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bernie or hillary
posted in Off Topic
61
#61
19 Frags +

I'm a dirty Euro, but I've been following American politics on and off ever since 2007. I honestly have to say that Sanders is a breath of fresh air, as he accurately describes problems with both American and international policy that politicians generally ignore and he has done so for decades. His most important message (imo) is that democracy in America is hollowed out by the loose rules of the campaign finance system. I think it's ridiculous that corporations are able to insert money into political campaigns and influence elected officials that might depend on this money. Sanders is genuine in the sense that he doesn't have any big donors he needs to cater to. He has been consistent about his opinions for decades which is reflected in his voting record in Congress, and he actually has some very good ideas. I find it especially inspiring that he dares to stand up to both the financial and political establishment, while the odds are hugely stacked against him but still performs really well among voters. More politicians should be like him.

Now, I know there's similar problems in Europe, but I really wish there were people like him here who dared to question the political system, and aren't incredibly nationalistic and/or conservative. But maybe Sanders could inspire such a movement in Europe if he were elected.

I'm a dirty Euro, but I've been following American politics on and off ever since 2007. I honestly have to say that Sanders is a breath of fresh air, as he accurately describes problems with both American and international policy that politicians generally ignore and he has done so for decades. His most important message (imo) is that democracy in America is hollowed out by the loose rules of the campaign finance system. I think it's ridiculous that corporations are able to insert money into political campaigns and influence elected officials that might depend on this money. Sanders is genuine in the sense that he doesn't have any big donors he needs to cater to. He has been consistent about his opinions for decades which is reflected in his voting record in Congress, and he actually has some very good ideas. I find it especially inspiring that he dares to stand up to both the financial and political establishment, while the odds are hugely stacked against him but still performs really well among voters. More politicians should be like him.

Now, I know there's similar problems in Europe, but I really wish there were people like him here who dared to question the political system, and aren't incredibly nationalistic and/or conservative. But maybe Sanders could inspire such a movement in Europe if he were elected.
62
#62
7 Frags +

.

.
63
#63
-30 Frags +
SideshowShe then dumped her boyfriend for not liking her unshaven pits.

This is why i'm staying with 2D. Unless she is completely hideous, as a women she can probably find some loser who is willing to date her even if she decides to grow a jungle on her body any time she likes. Meanwhile the guy she broke up with is probably feeling like shit right now. She obviously has no consideration for the guys feelings and probably didn't care about him at all if she was willing to break up with him over armpit hair, she was probably using him to make herself look better. I know i'm shit talking your sister but she seems like a horrible person.

MrFahr3nheit
I don't like Hillary much either but that quote is taken completely out of context and I can't believe people still repost it.

How can you take "women have always been the primary victims of war" out of context. Even if you add on the rest of the quote. I have only seen the quote but I don't see how it's been taken out of context.

[quote=Sideshow]She then dumped her boyfriend for not liking her unshaven pits.[/quote]

This is why i'm staying with 2D. Unless she is completely hideous, as a women she can probably find some loser who is willing to date her even if she decides to grow a jungle on her body any time she likes. Meanwhile the guy she broke up with is probably feeling like shit right now. She obviously has no consideration for the guys feelings and probably didn't care about him at all if she was willing to break up with him over armpit hair, she was probably using him to make herself look better. I know i'm shit talking your sister but she seems like a horrible person.

[quote=MrFahr3nheit]

I don't like Hillary much either but that quote is taken completely out of context and I can't believe people still repost it.[/quote]

How can you take "women have always been the primary victims of war" out of context. Even if you add on the rest of the quote. I have only seen the quote but I don't see how it's been taken out of context.
64
#64
13 Frags +
sheepy_dogs_handThis is why i'm staying with 2D.
[quote=sheepy_dogs_hand]
This is why i'm staying with 2D.
65
#65
8 Frags +
sheepy_dogs_handMrFahr3nheit
I don't like Hillary much either but that quote is taken completely out of context and I can't believe people still repost it.

How can you take "women have always been the primary victims of war" out of context. Even if you add on the rest of the quote. I have only seen the quote but I don't see how it's been taken out of context.

