I was wondering was i the only American that felt like the whole government system is useless and corrupt and feels like your needs never get met?
135632
I think the government could be useful if people like us would just stand up and start doing something.  America needs to start by cutting out this two-party bullshit.  There are only two major parties that get funded by people who get personal favors.  Then, basically we as Americans have few choices when it comes to our leaders.  There just needs to be a shift in national political theory...
530478
What Roosevelt was describing, in my opinion, is the two party system in America today. Democrats feel America as a nation is measured at the lowest levels of the people in our society. Republicans feel the nation is measured at its highest levels of personal achievement. Those with, versus those without. Those with scream about taxes, welfare, and those who are so poor they can never lift themselves above poverty. At the same time they ship their jobs overseas putting Americans out of work. Hire illegals rather than pay an American a living wage, all in the name of being competative instead of admitting it is greed that controls their actions. In my opinion the republican party is no longer the party of conservatism, it is the party of greed, intolerance and lack of concern for those less fortunate in our country. Democrats feel otherwise. It is the party of social concern for the wrongs of our society, the less fortunate, the people at the lowest rungs of American society. If we look the other way when we see poverty all around us in our country, how great is America in reality? The pursuit of the almighty dollar now rules America. Most of America pursues it because they don't have enough. A small part of America pursues it because they can never get enough. Too much to spend in ten lifetimes is not enough for some. If a category four hurricane were to hit New York City, would we see the same response we saw in New Orleans, a city with many poor people? I think not.
63194
I would think so, but there is nothing wrong with it if we are hard working US citizens..I mean we pay taxes and always put into the economy..so why not get something back from it!  As long as ppl dont abuse the system !
564964
I agree completely.  I'm often torn because of certain issues i feel strongly about and i have no choice.  recently in this borders/immigration debate i felt like we were sold down the river by both parties, and i don't think either of the two parties owns the exclusive rights on corruption.  we need more choice...and more control over our govt.\n\nP.S.  If nothing else at least one or more other viable parties would keep the other two on their toes and more responsive to their constituents.  Too many of these congressmen are growing old and comfortable getting reelected over and over and getting more and more out of touch with Americans everyday.
641100
I would suggest its boils down to apathy,detachment, failed expectation, or a combination of two or more of the three.\n\nApathy- Many people just don't care enough or find the issues the president may be involved in during his/her administration to be important enough for them to cast a vote,they would rather let the chips fall where they may.\n\nDetachment-Many people may feel so detached from politics in general or from the executive branch of government that they may feel separated or apart from any actual decision making processes that directly or indirectly affect them.\n\nFailed expectations-Many people have either encountered or have been influenced by others who allegedly encountered experiences where the Head of government at any level including national have failed to come through on their promises,or moved in some direction antithetical to the ones they indicated they would on given issues.Its a common interpretation that all politicians are liars and of course the president is at the top of the list.Many people do not subscribe to the notion that any single vote can make the difference.\n\nIt is my supposition that people in general have no idea what most of the actual issues are, or the positions the candidates have taken on them.It is my opinion that modern Americans have become jaded and self involved and detached from the concept of nationalism,except when it adversely effects their position or ideology.It is also my opinion that most people don't think their vote makes a difference, and there knowledge of our constitutionally created system of free democratic due process is limited at best.\n\nI agree with you,I do vote,I cherish the right to do so,and my expectations are high,I still believe that one vote can make the difference especially when the number of votes are declining.I guess you wanted non voters to answer this question but I just couldn't help myself, I hope it generates some reaction or response from non voters,at least we know they gave the subject on moment of thought,and that's probably more than they have in a long time.
268930
I know of a story that is not so unlike yours.\n\nYou are so totally right. The United States government is not all that it says it is.
575442
Aside from the fact that you are Arab/middle eastern, your description of your feelings sounds like my average American friend.  All governments are corrupt, and America has managed to put a lot of corrupt governments in place.  After all didn't we help the Taliban take control of Afghanistan after the war they had with the USSR?
