I have not posted anything lately because I have not had many interesting and coherent thoughts join together. Some may argue that is nothing new, but I am not one of them.
Today in American History to 1865, however, Dr. Johnson said something which caused a number of thoughts in my mind to run into each other. The good Dr. Johnson proclaimed that the founding fathers of America considered what they were doing an experiment. He went on to say that this experiment in government is still running to this very day. For one brief moment, time stood still and what you are reading began to form in my mind. (You may ask how time could stand still for a "brief" moment, and I may then tell you to be quiet and read.)
Let us say for the moment that the America we live in is part of a political experiment. It is my belief that the experiment may soon (within the next 100 years or so) come to an end.
What's that you ask? How can I believe that the American political machine will come crashing down? Let me tell you.
People no longer think of differing political views as different opinions, but instead they think of them as character flaws. This is an observation I had known for quite some time, but I must think Mr. Pearson for putting it in words for me. The terms "liberal" and "conservative" are now used as insults, and a great many people now take offense if called either word.
Very few politicians will run for an office solely by promoting their own ideas and beliefs. Instead, we see massive amounts of mudslinging, name-calling, and immaturity. Politicians attack each other instead of debating their ideas. The first speech that I heard from the Republican National Convention was an attack on John Kerry. The same men and women who influence our nation spent a good amount of time mocking and laughing at Kerry while booing and hissing at his voting record. I did not see the Democratic National Convention, but I would almost bet that something along the same lines happened toward Bush. Both John Kerry's and George Bush's daughters were booed while making speeches at the MTV Video Awards. An organization that is proudly anti-Bush has made a comparsion between Bush and Hitler. American politics is no longer about choosing the best person for the job. It has degenerated to choosing the lesser of two evils.
Does this strike anyone else as being a horrible way to elect anyone into a position of power? Over the last couple of decades America has become polarized in the realm of politics. Many claim that Bush is "a divider, not a uniter," but I think that same claim would be made if anyone else had been in office for this term. A large number of people do not seem to think that, however, and they seem to be fueling the giant hate-machine that is the 2004 election.
How long will it be before the American people are disgusted with current politics? How long will it take before people begin to consider extremist groups seriously? How long before some form of dictator is put into power?
I can hear many of you now. "That will never happen in America! The people here are too smart for that!" If you think that, I want you to consider a few things. How many young (college-age) people do you know who truly care about history or politics? How many of these young people can carry on a conversation about politics without it sinking to insults towards those that disagree with them? How many of these young people could explain to you why communism, etc., is a bad idea? How many people do you know who have read the Constitution?
I know my answer to all of those is the same. "Only a few." The American government works on a system that requires the general masses to be educated. As a whole, we are not. If this generation is the future of America, I can only see a dismal sight.
I think the American experiment will be coming to an end within the next one hundred years. Please, someone prove me wrong.
Normally, I can stand politicians mocking each other. Normally. I happen to think that the John Kerry Flip Flop Olympics slightly crosses the line.
Now, I would not have cared if this had been on some other website because it does make a point. Making the point with entertaining flash animations on the GWB official website is a bit immature.
Shame on you, George.
Sorry for the post-trip, pre-trip review movie review (that does make sense), but I just finished this movie and I have to say something before I explode with glee.
The Butterfly Effect was simply amazing. I have never seen the concept of time travel handled so smoothly in a movie. I have also never gasped in surprise, shock, or horror as I did with this movie. In other words, I loved it.
Ashton Kutcher did a surprisingly good job as Evan. I was very impressed after only seeing him in a few horrendous comedies before. Amy Smart did an incredible job as the many different Kayleys (Kaylies?). The younger actors also did an incredible job.
The movie does contain some...disturbing scenes in it. Do not begin to watch this one expecting a comedy. The movie does earn its R rating, but it does not earn it through sex or violence. Be prepared.
I will be buying this movie.