That's exactly the point of taking quotes out of context.

[quote=sheepy_dogs_hand]
[quote=MrFahr3nheit]

I don't like Hillary much either but that quote is taken completely out of context and I can't believe people still repost it.[/quote]

How can you take "women have always been the primary victims of war" out of context. Even if you add on the rest of the quote. I have only seen the quote but I don't see how it's been taken out of context.[/quote]

That's exactly the point of taking quotes out of context.
66
#66
-2 Frags +

Feel the Bern 2016

Feel the Bern 2016
67
#67
2 Frags +

Its highly likely that there was more to your sisters breakup than armpit hair. But by all means, come to conclusions about trends in feminism over your sister not shaving her pits.

Imagine how hilarious a Bernie-Biden ticket would be tho

Its highly likely that there was more to your sisters breakup than armpit hair. But by all means, come to conclusions about trends in feminism over your sister not shaving her pits.

Imagine how hilarious a Bernie-Biden ticket would be tho
68
#68
-36 Frags +
SwyddogThis is why i'm staying with 2D.

You say Taylor Swift - I say Taiga Aisaka

You say Mila Kunis - I say Hitagi Senjougahara

You say Jennifer Lawrence - I say Rei Ayanami

You say Scarlett Johansson - I say Haruhi Suzumiya

You say Kate Upton - I say Rin Tohsaka

You say Jessica Alba - I say Inaba Himeko

You say anime sucks - I punch you in the face

99.9% of humans are still stuck with 3D relationships. If you are part of the 0.1% that have turned to anime and 2D, like and copy and paste this message to another 5 threads. DON'T LET THE GLORY OF ANIME DIE!

[quote=Swyddog]
This is why i'm staying with 2D.[/quote]

You say Taylor Swift - I say Taiga Aisaka

You say Mila Kunis - I say Hitagi Senjougahara

You say Jennifer Lawrence - I say Rei Ayanami

You say Scarlett Johansson - I say Haruhi Suzumiya

You say Kate Upton - I say Rin Tohsaka

You say Jessica Alba - I say Inaba Himeko

You say anime sucks - I punch you in the face

99.9% of humans are still stuck with 3D relationships. If you are part of the 0.1% that have turned to anime and 2D, like and copy and paste this message to another 5 threads. DON'T LET THE GLORY OF ANIME DIE!
69
#69
5 Frags +

paging pankey

paging pankey
70
#70
5 Frags +
AvastAnyone that uses the term feminist as a pejorative is likely either:

1. A neckbeard autist.
2. Someone who thinks the earth is 6000 years old.

Lmao feminists are so autistic tho they don't even get how jokes work that's why they get mad all the time about dumb shit

[quote=Avast]Anyone that uses the term feminist as a pejorative is likely either:

1. A neckbeard autist.
2. Someone who thinks the earth is 6000 years old.[/quote]

Lmao feminists are so autistic tho they don't even get how jokes work that's why they get mad all the time about dumb shit
71
#71
2 Frags +
sheepy_dogs_hand-snip-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z23Gzp0RTOg

[quote=sheepy_dogs_hand]-snip-[/quote]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z23Gzp0RTOg
72
#72
14 Frags +

burn all anime

burn all anime
73
#73
7 Frags +

I'd say this thread derailed but it seemed to be a train wreck from the very beginning.

I'd say this thread derailed but it seemed to be a train wreck from the very beginning.
74
#74
29 Frags +

http://puu.sh/mXIwT/7d46d60467.jpg

[img]http://puu.sh/mXIwT/7d46d60467.jpg[/img]
75
#75
-8 Frags +

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cae0G0-XEAATQD_.jpg

this thread is only worthwhile because of how fucking good these images are

[img]https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cae0G0-XEAATQD_.jpg[/img]

this thread is only worthwhile because of how fucking good these images are
76
#76
23 Frags +
sheepy_dogs_handSwyddogThis is why i'm staying with 2D.
You say Taylor Swift - I say Taiga Aisaka

