Government and Politics: The L'Amour Version of Democracy ~ AGREE or DISAGREE

“To make democracy work, we must be a nation of participants, not simply observers. One who does not vote has no right to complain.” ~ Louis L’Amour

Agree or Disagree.

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I DISAGREE!!

I DON’T VOTE!! I PRAY!!

And in a democratic country … that’s OK!

In a democratic country, you can NOT VOTE and still COMPLAIN when something is NOT RIGHT!

The only other form of government that I think has redeeming qualities is Socialism.

But if I had to choose between Democracy and Socialism, I would choose Democracy.

As for the other forms of government? Whatever!

I’m for real when I say that. WHATEVER!

I think people are quite capable of governing themselves. But I also think a democratic nation does need a military force. I know there are some countries that don’t have a military. In a perfect world that would be ideal. But we don’t live in a perfect world. It’s a matter of national security.

With regard to utilizing a military solution as a resolution, I think ALL nations should have this attitude:

“Don’t start nothing. Won’t be nothing.
But if you start something …
you will regret that you barked up that tree!!”

It’s self-defense. Plain and simple.

I really think the only reason we need an elected fearless leader is in the event of a war, and that they should be equipped with the deal-making or negotiating skills to know how to make peace OR if need be, know enough about the “art of war” to make The Enemy go away so that we can live our lives in peace!

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I totally disagree with Mr. L’Amour.

* I chose. You choose. *

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“To make democracy work, we must be a nation of participants, not simply observers. One who does not vote has no right to complain.” ~Louis L’Amour

* Agree or Disagree. *

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Links of Interest:

Pros and Cons of Democracy

Who Decided the Great Political Party Divide?

American Leaders : Who Framed the U.S. Constitution?

#DemocracyDefeated: How Indian Right-Wing Groups Stalled A Bollywood Period Drama ~ Global Voices (My Opinion)

Understanding American Politics (An Opinion Piece)

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS: This is an opinion piece I wrote on August 30, 2012. The content became unpublished because either the site was shut down or the blog was deleted. I managed to salvage an old copy and I am republishing here just to keep a record of a conversation I had with myself 8 years ago. Nothing much has happened after that date to change my views. Except that I don't hear anybody talking about the Tea Party anymore.

Photo by Little Tree on Unsplash

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A nice person invited me to a gathering to discuss the happenings at the Republican Convention. I declined the invitation.

I declined because – just as I don’t vote – I also never pay any attention to those Conventions – Republican or Democrat.

All that stuff BEFORE the election is just balloons with hot air rising up to the ceiling and confetti trashing up the floor.

The outcome of the elections is always the same. Whoever ends up in the oval office either: (a) cheated his way in, (b) bought the seat, or (c) was actually elected by the people who voted!

I’m clear on the agenda of the political parties because that never changes.

• The Republicans are like The Mafia. You’re either in the organization or you work for the organization. They’re not like the forefathers. They’re more like the godfathers.

• Whereas the Democrats. … Eh! They just wanna party!! And they don’t see why those Republicans can’t just let them have FUN!!! Why they gotta be old farts, stick-n-da-mud party poopers?! I mean the forefathers already got US our freedom! Right? Why we can’t just enjoy it?

• The Independents are trying to be the sober-minded sensible conscientious responsible citizens. THEY TRY!!! They try to tell both of the “children” that being selfish and immature is not a good thing! They try to persuade them and to get them to understand that DECISIONS must be made which are for the GOOD OF ALL THE PEOPLE, in order for democracy to really work!

• The Tea Partiers are … God only knows! Seriously!

Of course, these are just my observations. I could be wrong. :)

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Thomas M. Magstadt also has an understanding of politics that he developed into a book, over 500 pages: Understanding Politics. A book he has written and rewritten a few times. When I penned these thoughts and observations he had published the 10 edition. As of Jan 1, 2020, the 13^th Edition has been published. This is his basic premise: “Politics is a gateway to a broader and better understanding of human nature, society, and the world.”

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Uh huh. That’s his angle? OK. I can see how a person could write a book based on that premise. But I’m specifically aiming at American politics. Still, the book is probably a worthwhile read.

** By the way, in order for democracy to work, you must also be able to exercise your freedom of speech. And if any of the party members don’t agree or don’t like what I say in public, when I exercise my freedom, just remember … y’all be publicly trash-talking and talking trash too! I don’t like a lot of what I hear coming out y'all mouths neither!! But you’re welcome here at my blog.

*** An alternate title for this blog post would be: "No Matter What! I Always Cheer for the Red, White and Blue!"

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More of MY Opinion Pieces:

A Nation in Decline (An Opinion Piece)

Who Should Be the Next President of the USA? (An Opinion Piece)

2020 US Presidential Election (An Opinion Piece)

Illegal Immigration in the USA: A Proposed Solution (An Opinion Piece)

Politics Versus Religion: It’s About Faith.  (Not Opinion)