RNC wrote:WASHINGTON - Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus and Co-Chair Sharon Day released the following statement celebrating Christmas:
“Merry Christmas to all! Over two millennia ago, a new hope was born into the world, a Savior who would offer the promise of salvation to all mankind. Just as the three wise men did on that night, this Christmas heralds a time to celebrate the good news of a new King. We hope Americans celebrating Christmas today will enjoy a day of festivities and a renewed closeness with family and friends.
This could be humorous if it was coming from anybody else.
Why is it that I have got the sensation for some time that in some circles, there are US people that secretly crave about being serfs under an authoritarian regime? Be it talking about "the king" or "the queen" of some area or using biblical analogies...
Your observations are excellent. I think part of the explanation is that we are home to lot of immigrants who have fled a dictator or monarch but still have memories living under those circumstances. The feeling is even more surprising given that this country was founded by people who wanted just the opposite. Freedoms were highly valued at one time and are built into our constitution.
The first time I was confronted with that sensation was the first time I had a chat of more than 5 minutes with a US visitor. He began ranting about setting freedom limiting legislation and harsh sanctions toward trivial stuff here, to which I replied "Do you have those restrictions over there? We fought several civil wars to have a free country, Why do you want it to be more like a tyranny?" He instantly changed the subject and didn't answer those questions...
Your experience describes what I am most concerned about. It certainly may be time for some fundamental changes. We are not the same country we were 300 years ago. However, the kind of statements I'm reading and hearing from the people who are dissatisfied with the status quo are empty. They point out what needs to change but have no alternative. Healthcare (Obamacare) is a big issue these days and the incoming team is set on abolishing what is currently in place. But, it's been in place for at least six years without any alternative plans from the objectors. Plus, the claim is it will take at least two more years to come up with a solution. So what is the point? It certainly can't be to make life better for our citizens. It seems as if these people who advocate change are only interested in destruction and have no idea how to build something better.
the political divisions are so clear cut that it seems most countries ought to split themselves in half by referendum. no matter what the issue, you tend to get 50% of "hell yeses" and 50% "hell nos"!
then everybody would be happy, yes? well, no, for I suppose those 2 countries would then immediately start going 50% on/off on any future issue.
You could be right about how the countries would always be split. I think it's always been that way. What is different today is that it's more evil and destructive than I've ever seen it. It boils down to people have an urge to fight one another.
In my case I grew up to see 72 winters thinking we in this country had the best system possible - not perfect, but the best. It's more than disheartening to discover at this point in time that half my countrymen can be persuaded to dismantle it and live in the ensuing chaos.
Nikita Khrushchev wrote:“We will take America without firing a shot ... we will bury you!
“We can’t expect the American people to jump from capitalism to communism, but we can assist their elected leaders in giving them small doses of socialism, until they awaken one day to find that they have communism.
“We do not have to invade the United States, we will destroy you from within.”
I had faith in the system we invented until this last election. It could not happen without the consent of the voters. It's very disillusioning. I thought I was older and wiser now, but obviously I know nothing about what is going on.