You say Mila Kunis - I say Hitagi Senjougahara

You say Jennifer Lawrence - I say Rei Ayanami

You say Scarlett Johansson - I say Haruhi Suzumiya

You say Kate Upton - I say Rin Tohsaka

You say Jessica Alba - I say Inaba Himeko

You say anime sucks - I punch you in the face

99.9% of humans are still stuck with 3D relationships. If you are part of the 0.1% that have turned to anime and 2D, like and copy and paste this message to another 5 threads. DON'T LET THE GLORY OF ANIME DIE!

you could probably benefit from going outside and meeting some real people

[quote=sheepy_dogs_hand][quote=Swyddog]
This is why i'm staying with 2D.[/quote]

You say Taylor Swift - I say Taiga Aisaka

You say Mila Kunis - I say Hitagi Senjougahara

You say Jennifer Lawrence - I say Rei Ayanami

You say Scarlett Johansson - I say Haruhi Suzumiya

You say Kate Upton - I say Rin Tohsaka

You say Jessica Alba - I say Inaba Himeko

You say anime sucks - I punch you in the face

99.9% of humans are still stuck with 3D relationships. If you are part of the 0.1% that have turned to anime and 2D, like and copy and paste this message to another 5 threads. DON'T LET THE GLORY OF ANIME DIE![/quote]

you could probably benefit from going outside and meeting some real people
77
#77
4 Frags +

Sheepy, I love you man, but this is way too far

Sheepy, I love you man, but this is way too far
78
#78
0 Frags +
trippahttp://40.media.tumblr.com/1a3c9bd7acdf487d14b9a68e333d7e99/tumblr_o1oe8wO49N1u53c30o1_1280.jpg

I don't think this thread can really get any better from here now

[quote=trippa][img]http://40.media.tumblr.com/1a3c9bd7acdf487d14b9a68e333d7e99/tumblr_o1oe8wO49N1u53c30o1_1280.jpg[/img][/quote]
I don't think this thread can really get any better from here now
79
#79
0 Frags +
Ond_kajaI'm a dirty Euro, but I've been following American politics on and off ever since 2007. I honestly have to say that Sanders is a breath of fresh air, as he accurately describes problems with both American and international policy that politicians generally ignore and he has done so for decades. His most important message (imo) is that democracy in America is hollowed out by the loose rules of the campaign finance system. I think it's ridiculous that corporations are able to insert money into political campaigns and influence elected officials that might depend on this money. Sanders is genuine in the sense that he doesn't have any big donors he needs to cater to. He has been consistent about his opinions for decades which is reflected in his voting record in Congress, and he actually has some very good ideas. I find it especially inspiring that he dares to stand up to both the financial and political establishment, while the odds are hugely stacked against him but still performs really well among voters. More politicians should be like him.

Now, I know there's similar problems in Europe, but I really wish there were people like him here who dared to question the political system, and aren't incredibly nationalistic and/or conservative. But maybe Sanders could inspire such a movement in Europe if he were elected.

Sounds like you'd appreciate another candidate - Lawrence Lessig. Sad that the party excluded him from running...

[quote=Ond_kaja]I'm a dirty Euro, but I've been following American politics on and off ever since 2007. I honestly have to say that Sanders is a breath of fresh air, as he accurately describes problems with both American and international policy that politicians generally ignore and he has done so for decades. His most important message (imo) is that democracy in America is hollowed out by the loose rules of the campaign finance system. I think it's ridiculous that corporations are able to insert money into political campaigns and influence elected officials that might depend on this money. Sanders is genuine in the sense that he doesn't have any big donors he needs to cater to. He has been consistent about his opinions for decades which is reflected in his voting record in Congress, and he actually has some very good ideas. I find it especially inspiring that he dares to stand up to both the financial and political establishment, while the odds are hugely stacked against him but still performs really well among voters. More politicians should be like him.

