Why is democracy so difficult and politics so volatile?

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rbtvgo said:
what does that have to do with this conversation????????????
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Because someone said I was cherry picking and that Woodstock was expensive and the kids who went were wealthy but as I remember that wasn't so and I explained it.
 

I'm not sure that any of the Founders held out long for mob rule. It was pretty easy to argue them out of it. They were educated and knew the lesson of Greece all too well.

Greece had internecine squabbling and warring for a very long time and civil engineering and other progress barely moved in nearly 1000 years. Even the megalithic structures and materials (from ruins) were inherited from a prior civilization when the Euboeans and other groups migrated in from Eretria and elsewhere.

Many Greek individuals were important thinkers, but the society they lived in... not so much.
 
Algorithms in social media target posters with other posters and media that echoes what they are already think thereby strengthening what those thoughts and beliefs are thereby forming an unchangeable band of believers.
 
bobcat said:
I do not like the electoral college, and never have. I think the idea was lame, but it was a compromise reached in the youth of our government between those who wanted majority rule, and those who feared the more populated states would end up dominating.
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I don't like it either and I think you're right about it being hard if not impossible to change it. But sometimes I wish we could (and would!); other countries have things like our electoral college that are just in place as back-up in case something goes haywire with an election
 
dilettante said:
Ahh, but is it?

I’ve Been at NPR for 25 Years. Here’s How We Lost America’s Trust.

But what began as tough, straightforward coverage of a belligerent, truth-impaired president veered toward efforts to damage or topple Trump’s presidency. ​
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Persistent rumors that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia over the election became the catnip that drove reporting. At NPR, we hitched our wagon to Trump’s most visible antagonist, Representative Adam Schiff. ​
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Schiff, who was the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, became NPR’s guiding hand, its ever-present muse. By my count, NPR hosts interviewed Schiff 25 times about Trump and Russia. During many of those conversations, Schiff alluded to purported evidence of collusion. The Schiff talking points became the drumbeat of NPR news reports.​
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But when the Mueller report found no credible evidence of collusion, NPR’s coverage was notably sparse. Russiagate quietly faded from our programming. ​
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It is one thing to swing and miss on a major story. Unfortunately, it happens. You follow the wrong leads, you get misled by sources you trusted, you’re emotionally invested in a narrative, and bits of circumstantial evidence never add up. It’s bad to blow a big story. ​
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What’s worse is to pretend it never happened, to move on with no mea culpas, no self-reflection. Especially when you expect high standards of transparency from public figures and institutions, but don’t practice those standards yourself. That’s what shatters trust and engenders cynicism about the media. ​
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Russiagate was not NPR’s only miscue.​

The whole thing has long been debunked.
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Not so fast. There is a new book by those involved called Interference by Aaron Zebley. I have not read it but it could shed some light.
 
Alizerine said:
No, that's not at all what I meant. Who gets to decide what is irrational and excessive?
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The one most entrenched in his own irrational bias assumes the role of pointing out everyone else's bias, or so it would often seem.
Alizerine said:
I have already lost interest in whatever we were discussing. Sorry, I'm old.
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I probably lost interest before you did. The thing that keeps me here is to see how much more nonsensical this thread may become.
 
There are a considerable number who may be unsatisfied with democracy or a democratic republic, but what are the alternatives. We could have an authoritarian dictatorship, however, that's what we got away from in the first place to have our freedom from a monarchy.

A question we may ask is: "Are more prosperous and peaceful countries more likely to become democratic—or does democracy drive peace and prosperity?" From what I have read, overall, people in democratic societies generally tend to be happier than those living under authoritarian regimes. However, how does any nation keep the majority happy, safe, and healthy when you have over 300 million individuals with different ideas of how to accomplish it?

The gaps in happiness tend to occur in the wealth disparities between the citizens. That's difficult to remedy in a capitalistic society. I am guessing that perhaps those who want more economic equality might not want to give up civil liberties, which are woven into the fabric of democracy. Education and health care are also quite good here, compared to other forms of government.

