The Barack Obama review/critique thread

[Dak]

Because polarization is human nature. The collective intelligence of the masses is too dim to comprehend a third option, as that requires a further discernment than between black and white. And as one of the minority who can comprehend and discern, I would rather sit on my ivory tower than do anything about it.

What I mean is that the number of people wishing to change the collective attitude to party politics is too small. The simplest choice always rules out, and that is how power politicians pander.

Actually it's simpler than that. Two words: Media Coverage.

 

[Zephyrus]

Which are puppets of the two-party system as far as I can see.

 

[zabu of nΩd]

And as one of the minority who can comprehend and discern, I would rather sit on my ivory tower than do anything about it.

Frankly, that's a disturbingly irresponsible attitude to take. I don't mean to single you out, since pretty much all of us are guilty of that or a similar attitude, but seriously, anyone who's intelligent enough to see how fucked up our country is should feel a duty to do something about it.

My excuse for the longest time has been that school was tying me down, but this summer I plan to change that - either by putting in some volunteer time with an activist group or by getting a website together that's geared toward discussing and promoting political alternatives. I just can't live with the idea of letting all this shit happen without trying to change it, and it really bothers me how many people seem fine with that.

Sorry if I sound pretentious since I really don't have any activistic accomplishments to speak from, but I thought it should be said.

 

[Dak]

Vihris in 2 1/2 years:

 

[Dak]

LA Timesoliticians share traits with Serial Killers

This could go either here or the news thread.

 

[Zephyrus]

Frankly, that's a disturbingly irresponsible attitude to take. I don't mean to single you out, since pretty much all of us are guilty of that or a similar attitude, but seriously, anyone who's intelligent enough to see how fucked up our country is should feel a duty to do something about it.

My excuse for the longest time has been that school was tying me down, but this summer I plan to change that - either by putting in some volunteer time with an activist group or by getting a website together that's geared toward discussing and promoting political alternatives. I just can't live with the idea of letting all this shit happen without trying to change it, and it really bothers me how many people seem fine with that.

Sorry if I sound pretentious since I really don't have any activistic accomplishments to speak from, but I thought it should be said.

I acknowledge that I have a duty to participate in "democracy". But THIS IS NOT CLASSICAL ATHENS. We liberal intellectuals are powerless, unless we accrue enough resources to gain a following and become a contender in the political process. But the problem with that is that anyone who's gotten that far has done so by benefitting from the very system they wish to change, and thus their attitude at that point becomes less antagonistic to it, and more moderate. Like Obama. He is a product of the system, so he feels less a need to change that which got him the most powerful office on the planet.

And as we all know political power is bought with capital, the true power lies with those who benefit most from the system; thus those with the most power to promote change do not because they feel no need to change the system that made gave them such power.

It's wrong to think that free spirit intellectuals, being ones with the ideas for change, are the source of change, for even they are corrupted by wealth whether they know it or not. They do nothing about injustice because the system gives them the very armchairs they philosophize from.

 

[zabu of nΩd]

I acknowledge that I have a duty to participate in "democracy". But THIS IS NOT CLASSICAL ATHENS. We liberal intellectuals are powerless, unless we accrue enough resources to gain a following and become a contender in the political process. But the problem with that is that anyone who's gotten that far has done so by benefitting from the very system they wish to change, and thus their attitude at that point becomes less antagonistic to it, and more moderate. Like Obama. He is a product of the system, so he feels less a need to change that which got him the most powerful office on the planet.

And as we all know political power is bought with capital, the true power lies with those who benefit most from the system; thus those with the most power to promote change do not because they feel no need to change the system that made gave them such power.

It's wrong to think that free spirit intellectuals, being ones with the ideas for change, are the source of change, for even they are corrupted by wealth whether they know it or not. They do nothing about injustice because the system gives them the very armchairs they philosophize from.

Most "free spirit intellectuals" I've seen don't even bother trying to change the system they live in, so I wouldn't call yours a fair assessment of their possible influence. Not to mention that the Internet has unprecedented capacity to bring together people and spread information, as well as give large-scale exposure to ordinary individuals who otherwise would never have access to the traditional media. Imagine a politics-oriented site becoming as infectiously popular as Wikipedia or the various social networking sites that have become household names. I'm not saying it's likely, but it's certainly possible.

 

[Zephyrus]

I said that intellectuals don't bother trying because the system has given them the privilege not to care so much. I am one of them. I am comfortable in my abode and have a more certain future than most. Because I don't perceive so much a threat to my survival as one who is less benefitting from the system, I have less a need to change the system. I'm saying this over and over. I don't care because the system is to my advantage, and the Fates have blessed me with my context.

 

[The Ozzman]

Intellectuals don't bother trying because they don't want to lose what they have

 

[Krow]

My gf's grandmother pronouces our President's name "O'balka da'Balma"
And for the life of herself cant say it correctly even if she slows down and tries to sound it out.

 

[zabu of nΩd]

I said that intellectuals don't bother trying because the system has given them the privilege not to care so much. I am one of them. I am comfortable in my abode and have a more certain future than most. Because I don't perceive so much a threat to my survival as one who is less benefitting from the system, I have less a need to change the system. I'm saying this over and over. I don't care because the system is to my advantage, and the Fates have blessed me with my context.

So you're okay living by that notion, or are you just explaining how you arrived at it?

 

[Pessimism]

So yeah... how about Obama not being as translucent as he promised?

 

[False Joe]

Comment about how he can't be translucent because he's black.

 

[The Ozzman]

So yeah... how about Obama not being as translucent as he promised?

Same shit, different administration imo

Comment about how he can't be translucent because he's black.

 

[Matt]

I said that intellectuals don't bother trying because the system has given them the privilege not to care so much. I am one of them. I am comfortable in my abode and have a more certain future than most. Because I don't perceive so much a threat to my survival as one who is less benefitting from the system, I have less a need to change the system. I'm saying this over and over. I don't care because the system is to my advantage, and the Fates have blessed me with my context.

Actually, most intellectuals would instead realize that because the system favors a select few, it is flawed and should be changed. I highly doubt most 'intellectuals' are as vain as you are.

 

[zabu of nΩd]

Obviously there are plenty of well-to-do intellectuals who strive for political change and donate much of their money to support a cause. I don't know where Zeph gets this attitude that 'corruption by wealth' is inevitable or whatever he's trying to argue, unless he's just trying to rationalise his own apathy toward those less fortunate than he.

 

[Zephyrus]

Because I'm a heartless cynic who can afford not to give a damn.

 

[zabu of nΩd]

I don't know you as one to troll, so my respect for you has kinda tanked.

 

[MasterOLightning]

ITT: Zeph acts apallingly pompous.

 

[Pessimism]

What a pompously appalling statement MoL!