[finboy]

Regardless of who wins next month, it may mark the end of the socialist experiment that is modern America. Many of the institutions that have kept its power base are on the ropes (unions, traditional journalism, academia to name a few) and it may be losing some of its momentum -- right now as we watch.

Obama wins, tries to do what his puppetmasters want him to, and we have another Carter admin combined with a REAL recession and backsliding of property rights -- the next guy is going to make Reagan look like a Scoutmaster.

Obama loses, we have riots and accusations, and the self-serving interests that have coalesced to put this guy forward are pushed back out with the tide. Next time around it will be a traditional big-money liberal or a Clinton pick, yet another empty suit in a long line of empty suits.

[Ghoser777]

Because those who lean left must be empty suits.

[Dakar V]

You're probably right. Are we going to see anything as astounding as the bank socialization ever again?

[Big Mac]

I'm not entirely sure why you'd think that when we're seeing historic takeovers of the market by government. The United States Treasury has become the largest investment bank in the world. Average Americans seem to think government interventionism is a good idea in general during tough economic times such as these. More troubling is the possible election of Barack Obama, who would lead an unprecedented movement toward Socialism: Socialized medicine (health care is a right, he says), Socialized housing (we're going in that direction regardless of who wins, and if Obama thinks health care is a right then so to must be housing), Socialized education (look for a massive expansion there as well), Socialized taxation (the tax burden will be increasing under him). There will be no serious reform of Entitlements, except for the soaking of the so-called "rich." And with all this "worst crisis since the Great Depression" rhetoric the politicians including BHO seem to be preparing us for the New Deal 2. But I do hope you're right, finboy, I really really do.

[macintologist]

If you ignore policy positions and go by style and power I don't get why Obama is constantly compared to Carter. He is much more like Ronald Reagan.

[Big Mac]

The only thing Barry has in common with Ronnie is charisma and the opportunity to unseat a currently unpopular sitting party. Philosophically Obama is the black Carter.

[macintologist]

Originally Posted by Big Mac 

The only thing Barry has in common with Ronnie is charisma and the opportunity to unseat a currently unpopular sitting party. Philosophically Obama is the black Carter.

He is the Democrat's Ronald Reagan that is for sure.

[Big Mac]

Originally Posted by macintologist 

He is the Democrat's Ronald Reagan that is for sure.

I'm not entirely sure about that, either. I think Clinton currently fits that bill. Both were moderates (Reagan center-right, Clinton center-left) who governed as moderates for the most part. Both enjoyed two terms with high approval ratings. Both had major scandals (Iran-Contra, Monica-Gate). Both were charismatic, and in reelection both carried a large portion of each other's party. Now I personally think Reagan was a much better president, but I think if anyone is the Democrat's Reagan it is for now Clinton.

[goMac]

Originally Posted by finboy 

Regardless of who wins next month, it may mark the end of the socialist experiment that is modern America. Many of the institutions that have kept its power base are on the ropes (unions, traditional journalism, academia to name a few) and it may be losing some of its momentum -- right now as we watch.

Academia is on the ropes? : snicker :

With the movement of the government towards regulation, "socialism" (and I intentionally put quotes around that) isn't really going anywhere. You're going to see a lot more unions as the economy gets worse, and if Obama gets in he's going to put more money into schools.

Why would you assume that "socialism" is at it's high water mark?

[mattyb]

[QUOTE=finboy;3738661]Regardless of who wins next month, it may mark the end of the socialist experiment that is modern America./QUOTE]

lmfao. Modern America (USA) a socialist experiment ??? Hahahahahahahahaha.

Don't confuse wanting to ensure that certain traits of human nature are kept in check is socialism. Is having a speed limit around schools socialist?

[scottiB]

My guess is the New Deal had far more scope. Also, Social Security was founded under FDR.

[Krusty]

Originally Posted by Big Mac 

Average Americans seem to think government interventionism is a good idea in general during tough economic times such as these.

I disagree with this statement. Average Americans, in overwhelming numbers, have rejected the various bailouts that have been given or passed over the last few months. All polls show a majority of the citizenry are opposed to the bailouts. I think its the government: Bush who proposed, Congress (including both Presidential candidate) who passed these bailouts that think they are a good idea.

I'm a "liberal" and I oppose the bailouts. Instead of spending the Trillion + we've spent to throw a mattress under a falling building, I think we should let it fall all the way down, HARD, and then use that Trillion to rebuild a new one that is more bitchin' than the shaky one it replaces.