tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486278711315411608.post8510611349568740498..comments2023-10-31T06:40:44.570-07:00Comments on Beards etc.: Government ShutdownPatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16643574297099103547noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6486278711315411608.post-36916119538764292002013-10-08T21:44:57.424-07:002013-10-08T21:44:57.424-07:00I agree with your point, and it's a good one t...I agree with your point, and it's a good one to consider. <br /><br />Yes, I think it's quite obvious which side is at fault in this situation. But fixing the game, rather than the player, is ultimately what we need.<br /><br />I was just discussing the changing political climate with my dad this weekend. He pointed out that gerrymandering used to be a method to make a political party more competitive on a statewide/national level, but now it's instead used to make a few seats impervious to challenge. Thus, with certain jobs locked up permanently as long as they please a core constituency, they are free to engage in all kinds of obstructionism and soapboxing. Please the most excitable members of your base, and you've got a permanent job with all kinds of perks.<br /><br />So, there's one feature that needs to change. The problem that's more obvious is that neither political party represents the interests of the middle class, whom all historians would agree make democracy possible. And some are quick to point out that extreme economic inequality is often a hallmark of instability and long-term unsustainability. Full Metal Attorneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04818204892818121018noreply@blogger.com