Now, I know there's similar problems in Europe, but I really wish there were people like him here who dared to question the political system, and aren't incredibly nationalistic and/or conservative. But maybe Sanders could inspire such a movement in Europe if he were elected.[/quote]

Sounds like you'd appreciate another candidate - Lawrence Lessig. Sad that the party excluded him from running...
80
#80
13 Frags +

https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/12644945_10208756376090181_3121544085834842396_n.jpg?oh=6c6c27328601258e672fea6ce4de57c1&oe=573133B5

[img]https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/12644945_10208756376090181_3121544085834842396_n.jpg?oh=6c6c27328601258e672fea6ce4de57c1&oe=573133B5[/img]
81
#81
12 Frags +

I mean basically the electoral coalition that's backing Bernie most strongly is the age group that most likely uses this forum the most - people under 38 in the US are more liberal than virtually any other generation in the US' history, they are also decidedly less white than any other generation in recent memory, and on top of all of that, they are also more poor than any currently active voting block (poor people tend to gravitate towards more extreme ideas).

The singular largest issue is that we've got 1.3 trillion dollars (and rising) of student debt - only 1/3rd of which is being paid off - the other 800 billion dollars give or take is either only having the interest paid down or not being paid on at all. When you've got a relatively small segment of the population (generally those under 45) saddled with that kind of debt - the economic repercussions are felt pretty clearly, you delay getting married, delay having kids, delay buying a home, and are less willing to leave lower-paying steady work in order to find higher paying work. It's also impacting their parents - and the wider economy generally - because older people are saving less for retirement, and using new money from the fall in prices of inelastic goods (oil) to pay down their children's debt rather than spending on actual commodities. Which is why Bernie is getting *even more* support than Obama ever did with his more radical demands. You've basically got a generation of people who've come to see that the prevailing order of things is an inescapable burden to them.

I mean basically the electoral coalition that's backing Bernie most strongly is the age group that most likely uses this forum the most - people under 38 in the US are more liberal than virtually any other generation in the US' history, they are also decidedly less white than any other generation in recent memory, and on top of all of that, they are also more poor than any currently active voting block (poor people tend to gravitate towards more extreme ideas).

The singular largest issue is that we've got 1.3 trillion dollars (and rising) of student debt - only 1/3rd of which is being paid off - the other 800 billion dollars give or take is either only having the interest paid down or not being paid on at all. When you've got a relatively small segment of the population (generally those under 45) saddled with that kind of debt - the economic repercussions are felt pretty clearly, you delay getting married, delay having kids, delay buying a home, and are less willing to leave lower-paying steady work in order to find higher paying work. It's also impacting their parents - and the wider economy generally - because older people are saving less for retirement, and using new money from the fall in prices of inelastic goods (oil) to pay down their children's debt rather than spending on actual commodities. Which is why Bernie is getting *even more* support than Obama ever did with his more radical demands. You've basically got a generation of people who've come to see that the prevailing order of things is an inescapable burden to them.
82
#82
-2 Frags +

im just here for the memes

im just here for the memes
83
#83
0 Frags +
MarxistI mean basically the electoral coalition that's backing Bernie most strongly is the age group that most likely uses this forum the most - people under 38 in the US are more liberal than virtually any other generation in the US' history, they are also decidedly less white than any other generation in recent memory, and on top of all of that, they are also more poor than any currently active voting block (poor people tend to gravitate towards more extreme ideas).

The singular largest issue is that we've got 1.3 trillion dollars (and rising) of student debt - only 1/3rd of which is being paid off - the other 800 billion dollars give or take is either only having the interest paid down or not being paid on at all. When you've got a relatively small segment of the population (generally those under 45) saddled with that kind of debt - the economic repercussions are felt pretty clearly, you delay getting married, delay having kids, delay buying a home, and are less willing to leave lower-paying steady work in order to find higher paying work. It's also impacting their parents - and the wider economy generally - because older people are saving less for retirement, and using new money from the fall in prices of inelastic goods (oil) to pay down their children's debt rather than spending on actual commodities. Which is why Bernie is getting *even more* support than Obama ever did with his more radical demands. You've basically got a generation of people who've come to see that the prevailing order of things is an inescapable burden to them.

as with everything else these days, it's a problem of SCALE

[quote=Marxist]I mean basically the electoral coalition that's backing Bernie most strongly is the age group that most likely uses this forum the most - people under 38 in the US are more liberal than virtually any other generation in the US' history, they are also decidedly less white than any other generation in recent memory, and on top of all of that, they are also more poor than any currently active voting block (poor people tend to gravitate towards more extreme ideas).

