You're an American if..

[DemoCoder]

I see no point continuing this discussion. Mr DemoCoder has shown that the argument boils down to whether the people can be trusted or not. Clearly, such views are only held by a special kind of people, the kind of people I will never see eye to eye with.

That's right, I don't trust people to wield the most powerful instrument of violence in the world, the government, in my best interests. We have given the government a monopoly on legitimate force and but we place HEAVY restrictions on its use and the way it functions.

The reason why we have a Republic with separate execution, legislative, and judicial branches is because we simply done TRUST one branch of government and therefore we have CHECKS AND BALANCES.

Furthermore, since we do not trust judges to be objective if they are biased by elections, we appoint them separately so they they do not face opinion polls and election campaigns which could yield judgements based on quid pro quo. There is no direct election of judges.

Furthermore, since we do not trust the government as the sole guardian of the money supply, because it might be a license to print money, we delgate some governance of that authority to an independent federal reserve.

Furthermore, since we do not trust the government, even a Republic, to not pass laws that violate our fundamental rights, we have a Bill of Rights that restrict both the people and the government.

Furthermore, since one size does not fit all, we expect some power to be delegated to state governments for local control.

Furthermore, since we do not always trust people to do the right thing, in the worst case possible, we have the capability of nullifying their election choices IF THEY DISAGREE WITH REPRESENTATIVE ELECTORS ELECTED IN PREVIOUS ELECTIONS.

The electoral college is merely a brake, a decelerator for radical change.

So yes, I don't trust people, and I don't trust the government, and neither did our founders, neither did the Greeks. Only idealistic socialists expect democracies will always elect the "right" people and act in best interests. Us realists demand some checks and balances.


But you know what Cosmo, you don't trust people either, it's just that your are selective. I can predict you don't trust capitalists, business men, conservatives, or anyone not in your political camp.

I prefer the X-Files motto: When it comes to designing a system for stability and security, trust no one and make sure the legal framework has numerous firewalls.

 

[Silent_One]

Very well said DemoCoder.
As usual those who say that "there has to be a better system" have yet to come up with one.

 

[Heathen]

Western Europe, Easten Europe (inclusive of Russia), the Mediterranean, Africa, the middle east. That's a hefty chunk of the worlds land mass. All without mass transit.

Western Europe: Yes
Eastern Europe (Inclusive of Russia): Not by a long shot. In the North they barely crossed into Gernmany although in the South they did manage to seize what we would recognise as Bulgaria and Romania.
The Mediterranean: Not hard being in Italy.
Africa: Read North African Coast
The Middle East: What we would recognise as modern day Lebanon, Israel and Western Syria although they did penetrate as far as Babylon further north.

Being Honest the Hans probably did more. Also take into account the Changraduotas and the Mongols (Probably the largest of them all while it latest)

 

[Willmeister]

As usual those who say that "there has to be a better system" have yet to come up with one.

I never promote systems because systems have no natural defense against those who wish to manipulate them. People think that with a little revolution here, some tinkering with power there, faith in some writing on some paper, that the previous abusers of power can be stopped. All you need is the perfect system from a theocracy, to markets, to Marxism, etc. Well, I got news for them. Just look at history. That perfect system of yours has holes in it, and greedy people will sniff them out like dogs...

The only thing to promote, IHMO, are policies that reflect the current situation and not to be foolish enough to think those policies will ever last. Sociopaths will find ways around them, or pay people to do it (like lawyers).

It's a bit depressing and tiresome but who said life wasn't? It's all just one big struggle to keep the dogs at bay.

 

[diarrhea_splatter]

I don't think I could create a list like that without it sounding like you're a redneck if.. so how about a collaborative effort by all the non americans here.

You're an American if..

1. You think the US is it's own planet and all other countries are just moons orbiting it.

2. When asked why did the chicken cross the road, you immediately think about how much money the chicken would get in a lawsuit if it were hit by a car.

3..When any debate about the mertis of different countries comes up, you inevitably say well my dad can beat up your dad, so there!

4. Owning a gun is a sacred trust, a fundamental exercise in the expression of freedom and a failsafe against tyranny.

5. Phonebooths are for changing into your super hero tights and fighting evil villians using your super powers.

...anyone else..

mine. The Constitution and the Bill of Rights mean something to you.

 

[Himself]

Why is that American?

 

[diarrhea_splatter]

Why is that American?

Gee, I wonder.