I'll ask it more simply: can the government be trusted?

[Ptarmigan]

Recursion (26,926 posts)

I'll ask it more simply: can the government be trusted? [View all]
 We seem to be exposing a crack in our coalition here, I fear.

58% do not trust the government. Color me surprised!

closeupready (19,798 posts)
1. Not really. I'm of the school of thought, 'Question all authority.'

Do you question if both Republican or Democrat is in power?

Recursion (26,926 posts)
2. So what part of the Democratic platform appeals to you, then?

Most of our programs are based on expanding the reach of government.

Pholus (2,533 posts)
8. How about: It depends on the party in power.

Just because "our side" doesn't abuse this crap doesn't mean that "President Bachmann" wouldn't. And given how nerve-wracking elections have been the past decade I am not willing to believe we're going to stay in charge forever.

I do not care what political party is in power, the government cannot be trusted.

alarimer (11,805 posts)
114. "Our side" is abusing it.

Obama is engaging in the VERY SAME activities that Bush did, yet he is more trustworthy? No. What I've learned from this whol miserable experience is that none of them are to be trusted unconditionally, but must be pushed and prodded to do the right thing.

As I have learned from both Clinton and especially Obama. I trust it less now that during the Bush administration because I expect more from "our" side. Turns out I was wrong to trust Obama and I will never trust any politician and especially the President ever again.

They are not on the people's side. They are on their own side. They side with the corporations every time. Wall Street when the Democrats are in; military contractors when the Republicans are in. But of course most corporations hedge their bets and bribe both sides equally.

Stirring up the hornet's nest. 

Orsino (25,923 posts)
56. Too simply.

We have to trust our government to a certain extent.

To what extent? That would be a useful question, one that might lead to substantive discussion.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=3112003

[Delmar]

Response to Recursion (Reply #2)Sat Jun 29, 2013, 10:03 AM
alarimer (11,806 posts)
113. Expanding government to help the poor, protect us from predatory corporations, etc.

Yes.

Expanding it to SPY on us and treat everyone like a suspect, NO WAY IN HELL.

Also expanding it to tell women (or anyone) what to do with their bodies or who we can have sex with or marry, also HELL NO.

Government belongs in the business of infrastructure (roads, etc.), supporting the less fortunate, ensuring fair and equitable treatment for all, prevent corporate monopolies, ensure safe food, water, air and a healthy environment and self-defense.

The government should not be engaging in preemptive war or killing people without due process, or detaining them indefinitely without charge or trial, treating whistleblowers who are revealing wrong-doing by the government as "Public Enemy #1.

A government big enough to give you everything you want, is a government big enough to take away everything that you have, DUmbshit.

[JohnnyReb]

Simple question deserves a simple answer. .....NO!

[Big Dog]

Simple question deserves a simple answer. .....NO!

That's what outed the menstrual clot who called himself "Lex". He couldn't give a simple answer to a simple question.

DUmmythought.

[98ZJUSMC]

Pholus (2,533 posts)
8. How about: It depends on the party in power.

Well, gee whiz.  Half honesty.

Just because "our side" doesn't abuse this crap (.......)

Come again?

alarimer (11,805 posts)
114. "Our side" is abusing it.

Obama is engaging in the VERY SAME activities that Bush did, yet he is more trustworthy? No. What I've learned from this whol miserable experience is that none of them are to be trusted unconditionally, but must be pushed and prodded to do the right thing.

As I have learned from both Clinton and especially Obama. I trust it less now that during the Bush administration because I expect more from "our" side. Turns out I was wrong to trust Obama and I will never trust any politician and especially the President ever again.

They are not on the people's side. They are on their own side. They side with the corporations every time. Wall Street when the Democrats are in; military contractors when the Republicans are in. But of course most corporations hedge their bets and bribe both sides equally.

Well, dip me in shit.....

[Freeper]

I trust government as much as I trust my dog around a plate of food. If the dog is watched he won't jump up and get it, but if I were to leave him alone in the room for more than a minute he would help himself.