The singular largest issue is that we've got 1.3 trillion dollars (and rising) of student debt - only 1/3rd of which is being paid off - the other 800 billion dollars give or take is either only having the interest paid down or not being paid on at all. When you've got a relatively small segment of the population (generally those under 45) saddled with that kind of debt - the economic repercussions are felt pretty clearly, you delay getting married, delay having kids, delay buying a home, and are less willing to leave lower-paying steady work in order to find higher paying work. It's also impacting their parents - and the wider economy generally - because older people are saving less for retirement, and using new money from the fall in prices of inelastic goods (oil) to pay down their children's debt rather than spending on actual commodities. Which is why Bernie is getting *even more* support than Obama ever did with his more radical demands. You've basically got a generation of people who've come to see that the prevailing order of things is an inescapable burden to them.[/quote]

as with everything else these days, it's a problem of SCALE
84
#84
-1 Frags +
Pendamy nigga o'malley to come thru

bmore niggas made up that 1% in iowa

[quote=Penda]my nigga o'malley to come thru[/quote]
bmore niggas made up that 1% in iowa
85
#85
3 Frags +

because I'm bad at letting stupid posts go ima do a quick read through of this thread and call people out

because I'm bad at letting stupid posts go ima do a quick read through of this thread and call people out
86
#86
11 Frags +
MiNihttp://i.imgur.com/sRcYwxx.jpg

I can never tell if people who create memes like this actually believe shit like that

I'm assuming they usually don't but you can never tell anymore

flatlinemustardoverlordflatlinecan we have a politics subforum so I can unsubscribe from it
like OMG guys this is a VIDEO GAME FORUM stop TALKING ABOUT POLITICS U DORKS HEHEHEE
except that's not what I'm saying at all
and I'm not calling you dorks

I enjoy politics but debating it on the internet is an exercise in futility
Maybe I have horrible impulse control but every time there's a political thread on the sidebar I end up clicking it and get baited into reading 300 posts on why Donald Trump would be a good President and then I die a bit inside

debating politics on the internet might be an exercise in futility in terms of converting those who are entrenched in their kooky positions but if apolitical randoms happen to click on it it's nice to give them an informed viewpoint to counterbalance the fuckery of racism and slogans repeated with no knowledge of a subject matter

[quote=MiNi][img]http://i.imgur.com/sRcYwxx.jpg[/img][/quote]

I can never tell if people who create memes like this actually believe shit like that

I'm assuming they usually don't but you can never tell anymore

[quote=flatline][quote=mustardoverlord][quote=flatline]can we have a politics subforum so I can unsubscribe from it[/quote]

like OMG guys this is a VIDEO GAME FORUM stop TALKING ABOUT POLITICS U DORKS HEHEHEE[/quote]
except that's not what I'm saying at all
and I'm not calling you dorks

I enjoy politics but debating it on the internet is an exercise in futility
Maybe I have horrible impulse control but every time there's a political thread on the sidebar I end up clicking it and get baited into reading 300 posts on why Donald Trump would be a good President and then I die a bit inside[/quote]

debating politics on the internet might be an exercise in futility in terms of converting those who are entrenched in their kooky positions but if apolitical randoms happen to click on it it's nice to give them an informed viewpoint to counterbalance the fuckery of racism and slogans repeated with no knowledge of a subject matter
87
#87
6 Frags +
Pellovleyim not voting for sanders or clinton but i respect others' political stances :333

having seen your original post, you should probably complain to the government/history/poli sci/whatever department at your school for having a ridiculously overly simplistic view of american politics, one that is being challenged in every debate or primary/caucus we have seen so far

there are a few underlying assumptions to the view that only "moderate" candidates like clinton or rubio can win nationally, such as

1) the notion that swing voters are all centrists who are searching for a moderate voice

2) the notion that elections are decided by substantive policy decisions rather than concepts such as being a washington outsider or appearing to be more honest/unrehearsed/less of a standard politician

3) ignorance of the truth that, if people voted based on pure self-interest, the democratic candidate would win every election because their economic policies are inherently redistributive

all of these assumptions are flawed, and less moderate candidates (or those perceived as less moderate) often win primaries or even general elections

