Political Viewpoints

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
41

<p>My Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary as one of it's definitions for democracy states:</p>

<p>"A government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections."</p>

<p>That, pretty much to me, describes our Republic. Perhaps the definition of democracy has expanded somewhat since the days of our founding fathers (and Zap) of mob rule. It appears to me, pet peeves aside, as if we are picking nits.</p>

<p>And Zap, I can probably come up with a half dozen or so easily available quotes by our President in re "spreading democracy" in the Middle East. It appears that the "mob rule" definition might be what he had in mind. (smiley face)</p>

42

<p>
[quote]
Perhaps the definition of democracy has expanded somewhat since the days of our founding fathers (and Zap) of mob rule.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Well, I'm old enough to remember Washington addressing the Congress, and he said we were a Republic.</p>

<p>So THERE!</p>

<p>:D</p>

43

<p>
[quote]
"A government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections."

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Republic: a government in which supreme power resides in a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives responsible to them and governing according to law.</p>

<p>Democracy: a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation.</p>

<p>Hasn't changed since our founding fathers. On a history or government exam calling our government a Democracy would get you a "0" if you have a qualified instructor - if it doesn't they are doing you a disservice. :)</p>

44

<p>We are actually a Democratic Republic. Thats why when you step in to the ballot booth your voting on referendums and on representatives.</p>

45

<p>I thinks this brings the discussion full circle and then some. 69er's argued that math and physics and quantitative econ count as "technical" degrees under the USNA definition. And that never changes, thus enabling the Academy to tell Congress "yep, we're still graduating all those engineers and techie types." Those of us graduating in these areas thought of them as science for sure, but not "technical." But 69er's right that USNA defines them as "technical".</p>

<p>Now he's telling us that the definition of "democracy" has "expanded." hmmm :confused:</p>

<p>What" all this suggest? English, not injunearing is THE major for those who will assume future leadership roles. ;)</p>

46

<p>^^^^^^^^ to Profmoms post:
My point exactly. The definitions of republic and democracy are the same. And since I am not being graded, I guess I am correct in using them interchangeably.</p>

<p>Whistlepig,
As I pointed out on the other post, I am not arguing anything about technical degrees, I am simply stating the Academy's position. Take it up with your MOC if you don't agree. Additionally, NPS condiders them technical degrees when considering prerequisites for matriculation in their post graduate degree programs. Even though it is considered sport on this foruim, don't shoot the messenger. </p>

<p>Throughout this thread, the "mob rule" definition of democracy has been quoted several times. This was also the definition our founding fathers utilized in their argument against a democracy. Since I don't have a 1700s dictionary handy, I simply stated that "perhaps" the definition had expanded since I do have a 20th century dicionary and its definition of democracy is almost identical to profmom's definition of republic. Again, certainly no more "leap" of suppositions than others take on this forum.</p>

47

<p>I thought we were an anarcho-syndicalist commune! </p>

<p>Or was it an autonomous collective? :D</p>

48

<p>
[quote]
The definitions of republic and democracy are the same. And since I am not being graded, I guess I am correct in using them interchangeably.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>
[quote]
democracy is almost identical to profmom's definition of republic.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Close only counts in horse shoes!</p>

<p>If I lived in a Democracy, in 2001 Al Gore would have been sworn into the Office of the President of the United States.....</p>

<p>On that note...Spring Break...the slopes because I am free and live in a republic to which I swear allegiance to...</p>

49

<p>
[Quote]
If I lived in a Democracy, in 2001 Al Gore would have been sworn into the Office of the President of the United States.

[/Quote]
</p>

<p>What part of "indirectly through a system of representation" does not permit an electoral college?</p>

<p>
[Quote]
Close only counts in horse shoes!

[/Quote]

I only mentioned this since your definition of a republic specifies laws which my definition of a democracy does not. However, a democracy does not prohibit laws so the point is mute for the USA.</p>

