the radio.

I just wrote a whole thing and deleted it. This thread will go nowhere positive.

/vote for a lock

[GrumpyBear]

I'm sure they had to interview 50 people to find those 3. This is the radio.

I just wrote a whole thing and deleted it. This thread will go nowhere positive.

/vote for a lock

nono, i'll just steer it back towards canada. nobody gets worked up over canada.

so our election turned into a 300-million dollar 'dump dion' campaign, the leader of our opposition, and the vultures are already circling (i shouldn't watch the cbc this early in the day...) honestly, i'm sad to see him go... sure he can't really stand up to smarmy harper but he was such an adorable little man, he always looked like he was about to cry...
jack layton looks like my childhood dentist...

[klyth]

I did hear about the Canadian record-low turnout (59%). That's so great. You're well on your way to the 50% turnout that the USA typically gets. Keep up the good work :)

[DickT]

I'm sure they had to interview 50 people to find those 3. This is the radio.

I just wrote a whole thing and deleted it. This thread will go nowhere positive.

/vote for a lock

I kind of think it would be educational to learn about some of the other countries laws, I thought it was interesting you get a fine for not voting in Austr.

Klyth, Have you ever heard of the North American Union, or the Amero, If not , check it out on you tube, This thread is not about politics, its about the saying Knowledge is Power...............Let me try to come up with a good analogy..................Thinking............going for a smoke.....ok

Its after the trap door is closed when you realize you were not aware of the obvious. Since THP forums have a world wide audience I was curious to see if my observations were common place around the world. Chilliac answered the question: common education seems to be eroding.


Thats all

[Sickmont]

.....common education seems to be eroding.


Don't forget common sense. Thats going by the wayside as well.

[cheezydemon]

Brainwashing was my point. I used a political example, but another could do.

Racism continues through a lack of education and an acceptance of beliefs from others without forming your own opinion.

Some of the worst parts of organized religeon have come from this process as well.

[DickT]

Don't forget common sense. Thats going by the wayside as well.

You mean like that show Jack ass

[klyth]

I kind of think it would be educational to learn about some of the other countries laws, I thought it was interesting you get a fine for not voting in Austr.

Klyth, Have you ever heard of the North American Union, or the Amero, If not , check it out on you tube, This thread is not about politics, its about the saying Knowledge is Power...............Let me try to come up with a good analogy..................Thinking............going for a smoke.....ok

Its after the trap door is closed when you realize you were not aware of the obvious. Since THP forums have a world wide audience I was curious to see if my observations were common place around the world. Chilliac answered the question: common education seems to be eroding.


Thats all

Not sure what the Amero has to do with stupid people on Howard Stern.

Actually, the title of this thread is amusing, considering the substance.

In the USA, knowledge does not equal power, at least as far as our political system is concerned. Obviously, these people on Howard Stern are either confused by the reporter (which could be the case), or ignorant. But they have the same amount of power as anyone else - however uninformed they may be.

They are given power simply by existing in this country. What they choose to do with it is no ones concern.

Knowledge is Power. Sure, if you're on a debate team. In real life, the ignorant have power too. That's how it should be, because they're the ones who will not challenge the status quo. When power distribution is equal, the trick becomes to keep the majority of people ignorant.

I'm hoping to gear this discussion toward a more philosophical point, and away from the politics.

In other words "Owww!! My balls!!!"

[GrumpyBear]

low voter turnout is a common problem specifically among developed nations (opportunity costs, disillusioned voters, etc...) thats *why* a lot of developed nations make it illegal not to vote (which is funny to some because forcing someone to participate in a democracy is kind of undemocratic...)

[Sickmont]

.....thats *why* a lot of developed nations make it illegal not to vote (which is funny to some because forcing someone to participate in a democracy is kind of undemocratic...)

Thats almost perfect irony, you know? "Here, let us jam your rights right down your throat"

[cheezydemon]

Ignorance can allow people to keep voting for someone that is holding them down. That is where knowledge is power.

[ring sting]

Sting, is the $60 fine strongly enforced. How often do you vote in Australia ?

Hmmm. I vote every time an election rolls around. Federally, that means a maximum term of 4 years, and at the stae level, the same. Local government is every 3 years, I think.

The fine is somewhat enforced, but if you dont vote in two successive elections, your name is removed from the electoral roll, and you have to re enrol to vote again -- if you so choose. A friend ignored the fine, they sent him a letter, he told them he had moved and didnt get the paperwork, they sent it to him, he didnt send it back, and now hasnt voted in about 10 years. So enforcement isn't that strong.

[DickT]

Not sure what the Amero has to do with stupid people on Howard Stern.

Actually, the title of this thread is amusing, considering the substance.

In the USA, knowledge does not equal power, at least as far as our political system is concerned. Obviously, these people on Howard Stern are either confused by the reporter (which could be the case), or ignorant. But they have the same amount of power as anyone else - however uninformed they may be.

They are given power simply by existing in this country. What they choose to do with it is no ones concern.

Knowledge is Power. Sure, if you're on a debate team. In real life, the ignorant have power too. That's how it should be, because they're the ones who will not challenge the status quo. When power distribution is equal, the trick becomes to keep the majority of people ignorant.

I'm hoping to gear this discussion toward a more philosophical point, and away from the politics.

In other words "Owww!! My balls!!!"

very well put............... the amero is somthing I heard of awhile ago, I heard a guy talking about it on the radio last night.