[quote=Pellovley]im not voting for sanders or clinton but i respect others' political stances :333[/quote]

having seen your original post, you should probably complain to the government/history/poli sci/whatever department at your school for having a ridiculously overly simplistic view of american politics, one that is being challenged in every debate or primary/caucus we have seen so far

there are a few underlying assumptions to the view that only "moderate" candidates like clinton or rubio can win nationally, such as

1) the notion that swing voters are all centrists who are searching for a moderate voice

2) the notion that elections are decided by substantive policy decisions rather than concepts such as being a washington outsider or appearing to be more honest/unrehearsed/less of a standard politician

3) ignorance of the truth that, if people voted based on pure self-interest, the democratic candidate would win every election because their economic policies are inherently redistributive

all of these assumptions are flawed, and less moderate candidates (or those perceived as less moderate) often win primaries or even general elections
88
#88
13 Frags +
thmpsnmustardoverlordthat's the dumbest reason I've ever heard for supporting bernie sandersok you fuckin 17k hour lifeless piece of shit its pretty obvious that i didnt go into detail about why i liked him and just gave a general reasoning, you should spend all those hours doing something that you're actually good at or on something u can actually make money off of

I don't even know if I should dignify this post with a response but, aside from mr. owl's very obvious point that none of this comment is at all relevant to the fact that your reasoning was awful (the youth supporting bernie sanders should be an effect of policies that they respond to, not a cause for yet more youth to immediately latch on unless they're extremely shallow), I feel I should address the ad hominem in your post by saying:

I don't mind if people exploit my absurd hours in any number of ways- calling me a no lifer, nerd virgin, etc. however, let me tell you a little bit about myself outside of tf2. I'm a political science major at Amherst College, I've worked for two NYC area politicians as well as interned for the Obama campaign in 2008 (and I spoke at a platform meeting about the importance of stem cell research), I worked last summer for the New York City Campaign Finance Board, and I was a human rights volunteer for a little bit in South Africa

you can make all sorts of assumptions about the lack of a social life or whatnot that my tf2 playtime creates, but this is the one area where I am confident I still know a lot on

[quote=thmpsn][quote=mustardoverlord]that's the dumbest reason I've ever heard for supporting bernie sanders[/quote]
ok you fuckin 17k hour lifeless piece of shit its pretty obvious that i didnt go into detail about why i liked him and just gave a general reasoning, you should spend all those hours doing something that you're actually good at or on something u can actually make money off of[/quote]

I don't even know if I should dignify this post with a response but, aside from mr. owl's very obvious point that none of this comment is at all relevant to the fact that your reasoning was awful (the youth supporting bernie sanders should be an effect of policies that they respond to, not a cause for yet more youth to immediately latch on unless they're extremely shallow), I feel I should address the ad hominem in your post by saying:

I don't mind if people exploit my absurd hours in any number of ways- calling me a no lifer, nerd virgin, etc. however, let me tell you a little bit about myself outside of tf2. I'm a political science major at Amherst College, I've worked for two NYC area politicians as well as interned for the Obama campaign in 2008 (and I spoke at a platform meeting about the importance of stem cell research), I worked last summer for the New York City Campaign Finance Board, and I was a human rights volunteer for a little bit in South Africa

you can make all sorts of assumptions about the lack of a social life or whatnot that my tf2 playtime creates, but this is the one area where I am confident I still know a lot on
89
#89
17 Frags +

go get em mustard

go get em mustard
90
#90
8 Frags +
yttriumnope*disclaimer: not american, don't yell at me*

I'm just surprised how idiotic every republican candidate ever really is, they don't even pretend to be slightly reasonable... on the positive side they provide plenty of comedy gold, particularly this time with donald trump and the braindead neurosurgeon in the running
A couple aren't batshit crazy. They're all low in the polls, though, so you probably don't hear about them much.

unfortunately, even the more reasonable ones are suckered into the hilarious circus that every Republican debate has become, it feels like they spend about 3% of each debate talking about literally ANY actual policy at all

and it feels like that because it is like that

WariI'm def voting for Bernie in the primaries for my state, but if he doesn't win the nomination I have no problem going with Hillary.

