Heh, I knew I would have lots to read :)
No reason to respond one-by-one since all the posts are about the same thing. Here are my comments on the root cause:
1) Saying politics is not about distributing resources ignores reality and human history.
2) Saying we should go back to a strict constitutional role of the government is, in my opinion, wrong. The country has been taxed since it began, either by states or by the feds. Taxes are socialism. I don't want to live in 1776, and I doubt most of you do either.
3) I think responsible socialism is fine, most of you think it is immoral. Ok, not much I can say to that, besides I think you are wrong. Too many countries have had great success. Australia is a moderate example, Sweden is another good example...these are 'horrible' socialist countries, but they seem to run better in many ways than our own beacon of freedom. The evidence shows that socialism != collapse. The world is full of socialist countries that operate at least as well as America. I have been to Communist countries, and again, saying socialism=Communism shows a lack of understanding about both things.
4) Many of you think the country is too socialist, I don't. I don't call you immoral for holding that opinion, I just think you are incorrect. One of the reasons I poked my head in here is because this board has a strong tendency to group-think. Hundreds of millions of people disagree with you, but many just call everyone else an idiot, or a 'libtard'. Well, great...but you won't win elections unless you get some better ammunition.
5) I also have to point out that I really do understand where you are all coming from. I went through a Libertarian phase myself, I even helped convince my local caucus to vote for Ron Paul once. So don't try to paint me as an unthinking Democrat when that is far from reality. I have actual reasons for believing what I believe. I think America can be a better place, and I am willing to fight politically for that. Apparently people like erictank are willing to threaten physical violence if democracy does not go their way. I am not willing to make the same statement. If the majority of the American people would have been able to elect a government that did not support the ideals I champion, I would be working within the system to change them, not threatening rebellion because you don't get your way. It isn't always the 'government' and black helicopters. It is often the other half of the country who has a differing opinion on how the country should work.
6) In my opinion, America today is a better place than America before social reforms began. You might beg to differ, and that is your right. So fight for it politically, like I do. What we have here is the essence of democracy. I get the impression that you think the 'government' is a faceless entity that seeks to attack you, but that is not so. I am a citizen, and right now the 'government' is doing some of the things I have wanted it to do. I am sure you will get your chance again, but you will get your chance sooner if you moderate your voice and try to reach out to my side, instead of lashing out every time you are confronted with a different world-view.
7) I would be one of the people paying taxes, so you can't say I want an entitlement state for my own direct benefit. I think our country would be stronger if we raised taxes to pay for public health care and public college level education. I do support 'opt-out' programs and tax credits though, if that is what it takes. I would rather have 75% of the country progress than 0%.
Of course, I imagine to most of you I am still a horribly mis-guided, stupid, possibly evil, cretin. So be it, I do not hold you to the same opinion even though we disagree on some politics. Don't expect too many more replies on this thread though, because I think we understand one another and I won't respond unless I feel it is constructive to do so.