50

<p>MattEisn-As the mother of 2 high school seniors, please understand the spirit in which I am responding to this thread, much as I would discuss in a discussion w/them: not so that I can lecture or drive my points home but, hopefully, to bring in a larger picture. If one were to review some my earlier posts, you would find I concur with your statement re political leanings, "my beliefs will not change and neither will yours". However, in this particular instance, I would appreciate the opportunity to "speak".
In response to your understanding of socialism, you stated your school was "93% liberal". I don't understand your point here unless it is to imply a higher understanding of socialism because of this or is that you believe these statistics are reflective of mainstream youth? I honestly don't know the answer to the latter but I can say, it is not reflective of either of my seniors' schools nor the political stance of the 9 nieces and nephews of mine aged 15-25. I bring this up not because I care to see any "actual" statistics on this but merely to emphasize the presence of a myriad of political opinions in all age groups.
In your thread titled "Political Viewpoints", while deeming yourself a "socialist", you ask a political question. And then, after receiving reasonable responses to your post, you choose to clarify your position on our President, the war and your unwillingness to serve in same and proceed to state you "did not want to spark a political debate". I would hope, after further consideration, you might see how unfair, unjust it is to post your politically charged opinions and not expect/appreciate or allow others to do the same. Such a stance is far too close to a system I pray our country will never see and, frankly, very close to any historical applications of "socialism". Though I generally choose to refrain from the political debates and prefer not seeing them in here really, I also understand if I do choose to make a political statement, I'll probably receive a strong response. That, my friend, is one of the many, many fabulous qualities of our wonderful country. And, I must say, though I generally remain quiet, there have been many instances when I have completely appreciated those who choose to "voice" what I do not.
Your statement, "I currently do not believe that the war in Iraq is just or America's place which is why I would only apply to the Naval Academy if the war was over", is of concern, too. Though I do believe we entered this war with honorable intentions, I was not supportive of us doing so. However, we are there now and I am VERY PROUD to state I am the mother of a future Academy plebe, aunt to a nephew headed back to Iraq again and to 2 more nephews leaving for boot camp next month. Being a serviceman means being a part of something much bigger than yourself and your own personal viewpoints. There is no guarantee whatsoever that joining after this war is over will mean you won't later serve in another war you don't support. Do you honestly believe in the feasibility of a military whose members pick and choose the battles they fight?
I say all of this with honest concern only and I mean well. I hope you take is as such.</p>

51

<p>Zaphod- its not the teacher(one of the few good conservative teachers in my district) its the kids who are dumb enough to think it doesn't matter.</p>

52

<p>Allow me to quote myself: "I am VERY PROUD to state I am the mother of a future Academy plebe, aunt to a nephew headed back to Iraq again and to 2 more nephews leaving for boot camp next month."
I'm ashamed to admit I failed to mention, I'm also the daughter of a retired Master Chief who fought in the Korean War and lost many, many fellow serviceman/friends and retains lasting shrapnel scars as a reminder.</p>

53

<p>well done nickinest!! And Congratulations on your Plebe--and THANK YOUR NEPHEW WHO IS CURRENTLY SERVING IN IRAQ!! You said everything I obviously couldn't communicate very well-- The Academies were established to bring in our brightest, give them the best education--and they in turn will serve our country to the best of their abilities!!-</p>

<p>I would hope that most men and women realize--or will come to realize that the Iraq war is only one of many war fronts we will very likely face over the next decade and beyond. I aM sad to say this generation of men and women may not have a choice to serve in complete--"peace time".</p>

<p>"If there must be trouble let it be in my day, that my child may have peace."--THOMAS PAINE
"To whom much is given, much is expected." LUKE12:48</p>

54

<p>I'll give a big AMEN to Thomas Paine, BIG reason I'm entering the service, hopefully through USNA. Great quotes RightofCentremom.</p>

55

<p>Admittedly I'm late in responding to all of this, but frankly I could care less in the wake of spring break.</p>

<p>To MattEisn; rarely is there an absolute scale upon which your political values are measured. I often joke and refer to myself as the "resident USNA communist". Not because I necessarily advocate the proletariat "losing their chains" or a system of redistributive, communal property and wealth. No. This is not the case. Rather, my political views lie the furthest left of center within my circle of acquaintances. Yes, I grew up in a liberal environment. I went to a very liberal school. I was middle-of-the-road politically. The point being, politics are entirely relative. One man's Marx may be another's Regan.</p>

<p>Inasmuch and politics and the Naval Academy are concerned. Yes, I would say I lie in the minority. Is this some sort of political threat? Some kind of sortie on my poltical inclinations? No. In most cases, debate and questioning leads me to question my own beliefs and generate new means by which to support them and new means by which to question them. The result, my beliefs strengthen, my beliefs weaken depending. Do not be so hasty to classify yourself politically, you run the risk of never changing.</p>

