Will Democrats (& Republicans) Always Be Controlled by their Fear of "Appearing Weak on National Security"?

Answer 1

Polls consistently show that Americans want big cuts in military spending (NEVER call it "defense" spending) and dramatic increases in a single-payer national healthcare system, housing, education, etc. But capitalist-fascist media coverage can make people feel like their humane attitudes are in the minority, because the ruling class sets the terms of public discussion (if not private thoughts... yet). Also government-staged events like 9/11 and anthrax can terrify the public into silence, with over a third of Americans knowing that the government did the attacks and over half knowing that the government is lying about them to justify global capitalist-fascist imperialist holocaust for profits and power. So Demoblicans and Republocrats aren't "controlled" as much as they're part of the lies, terror, and outright evil that turns every aspect of our lives into surveilled "profit centers" in Plantation AmeriKa. (Oh, and undoubtedly, some Nazi will say something like - oh, look at arrest_bush_for_9_11 - he hates America!... of course, only NAZIS equate the privileges of the capitalist-fascist elites with the country at large. If you'll point out in the Constitution where EMPIRE is authorized, I'll be glad to shut up.)

Answer 2

Yes; perhaps not controlled by the fear, but it will remain a consideration in national elections.

Interestingly, for many years, it was the Republicans who were accused of being soft on national defense. Roosevelt had great difficulty convincing Americans that Germany & Japan were threats until Pearl Harbor.

Vietnam was Johnson's war, and Nixon ran on a promise to end it. ("with honor", he said.) He didn't; the last troops were withdrawn under Ford.

Regardless of claims to the contrary, all recent Presidents have funded defense spending at significant levels. There have been some reduction in troop levels, and some responsibilities shifted to National Guard units after the fall of the Soviet Union, but spending has always remained close to Defense Dept. requests.

"Cut and run" accusations are cliches - excuses for thinking.

Answer 3

Yes, because appearing weak on national security doesn’t play well with the electorate. Talking tough, even when it doesn’t make any sense, seems to garner votes.

Unless someone can come up with a sensible and convincing public relations approach that doesn’t give into that fear, the candidates will continue to say what they think will get them elected.

Answer 4

We will eventually grow weary of this chant and the pollsters in D.C. will find a new topic in which they can keep us citizens divided.

God help them all if we Americans ever "get it together" enough to call their bluffs and take our country back.

I for one, am bored with all this name-calling stuff.

Remember, it's the PEOPLE not the PARTY recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
It's the PEOPLE not the Party that fight and die for our freedom.
But it's the PARTY that keeps us from being brothers at home.

We all fly the same flag. Democrats and Republicans. The party's like us to think the other party doesn't respect it as much as "they" do. HOGWASH.

The easiest way for our government to control us, is to keep us at each other's throats.

Answer 5

Being "tough" is a favourite Republican ploy, and Democrats fall into the trap of trying to be as "tough" as the Republicans allegedly are. The Democrats should not be allowing the Republicans to define a debate this way. They could be pointing out that Republican "toughness" has gotten America into the mess that it is now.

Answer 6

for the comparable reason Gov Rick "we don't decide for no person" Perry of Texas is crying to the Feds to declare a state of emergency to get federal funds. Federal funds they sense they shouldn't pay. feels like a handout to me. for their wildfire difficulty. wager all those enterprise tax cuts are not helping Texas.

Answer 7

I don't believe the Dems show any fear of appearing week. Nor does Hollywood.

Answer 8

Controlled no, affected yes.

Answer 9

As long as politicians are more concerned with their public image and with getting reelected -- yes.

Answer 10

Yep. Unfortunately, you can be strong, but stupid. Which basically sums up Bush's entire policy.