Why have conservatives and liberals forgotten the point of politics?

Question

Isn't the point of politics to pass laws, create safety nets, and try to increase the standard of living for all those living in the country? I think both conservatives and liberals can agree that we are seeking the common good, so why can't both sides be a little more open to each other's ideas about what might work? This nation can't progress with two political parties that do nothing but oppose each other without compromise. Do you agree?

Answer 1

First, you make the assumption that they oppose each other. In reality, the differences between the 'conservative' budgets and the 'liberal' budgets are very small. They make a big deal about their 'stand' on an issue, but neither really wants any great changes (that aren't provided by their lobbyist scriptwriters), since that might ruin their chance of getting that great pension plan.
Real safety nets, useful laws, and good lives are generated locally, not through the government. The government has to do things that people can't do themselves. Unfortunately, the people are at fault, but they are too poorly educated at problem solving and critical thinking to do anything about it, so they always expect someone else to do things for them. Like choosing their government. The choices about who will be available for votes are made by the press and the money handlers long before any primary.
What if there was a government but nobody paid for it? Would it go away? Or, what if people did everything for themselves through cooperation among communities? Would the obsolete government die off?

Answer 2

I think the problem is that it takes so much money to run for Public Office these days. The TV Ads, Opinion Polls, Print Advertising, it all adds up to a tremendous bill. Who can fund such a thing? The Politicians spend every day thinking about getting donations to run the next time. They cannot think about what's good for everyone or what the right thing to do is. They are driven by the people with money to spread around. This influence peddling creates the simplistic thinking, Partisan agendas, and Polarizing Special Interests.

The system is broken. I think anyone who can get enough signatures to be on the ballot should have the same number and type of Advertisements given to them free of charge. No one should be able to buy more. All Political Interest Groups, Committees to re-elect, etc. should be fined some huge amount if they advertise or other wise try to effect the election. Transportation to the Polls must be provided to those who are registered to Vote and request it in advance.

If we do this then Special Interests could no longer affect our Politicians decision making process. Perhaps they could then re-learn the art of compromise and the Integrity to Lead.

The US hasn't had a great leader in way too long. I can't remember when I had someone I could vote FOR. I've always voted AGAINST their opponent.

Also, we as voters must pay attention to what our elected Representatives do BETWEEN elections. Most of us don't know what they are up to until we run into some law we don't like or something has changed that effects us in an undesirable way. It's usually too late by then. Watch you Officials and hold them accountable in the next election cycle. They can't Spin what they did unless we as a whole are ignorant of the details!!

Answer 3

There has been a polarization of the right and left (conservative and liberals) in the past ten to twelve years - I'm thinking the open communication tool (the Internet) is a big reason for it? Now you have people against good ideas just because the other party is for - which is really sad.

The idea of working to make life better for those living in the country is an interesting statement for I think some only want to make life better for some - not all.

Answer 4

Thats the problem with partisan politics. But, the very nature of humans is to have more than the other person. So, of course of politicians are doing for themselves way before they do anything for the voter. Take a look at the scandal involving the lobbyist just 6 months ago. Many politians were tagged as having accepted inappropriate gifts from him (trips, boats, cars....) but, that was the last we heard of that. This is a very obvious idealist statement. Of course....anyone that opens a newspaper would agree.

Answer 5

There are much more dimentions in this, not possible to reduce to left and right. Anyway, if you mean republicans and democrats, then it is not their point to do all that. Their point is to exploit what people want and get political advantage, i.e. get reelected, get more power, get more money support ( - this should be the first one of course, to get anything else). Now republicans went their way much more aggressively and I humbly hope that country will survive after this 'president'. But if you want complete agreement between parties, then this is called totalitarism. The present administration makes decisive steps in this direction.

Answer 6

I agree, yes, but the system has been corrupted, the populace doesn't seem to care, and so nothing will change until sufficient shock (or shocks) necessitate a complete overhaul of politics in this country. When you realize that worrying about / debating about / wasting time thinking about politics is useless from today's standpoint, you'll feel better. Take care of yourself and your family and friends, is your first order of business.

Answer 7

Yes. Each party is trying to appease their constituents and funders. Various special interest groups from both corporate and labor have their own agenda. While those who aren't in the mix are lost within the cracks. Maybe based on your comments you should run, and make a change. If the stronghold of our area is conservative - join Conservative and change policy when you're in office. and visa versa in a liberal stronghold..

Answer 8

Agreed. Group hug.

Seriously, you are absolutely correct. Many times compromises have allowed progress. It may not be the perfect solution, but it was better than no solution. Examples bicameral congress and electoral college.

Answer 9

I agree its all politics not for the good of our citizens it seems they are more concerned on what they can do for other countries and people than their own,There are people in this country that cant hardly buy food to eat and children that are abused every day .What about us

Answer 10

Our government has found it is much easier to control us if we don't unite. If we are kept in an emotional state, arguing over pointless matters. Our bureaucrats can go on about their merry way, squandering our taxes and handing out big, juicy contracts to their close friends and family.

Blindside politics is no stranger to America.