If 70% of Americans disagree with Bush & Iraq, why doesn't the USA have a referendum?

Question

and if Bush doesn't have the majority anymore, get rid of him...
just like we do in australia, canada, england, france, germany....etc. etc...
why do you have to wait four years, when the obvious majority of american citizens want this war over, this administration, and this president out of office NOW!!!?

actually when it comes to very heated issues that are divisive, other developed countries do hold refrendums on the national consensus, and then a policy s set on that consensus...whether it be Queber/French separatism in Canada, or Universal education/health in Europe...this is what other industrial democracies do...it's not just...ok, he has four years to do whatever the Fu*k he wants....both domestically and as the only superpower in the world today, without any oppostion. wake up simpletons. burst your n.american bubble, now.
contrary to the popular 80s african relief song....america, "You are not the world"

Answer 1

cuz people get brainwashed.

Answer 2

No country has a referendum on deploying troops.

Should we have had a referendum on deploying to Iraq when over 70 percent favored war? Should we perpetually change positions with the whim of the popular sentiment?

Come on now. You know representative democracy does not work that way, nor should it.

Okay, smart a s s, if you want to throw insults around, we can start. First, deployment of military personnel is not an issue that Mom and Pop can rapidly make a decision about. I live in Europe, and although parliaments OCCASIONALLY are required to give approval on deployments, I have never seen a public referendum on the deployment of Soldiers to a combat area. Have you, Simpleton?

Also, unless I missed something recently, the United States is not the only superpower in the world. Many countries now have those BIG firecrackers, especially Russia. Russia also holds substantial energy blackmail over the European Union, of which the United States cannot supplant. Several countries are economic giants and emerging economic giants. America is not the world's ONLY hegemon.

Quebec/French separatism in Canada, or Universal education/health in Europe are not issues that require immediate decisions; military matters are.

How much do you really know about politics? About international politics? Diplomacy? Military strategy and tactics?

At various times, I have been in favor of some form of direct democracy; however, when I speak to someone with your limited, over-simplified understanding of the world, or read products from someone like you, I realize how idealistic such an idea is, and I am thankful for representative democracy.

Please do not throw insults unless you can field the hits.

Answer 3

Unlike many other places, the US has never really been a referendum-type of country. It may be because the President, as a figure-head, is given almost god-like status in that "read-my-lips" sense. His word appears to be THE word, and there are enough people who choose to overlook major and minor disasters that have occurred since the Bush dynasty and carry on with a fantasy that is crumbling. While many believe it's time for this government to go, the ones who don't believe it are powerful, influential people upholding and underwriting corruption. The voice of the masses no longer matter.

By the way, war happens for lots of reasons, but the bottom line is probably that people just can't seem to get along. I notice on here, because these are powerful questions, people tend to get a little--well, rude. I think if we can't get along in here, with words, what hope is there of resolving anything?

Answer 4

Unfortunately, it's not that simple, right now. The 'uniter' and company, have managed to weld enough power and support to create a 'division' in the nation, which complicates everything.
As long as we have divisions over the war in Iraq, the immigration issue, and such, the people of this country will soft peddle the administrations agenda, and hope everything will work out for the good. Sort of like "sheep" going happily to their own slaughter!
Addendum: Mike, I believe we citizens could call for a special election, and use our power as voters to show 'no confidence' in the president, or demand our representatives in congress do the will of the people - it would take a fair majority of American (voters) citizens.

Answer 5

There can be no referendum to remove the president. The US government is not a parliamentary government. Unlike that form of government the president is not part of the legislative branch of government. There is a clear separation between the three separate and equal branches of government. The president is elected to be the president and not chosen in the same manner as a prime minister, and cannot be removed from office in the same manner as a prime minister can be removed. The president is elected for a term of 4 years, and can only be removed by impeachment, or resignation.

Answer 6

If the people don't like Bush, they can vote against him in the next election. But we have representatives vote for us instead of having direct votes on everything because most people aren't well informed enough to vote on every specific issue.

It shouldn't be easily to recall elected politicians. If it were, then they wouldn't be able to do anything that is good over the long term, but unpopular over the short term.

Answer 7

You misunderstand. 70% don't want us out of the war, that is the percentage that are not happy with the way it is going. Any way he must leave office in a year and a half.

Answer 8

I know and its one of my main political concern i dont want to end killed from iraqis invading u.s i dont want to live in a country where a president doesnt know what hes doing and i've noticed this things have gotten from bad to worse since bush has taken office this country was just fine without bush and look at it now. all i can say is God help us all because we need it.

Answer 9

The job of removing the President of the United States belongs solely to the US House of Representatives and the Senate through the impeachment process. Instead of asking stupid questions, you could just read the US Constitution. I believe it's easily accessible on the Internet.

Answer 10

because the sense of defending this country unfortunately isnt common thanks to the pelosi/reid regimes diatribe. read that scotland is a vivid example of what will happen if we allow harry reids type of cowardice with cut and run to occur.

Answer 11

Because giant corporations (GC) run this country's government, not the people. US policy reflects what GC want, not what the people want.