Reps aren't that bad (sans Trump and Carson), but Dems are just more likely to be actually pushing to solve shit like social and environmental problems from what I've seen. So if you forget about economy (which I'm not an economist so why believe either side with opposing viewpoints (leaning Dem tho)), that's pretty much all that's left. I don't feel like the government is violating muh freedoms so there goes the rest of the Rep platform for me.

Also I don't think any candidate on either side should be even slightly qualified to say "Obama is doing a bad job about ISIS and this is how I'm going to do it better" when the President has all of the best advisers to solve military problems and shit like that. Unless they're a former top-ranking military general or some shit, their opinion is basically worthless.

I have to say, I'm really not a fan of these arguments from authority. You don't need to be an economist to be able to compare the effects of, say, supply-side versus progressive taxation, or regulation versus deregulation of investment banks. Historical patterns are pretty strong and most theoretical models by the so-called "Chicago School" make ridiculous assumptions that no one could ever possibly agree with if they were using common sense.

Same on the military point, for three major reasons:

1) Some presidents (particularly Dubya) have really small inner circles that do not extend to the actual military brass in the Pentagon, and often they do things that top generals explicitly warn against.

2) There's a difference between operational expertise and international relations expertise. A general might tell you the best way to, say, prevent looting or restore an electrical grid in an occupation, but they won't necessarily give you the best advice on international support or lack thereof, or even a broader understanding of the moral challenges of asymmetrical warfare.

3) Even well-meaning military personnel are generally biased towards spending more on defense and putting more boots in the ground. Unless you believe that's the correct solution for literally every foreign policy quagmire, they can't always be right.

[quote=yttrium][quote=nope]*disclaimer: not american, don't yell at me*

I'm just surprised how idiotic every republican candidate ever really is, they don't even pretend to be slightly reasonable... on the positive side they provide plenty of comedy gold, particularly this time with donald trump and the braindead neurosurgeon in the running[/quote]
A couple aren't batshit crazy. They're all low in the polls, though, so you probably don't hear about them much.[/quote]

unfortunately, even the more reasonable ones are suckered into the hilarious circus that every Republican debate has become, it feels like they spend about 3% of each debate talking about literally ANY actual policy at all

and it feels like that because it is like that

[quote=Wari]I'm def voting for Bernie in the primaries for my state, but if he doesn't win the nomination I have no problem going with Hillary.

Reps aren't that bad (sans Trump and Carson), but Dems are just more likely to be actually pushing to solve shit like social and environmental problems from what I've seen. So if you forget about economy (which I'm not an economist so why believe either side with opposing viewpoints (leaning Dem tho)), that's pretty much all that's left. I don't feel like the government is violating muh freedoms so there goes the rest of the Rep platform for me.

Also I don't think any candidate on either side should be even slightly qualified to say "Obama is doing a bad job about ISIS and this is how I'm going to do it better" when the President has all of the best advisers to solve military problems and shit like that. Unless they're a former top-ranking military general or some shit, their opinion is basically worthless.[/quote]

I have to say, I'm really not a fan of these arguments from authority. You don't need to be an economist to be able to compare the effects of, say, supply-side versus progressive taxation, or regulation versus deregulation of investment banks. Historical patterns are pretty strong and most theoretical models by the so-called "Chicago School" make ridiculous assumptions that no one could ever possibly agree with if they were using common sense.

Same on the military point, for three major reasons:

1) Some presidents (particularly Dubya) have really small inner circles that do not extend to the actual military brass in the Pentagon, and often they do things that top generals explicitly warn against.

2) There's a difference between operational expertise and international relations expertise. A general might tell you the best way to, say, prevent looting or restore an electrical grid in an occupation, but they won't necessarily give you the best advice on international support or lack thereof, or even a broader understanding of the moral challenges of asymmetrical warfare.

3) Even well-meaning military personnel are generally biased towards spending more on defense and putting more boots in the ground. Unless you believe that's the correct solution for literally every foreign policy quagmire, they can't always be right.
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