[Davetaylor]

i use my right of choice and choose not to vote.
In a true democratic society we'd get a vote on every major thing that would affect up the public
But no only when a new 'leader' is needed. These people are only public faces to the people that run the show, i mean how much do you think bush or brown know about economics? Not a lot but the advisers in the back ground telling them what they think we want to hear know lots about it.
Political parties change power but it's the same suits that are giving them the words.
So whatever colour/party you vote don't make no difference it just makes some of the country feel better for a while, we are all gonna get screwed on taxes and the like whoever is 'leader' my rant

[imaguitargod]

: walks into thread and watches video :
: looks around thread :
: notices lots of politics being discussed :
: tries not to make eye contact and slowly backs out of thread :

[GrumpyBear]

: walks into thread and watches video :
: looks around thread :
: notices lots of politics being discussed :
: tries not to make eye contact and slowly backs out of thread :

sorry dude, i tried to stifle it with canadiana...
i like talking canadian politics cuz people barely care enough to get worked up, except the green party (and that's mostly 'hippie worked up' which is kind of cute...)
new topic: pie flavoured beer. discuss.

[imaguitargod]

sorry dude, i tried to stifle it with canadiana...
i like talking canadian politics cuz people barely care enough to get worked up, except the green party (and that's mostly 'hippie worked up' which is kind of cute...)
new topic: pie flavoured beer. discuss.
Twas a nobel attempt, but I don't even think Pie can save this thraed now.

[GrumpyBear]

Twas a nobel attempt, but I don't even think Pie can save this thraed now.

that's why i had to add the beer...
feel free to consider beer pie as well...

[imaguitargod]

that's why i had to add the beer...
feel free to consider beer pie as well...
Mmmm....stout beer pie....

[GrumpyBear]

Mmmm....stout beer pie....

my work here is done...

[imaguitargod]

But mine is not!

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/2341/mooseyg0.jpg

Now my work here is done.

[GrumpyBear]

But mine is not!

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/2341/mooseyg0.jpg

Now my work here is done.

just wait 'til we send in the geese ;)

[imaguitargod]

just wait 'til we send in the geese ;)
There'll be shit everywhere! :shocked:

[Sickmont]

But mine is not!

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/2341/mooseyg0.jpg

Now my work here is done.

Hmmm....kinda looks like Elmendorf AFB.

[Philipperv]

Either that or Minot.

[cheezydemon]

a moose once bit my sister......

[imaguitargod]

a moose once bit my sister......

No realli! She was Karving her initials on the møøse
with the sharpened end of an interspace tøøthbrush given
her by Svenge - her brother-in-law - an Oslo dentist and
star of many Norwegian møvies: "The Høt Hands of an Oslo
Dentist", "Fillings of Passion", "The Huge Mølars of Horst
Nordfink".


BEST. FILM. EVER.

[cheezydemon]

Those responsible for the sub-titles have been sacked.




;)

[cheezydemon]

Only the holy grail could bring salvation to this thread!

[Sickmont]

Either that or Minot.

Never been to Minot.

[cheezydemon]

moose bites can be very nasty...

[DickT]

Never been to Minot.

Spent 45 days at Elmendorf, spent 45 nights at The Great Alaskan Bush Company. We were doing joint ops with the Canadians. Could not come down from the wing of a C141B because a bear was trying to get into a comfort pallet which was on the back ramp waiting to be unloaded. I was throwing wrenches at to try to chase it away.

[Sickmont]

Spent 45 days at Elmendorf, spent 45 nights at The Great Alaskan Bush Company. We were doing joint ops with the Canadians. Could not come down from the wing of a C141B because a bear was trying to get into a comfort pallet which was on the back ramp waiting to be unloaded. I was throwing wrenches at to try to chase it away.

I only spent 3 weeks there painting some AGE equipment camouflage....apparently i was one of the very few guys on the west coast of the U.S. who was rated to paint all US and NATO camo patterns....so they sent me up there. Why they wanted the stuff painted 4 color Nato winter camo, i haven't a clue.

[cheezydemon]

This thread may win for most simultaneously spawned tangents in a single thread.

[chilehunter]

I wish not to denegrate, but that sounds like a really, really, really stupid comment. I can only hope it was tongue in cheek.

Most countries pay attention to the US because they have no choice. For example, economically, if you guys sneeze, we dont get a cold, start s**tting blood, and puking all over the place.

Most of our content on TV is from the US not because it is of high quality, but because it is cheap for our channels to buy. Ergo, we 'larve' your culture. Not. But, we cannot produce a media product here that the world will buy, because our market is so small that we cannot support production in and of itself for our market.

'We' dont hate people from the US, but things that perhaps are done in your name, without your consent, knowledge or approval.

In fact, the best and most exciting thing about the USA is that you guys tend to attract the world's smartest and most talented individuals so as to create, manipulate and deploy some of the best technology/inventions that the world has seen. How can that be hated?


take my quote for what it is, because its true!
like I said most countries revolve around the usa, be it politics, economy, lifestyle, education,etc...

I can understand the politic part we sneeze somewhere they also feel it, but thats because your economy is part of yours or deals with us so much in products you're gonna feel it.
now set aside politics (somewhat) many places like our products, lifestyle, laws, rights, & even come here to get an better education, & like when he help other countries citizens be it aid or ?
they want & want & like but then hate us out of spite.
then dont forget we've built up many countries & helped them out to make their own econmoy better or life a little better. yea I know some of them it was after we bombed the shit out of them :lol: but it aint no different than any other country has did before.
we also pay a good chunk for UN actions.
aint no different than with the brits many years ago when they were top dogs.
its just a love/hate relationship with the usa, & you've proven it in your quote.
so now tell me why my quote is stupid ?

[ring sting]

CH, I take your point that the US is an important factor to many countries. But it is a big pill to swallow that the rest of the world revolves around the USA.

I will agree with you in parts, and beg to differ in others.

RS

[Philipperv]

Never been to Minot.

Me neither but considering its location I'd say that there could be a few moose around.

[Sickmont]

Me neither but considering its location I'd say that there could be a few moose around.

And i'd have to agree and add thats about the only thing around there