I am no authority on this, but Canada has a democracy with elections and such, but it seems to me they lean more towards government efficiency and a little less populace involvement. I think the reasoning may be that too much democracy with all it's checks and balances result in poorer outcomes. They may very well be right about that, but as to whether the majority are happy, I wouldn't care to guess.

Personally, I hate parties (Not the fun type). I wish we didn't have them because it is a form of branding, and thereafter you belong to the herd, and no more freedom to muster rational thinking and individual choice. It's all about power and control, and if you stray from the party, you become the victim of their abuse. Too much power invites the abuse of it.
 
bobcat said:
There are a considerable number who may be unsatisfied with democracy or a democratic republic, but what are the alternatives. We could have an authoritarian dictatorship, however, that's what we got away from in the first place to have our freedom from a monarchy.

A question we may ask is: "Are more prosperous and peaceful countries more likely to become democratic—or does democracy drive peace and prosperity?" From what I have read, overall, people in democratic societies generally tend to be happier than those living under authoritarian regimes. However, how does any nation keep the majority happy, safe, and healthy when you have over 300 million individuals with different ideas of how to accomplish it?

The gaps in happiness tend to occur in the wealth disparities between the citizens. That's difficult to remedy in a capitalistic society. I am guessing that perhaps those who want more economic equality might not want to give up civil liberties, which are woven into the fabric of democracy. Education and health care are also quite good here, compared to other forms of government.

I am no authority on this, but Canada has a democracy with elections and such, but it seems to me they lean more towards government efficiency and a little less populace involvement. I think the reasoning may be that too much democracy with all it's checks and balances result in poorer outcomes. They may very well be right about that, but as to whether the majority are happy, I wouldn't care to guess.

Personally, I hate parties (Not the fun type). I wish we didn't have them because it is a form of branding, and thereafter you belong to the herd, and no more freedom to muster rational thinking and individual choice. It's all about power and control, and if you stray from the party, you become the victim of their abuse. Too much power invites the abuse of it.
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I asked ChatGPT what factors are shared by the "happiest" countries.

The happiest countries in the world, often ranked by studies like the World Happiness Report, tend to share several common factors that contribute to their citizens' overall well-being. These include:

1. Strong Social Support Networks: In happy countries, people have reliable support from family, friends, and communities. Social trust and connections are high, and people feel they can rely on others in times of need.

2. Economic Stability and Income Equality: While wealth itself is not the primary determinant of happiness, economic stability and relatively low levels of income inequality contribute to a sense of fairness and opportunity. People in these countries generally have access to resources and services that help ensure a good quality of life.

3. Work-Life Balance: Countries that prioritize work-life balance, with shorter workweeks, ample vacation time, and flexible work options, tend to have happier populations. Citizens in these countries typically report less stress and greater satisfaction with their jobs and personal lives.

4. Good Governance and Low Corruption: Trust in government and low levels of corruption are essential for happiness. People feel secure when they know their governments are functioning well, are transparent, and are working in their best interests.

5. Access to Healthcare and Education: Universal access to quality healthcare and education promotes well-being by reducing anxiety about basic needs. Countries with strong healthcare systems also tend to have better mental health services, contributing to higher life satisfaction.

6. Environmental Quality: Happy countries often emphasize environmental sustainability and have access to clean air, water, and green spaces. A strong connection with nature and the outdoors is commonly found in these nations, contributing to mental and physical health.

7. High Levels of Personal Freedom: People in the happiest countries report feeling free to make life choices and pursue personal goals. They have a strong sense of autonomy and freedom of expression, leading to greater individual fulfillment.

8. Generosity and Altruism: Happy countries often exhibit a culture of giving and helping others. Citizens tend to engage in acts of generosity, volunteer work, and community support, which fosters a positive sense of belonging and purpose.

These factors combined contribute to a strong sense of well-being, leading to high levels of happiness across populations.
 
JustDave said:
67 and 69 came close, but there was a division between youth and the older generation. I'm not sure if it was a volatile as things are now, because I wasn't paying any attention to the older generation. I thought the country had finally found itself and was headed in a new direction, but I was wrong about that.
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I believed the same thing too. I thought we had finally evolved as a species past war and hatred It was disappointing to learn we hadn't. :confused:.
 