<p>To the majority of people on this board. Do not be so quick to judge people simply based upon political preferences. Personally, I lie to the left of center. Yet, I'm standing proudly beside those who live and die by Bill O'Reilly and FOX (violated my own rule...sorry...but seriously..."those right of center"). The point is, I walked through the doors of Alumni with two goals. The first of which was to make it to dinner that first night. Just kidding. The first goal was to make a difference in the world. I hope it's for the positive. I hope it's not in Iraq. But hope doesn't get me very far. I will do what is legally asked and required of me. I may not do it with a smily, but I am perfectly prepared to swallow my pride and do that which needs to be done. My second goal was to receive a fantastic education. I could have done it at Stanford, I could have done it at MIT, I could have done it at Georgia Tech. I didn't. Dean Davis presides over a world-class faculty with world-class facilites. As a math major I will never get to use the transonic wind tunnel, the mass spectrometer, the world's second longest tow-tank, or the numerous load frames. I hear the black-boards in Chauvenet are excellent though. The point is you can do both. You can simultanouesly want to serve and make a difference, as well as pursue a world class education. Anyone who disagrees can come find me.</p>

<p>That is all. Back to spring break, I have a ski lift to catch.</p>

56

<p>Under socialism, one is not only liberated from having to take care of oneself; one is also liberated from having to take care of others. The state will take care of me and of everybody else.</p>

<p>The same holds true for foreign affairs. Why did the conservative government of Spain support the American war against Saddam Hussein's Iraq and send troops there, while the Spanish socialists withdrew Spanish troops as soon as they were voted into office? BECAUSE THE IDEA OF RISKING ONE'S LIFE TO BRING FREEDOM TO OTHERS, OR TO RISK ONE'S LIFE FOR ANOTHER NATION FOR JUST ABOUT ANY REASON , IS ALIEN TO THE SOCIALIST MINDSET.</p>

<p>Similarly, in the great litmus test of moral acuity -- the Middle East -- socialist countries and parties virtually all line up behind the Palestinians. They do so either out of moral confusion or out of cowardice -- it takes a lot more courage to support Israel than to support the Palestinians and the whole Muslim world.</p>

<p>The socialist idea sounded altruistic to those who began it, and it sounds altruistic to the naive who believe in it today. In practice, however, it creates self-centered individuals and a narcissistic society. So while it may have begun as a way to help others, it has come to mean a way of evading responsibility for oneself and for others.</p>

<p>OLT, The Princeton Review rated the USNA as the most nostalgic for Ronald Reagan.</p>

57

<p>I love sheepdogs!--Beats the heck out of wolves and sheep!</p>

58

<p>How do you feel about goats? :eek: :cool: Jackasses/mules? :( ;)</p>

59

<p>I HOPE i will LOVE GOATS!! But still waiting on some kind of answer---but could get excited about leprechauns--ie--fighting irish--</p>

<p>not big on mules and jack***es ...have one of those!!LOL!</p>

60

<p>MattEisn, You say you are a liberal. </p>

<p>Do you believe the following?</p>

<p>1.Standards for admissions to universities, fire departments, etc. should be lowered for people of color. </p>

<p>2.Bilingual education for children of immigrants, rather than immersion in English, is good for them and for America. </p>

<p>3.Murderers should never be put to death. </p>

<p>4.During the Cold War, America should have adopted a nuclear arms freeze.
Colleges should not allow ROTC programs. </p>

<p>5.It was wrong to wage war against Saddam Hussein in the Gulf War. </p>

<p>6.Poor parents should not be allowed to have vouchers to send their children to private schools. </p>

<p>7.It is good that trial lawyers and teachers unions are the two biggest contributors to the Democratic Party. </p>

<p>8.Marriage should be redefined from male-female to any two people.
A married couple should not have more of a right to adopt a child than two men or two women. </p>

<p>9.The Boy Scouts should not be allowed to use parks or any other public places and should be prohibited from using churches and synagogues for their meetings. </p>

<p>10.The present high tax rates are good. </p>

<p>11.Speech codes on college campuses are good and American values are bad. </p>

<p>12.The Israelis and Palestinians are morally equivalent.</p>

<p>13.The United Nations is a moral force for good in the world, and therefore America should be subservient to it and such international institutions as a world court. </p>

<p>14.It is good that colleges have dropped hundreds of men's sports teams in order to meet gender-based quotas. </p>

<p>15.No abortions can be labeled immoral. </p>

<p>16.Restaurants should be prohibited by law from allowing customers to choose between a smoking and a non-smoking section. </p>

<p>17.High schools should make condoms available to students and teach them how to use them. </p>

<p>18.Racial profiling for terrorists is wrong -- a white American grandmother should as likely be searched as a Saudi young male. </p>

<p>19.Racism and poverty -- not a lack of fathers and a crisis of values -- are the primary causes of violent crime in the inner city. </p>

<p>20.It is wrong and unconstitutional for students to be told, "God bless you" at their graduation. </p>

<p>21.No culture is morally superior to any other. </p>

<p>Those are all liberal positions. How many of them do you hold?</p>