649121
no you didnt touch a nerve and i think every person in or related to our current government shoudl be sent away to iraq, give them a gun and se ehow long they last, lets put some honest hard working people up in office, oh and lets not pay tham more than 100,000 a year, 100 gran dis still good money even these days, but when yopu put money in theri hands they want more, they want bigger houses faster cars, and such. lets put someone in ht eoffices and the government whos gives a crap about the modern day person who has to wrok their asses off, and lets help the poor and hungry, and find the people who are takign advantage of welfare, lets send them to the streets and see how they like it, lets get out of a war that doesnt belong to us, jsut like vietnam didnt belong to us, and for those that say im uneducated and need school and want to bash my opinion, gues what, if u dont liek it, go F**K yourself, i dont care, im tryign to make life better for everyone, including you, so you wanna bash my opinion, i hope you cook in hell until fork tender, and il probably be seeing you there
78390
Interesting question.\n\nSince the nation's government is responsible for a certain amount of infrastructure, disaster relief, law enforcement, and domestic safety and stability it only stands to reason that they DO need money to get the job done.\n\nPeople do not take responsibility for their power in government. I don't know if it's because they don't know how, or if they want to bother, but, it gives them the perfect excuse to view the government as "running amok" over their rights.\n\nThe basic law(s) of the United States are contained in the Constitution which starts "We the People". It does not say "We the chosen few, and only us" or "We, the entitled ones". \n\nThe framers gave us the power to take part in our government. \n\nEach state makes it's own Constitution that only has to be in accordance with the national Constitution. The people in each state are responsible for electing (hiring) local city, county, and state representatives to execute the business of the city, county, and state in accordance with their wishes and to be their (the people's) representative in Washington D.C.\n\nIf people do not exert their power over their local officials, then they cannot complain when we get laws they don't like, or when we have a President that they feel is out of touch with them.\n\n"American Politics" has turned into a game that seems based on money only because people apparently can't be bothered to participate in governing the country.\n\nPeople taking back their power "does not" mean demonstrating and saying hateful things. The Japanese have learned this and the American Indian has learned this. \n\nYou take power back by getting educated enough to beat the oppressor's at their own games - using their laws.\n\nIt's so funny that Americans will spend hours and hours reading up on how to beat a computer game and then more hours and hours playing the game over and over so that it actually begins to resemble work. And what do they get? Some "rep" that means little when you have to pay the bills.\n\nWhy can't they do the same to ensure the continuation of their own freedoms?\n\nI wonder if you'll even read this since it doesn't necessarily fit into any of the "politically correct" ways of thinking from either political party.\n\nAnyway, hope this helps.\n\nAdded: \n\nPerfect example below. People can send for proposed bills and get a free copy mailed to them so they can study it. Then they can get other like-minded people in the community to lobby against it.\n\nHow many times do you just brush by someone at a grocery store, etc., that has a petition to sign? If you never bother to read it how do you know if what they are petitioning is to your benefit or detriment?\n\nIt's not the government's fault if people insist on putting education, and participation in government, aside so they can party all the time.\n\nAnd yes, some of the representatives in government fervently hope that you stay focused on parties, sex, clothing, makeup and the false tension between political parties. It allows them to do things you'd be outraged at if you only paid attention.\n\nUse your people power. Pay attention to the correct things and get involved.
429493
Still waiting for intelligent answers? I hope people are just busy typing, after the first two I saw.\nI have to say, I agree with you- we need the checks and balances back in our government. Stagnation was going on, and I think a few of us were about ready to take to the streets in rebellion. It's kind of a shame the way you have to MAKE people act right. I think we will see more cooperation, less arrogance now that they have gotten the wake up call of the elections. I am hopeful.
491722
I think we should change everything, all the time, whenever we get tired of anything at all.  How about questioning the incredible inefficiency of our style of government?  That would be a good question and someday soon when this country is a bit closer to totalitarianism I believe I will ask it.
146424
I'm a proud American too.  I wish people would see that we are gettin more and more like the old Soviet Union every year.  We keep voting in the same bozo's in every election.  The government has become an adjunct of a plutocratic elite who have no vision beyond the next financial quarter.  \n\nDamn disgrace.
264933
I came to the point where I truly believe that all parties of the government are corrupt a long time ago. It is really sad. The Progressives forget everything that Clinton did (Waco, and-God forbid-blow jobs) and The Conservatives forget everything Reagan did (Iran/Contra, etc) And we could come up w/ examples from EVERY President, ever. I wish we could get some patriots in the legislature who want to work together towards a common cause:the betterment of the United States Of America. Imagine what we could accomplish if we worked together!\nWhat I am saying is that instead of spending all our time telling each other how wrong they are, maybe we could come together and really compromise for the betterment of all?
579774
very.  to fix is you need to redefine a nation's priorities.  change from what i want (something to entertain me) to what they need (the need for basic items to live).  interesting question to pose to the most selfish and self obsesed people in the world.  (not every american is like that, but i think as a nation we are).
442856
I agree with the concept, yes. I've seen way too many times where people make blanket statements, and it's annoying to no end. You'd rather your tax dollars go to unjust wars? To hike government salaries? \n\nThere are plenty of people, women and men alike, on welfare programs that NEED it, that could not exist any other way. Many times it's due to circumstances that are entirely beyond their control, and most often they are ashamed to admit it and can't wait to be independent and self supporting. Gee, I wonder why they're ashamed when the general majority makes them feel like sponges.\n\nThere are others that take advantage of the system, and this is WHY people get jaded and judgemental. However, they tend to forget that this is not the majority, that there are people out there that could not exist without it, and that it's our responsibility to help those less fortunate ... our moral responsibility.
462368
Feel bad?  No, I don't feel bad when people I don't know and have never met hate me.  I didn't vote for Bush and I don't like him very much, but most of what people abroad think about Americans is completely unfounded and untrue.  I've lived in three different countries in the past four years and everywhere it's always the same story propagated by whoever gives the people their information.  I just don't listen anymore, nobody would.\nAs for helping third world countries, we give as much, if not more aid than other Western countries.  Nationalized healthcare is not something most Americans want (we are not a socialist nation).  As far as "weapons and stuff", I don't think you need me to tell you that 9/11 changed the world.  American leaders are now taking big steps to ensure that will never happen again.  There is only one sure way to fight someone shooting a gun at you- shoot them first.  Primitive- yes, but then we've still a long way to go towards civilization, don't we?
270921
yes I've noticed this. The U.S.A. wants everything our way. Not so sure we want democracy. the present administration is more concerned with having there way than democracy...hopefully this will change when we get a few of these currently elected officials out of office the American people are gettign wise to there ways and soon maybe the U.S. will be happy to mind its own business again. at the current time it seems we havent done a very good job running our own country doesnt make much sense that we are trying to run everyone elses. Unfortuneately we have a few more years with the current president but perhaps the American people can rein him in a little there are many people in the U.S. that are not aproving of the ways things have been handled too bad we get the blame for what the government is doing.