HermitHogan said:
I asked ChatGPT what factors are shared by the "happiest" countries.

The happiest countries in the world, often ranked by studies like the World Happiness Report, tend to share several common factors that contribute to their citizens' overall well-being. These include:

1. Strong Social Support Networks: In happy countries, people have reliable support from family, friends, and communities. Social trust and connections are high, and people feel they can rely on others in times of need.

2. Economic Stability and Income Equality: While wealth itself is not the primary determinant of happiness, economic stability and relatively low levels of income inequality contribute to a sense of fairness and opportunity. People in these countries generally have access to resources and services that help ensure a good quality of life.

3. Work-Life Balance: Countries that prioritize work-life balance, with shorter workweeks, ample vacation time, and flexible work options, tend to have happier populations. Citizens in these countries typically report less stress and greater satisfaction with their jobs and personal lives.

4. Good Governance and Low Corruption: Trust in government and low levels of corruption are essential for happiness. People feel secure when they know their governments are functioning well, are transparent, and are working in their best interests.

5. Access to Healthcare and Education: Universal access to quality healthcare and education promotes well-being by reducing anxiety about basic needs. Countries with strong healthcare systems also tend to have better mental health services, contributing to higher life satisfaction.

6. Environmental Quality: Happy countries often emphasize environmental sustainability and have access to clean air, water, and green spaces. A strong connection with nature and the outdoors is commonly found in these nations, contributing to mental and physical health.

7. High Levels of Personal Freedom: People in the happiest countries report feeling free to make life choices and pursue personal goals. They have a strong sense of autonomy and freedom of expression, leading to greater individual fulfillment.

8. Generosity and Altruism: Happy countries often exhibit a culture of giving and helping others. Citizens tend to engage in acts of generosity, volunteer work, and community support, which fosters a positive sense of belonging and purpose.

These factors combined contribute to a strong sense of well-being, leading to high levels of happiness across populations.
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Utopia is probably a pipe dream, but from what I read, Nordic countries score pretty high.
 
bobcat said:
Utopia is probably a pipe dream, but from what I read, Nordic countries score pretty high.
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I think that good relationships are the most important factor in making people happy, which is why "strong social support networks" is #1 in the list (if that list is in order of importance). So the question is: how do we strengthen our social support network and improve our relationships?
 
HermitHogan said:
I think that good relationships are the most important factor in making people happy, which is why "strong social support networks" is #1 in the list (if that list is in order of importance). So the question is: how do we strengthen our social support network and improve our relationships?
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Focus on building smaller communities. They tend to have tighter connections to each other. Large cities tend to do the opposite.
 
bobcat said:
from what I read, Nordic countries score pretty high.
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Really?

Have you seen the strife from high levels of immigration into their cities? Or how men are leaving the cities and getting back to a simpler life and peace?


Maybe you need to get out of The Bubble.
 
bobcat said:
There are a considerable number who may be unsatisfied with democracy or a democratic republic, but what are the alternatives...
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Democracy has potential to work well. However the world, economies, and societies are complex, so that structure alone if unregulated is not enough to result in a society per @HermitHogan post #79 list. Thus requires wise balances and oversight that due to political agendas may become ineffective, unproductive, and unfair. Unfortunately facets of the post #79 list are easily dominated by those seeking wealth and power given an increasing wealth gap. Thus requires a balance that the US ignored for the last 3 decades resulting in the current sad state..

In like manner freedom has potential to allow the most enjoyable forms of a society, however absolute freedom without common sense limitations may result in negative issues by those intent on using it as a weapon against others or when their actions affect others negatively. For example, allowing playing loud music in the wee hours where nearby working folks are trying to sleep.

Also, capitalism has potential to work well, but even more so, ought be wisely controlled lest those with wealth agendas increasingly dominate resulting in increasing wealth gaps, unbalanced power, and issues for defenseless working class people like we now see with powerful inconsiderate real estate corporations in feeding frenzies sucking dry wealth of others.
 
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