Do you believe theres only change when tragedy happens?

Question

I think this is one of the biggest problems America faces today. There is only change after something collapses, gets blown up, or shot up. I think this is pretty naive thinking on my part but this can be tied to any subject from 9/11 or the current immigration problem. Does American policy only change at the last possible second?

Do you believe we can continue like this?
Do you believe this is a liberal/conservative viewpoint?

I agree pythagoras, theres like 5 bridges in my area that didnt pass inspection but are still open...

Answer 1

Americans are not proactive, but generally reactive. Look at 9/11, the problem of terrorism was brewing for years but neither side wanted to do anything about. The infrastructure problem is something that did not develop within the last decade, but has existed for several decades.

I am not idealistic like most Americans. Most Americans are idealistic and hope for the best.

I have to say I like your name Spider Pig.

Answer 2

This is a good question. This is not a liberal or conservative issue, it's a fact.

Consider this, concerning 9/11, the Bush administration did receive a memo stating that Bin Laden planned to attack the US, so they can't say they had no idea it was coming. In response, they could have enacted warrantless wiretapping to try and prevent it from happening. Imagine what the public reaction would have been had they done this prior to anything happening.... it would have been awful. And then imagine September 11th comes to pass and they announce they caught Bin Laden's terrorists and prevented 9/11, do you think people would have believed them? I don't, in fact 9/11 did happen and some people still don't believe. It's not like 9/11 started it all either, the WTC suffered an attack in '93, nothing was done. The USS Cole was attacked, nothing was done. There were several other terrorist incidents, nothing was done.

Concerning infrastructure integrity, it's too soon to point fingers over the bridge incident until we have more information. It could have been an honest mistake. It could have been a lack of funding. If it was a lack of funding, it was probably because they push these things to their limit b/c trying to fix all of the problems would cost too much (just a theory).

Answer 3

Not always.

I don't think its liberal or conservative. I think its just part of human nature.

Using the collapsed bridge in Minneapolis as an example, there's going to be a flood of bridge inspections now. But that doesn't mean that many hadn't already been prevented by inspections that have already happened. But it isn't newsworthy to say, "Well, the bridge inspectors went out today and did their job". It's only news when it fails.

Answer 4

Yep, and when it does happen all the politicians are in shock and awe and that is the only way to have significant problems are addressed and fixed, i dont think it is a liberal or conservative viewpoint.

Answer 5

conservatives remain vigilant and liberals become complacent. the liberals bash conservatives for scare tactics when we try to practice caution. liberals were moved by 9/11 for about 6 months and then they decided it was GW who set the whole thing up.

Answer 6

You are right. We should change everything at random intervals. That would really be helpful/usefull. And while we are at it we can change are clothes to everyday! And wash the dishes. Yeah like that would happen!

Answer 7

the real problem is the lack of concern - it falls on every body's plate and nobody cares even everyu one of us until somone dies- then its a major problem- trust me everyone will have forgotten in a month

Answer 8

Yes...I really think it does take death and tragedy to make people get up and do something. Quite sad really.

Answer 9

sadly its close enough

tragedy motivates change