Understanding America

[Manningham]

Can someone suggest some objective reading about how powerful lobbies, institutions and organizations influence the function of American government?

I'm not interested in conspiracy theories, but I'd like to better understand the hold businesses and special interests appear to have on the operation of our government - particularly from a historical, "how did we let things get so bad," kind of perspective.

Warning: Rant - reading this section is not necessary. writing it was.
Like everyone else in the States, I was raised to believe that America was the pinnacle of political freedom and function in the world. However, like many, I've been driven further and further from that viewpoint ever since being able to read the news.

I want to know why we haven't been able to adequately reform health-care in the US to make it affordable and timely for everyone. I've been teaching English in South Korea for the past 9 months and I can tell you from experience that health care is cheap, of high quality and prompt. I want to know if we're really doing all we can to develop alternative energy or if that alleged aspiration is only mentioned from time to time to keep the public from complaining. The botched bailouts, the Haliburton-Iraq War relationship ... There are so many instances which can be pointed to in which it seems clear, to me, that government has worked to the advantage business and the disadvantage of citizens.

Living outside of the US was refreshing for the first few months because I didn't [I]have[I] to think about these things, but I can't help it. I get so angry when I think about what America should be and what it is.

Sorry for the rant, I really only want some reading recommendations. Especially if you disagree with anything I've written, I'd like to understand your viewpoint, too.

[Imperial]

Alternative Energy:

- When was the last time you've been to the states? I seen wind energy panels all across the mid-west, not to mention a huge solar energy plant here in Florida and in other states. Living in an oil based economy where 90% of the population has to own a car to make a living, I say they're doing better then expected.

Business:

- Government not working for its people isn't shocking. But you are ignoring things that they have done right in favor of things they are still working on. Switching to a free health care system can't happen overnight, and seeing how fast (or slow) congress works, it might be even longer. I blame the system (IE congress) for not able to get things done in a timely manner.

[Azog 150]

^^^I was pleasantly surprised when I visited California at the sheer number of wind farms. Can't speak for the rest of the States though.

[Mr. Scott]

^^^I was pleasantly surprised when I visited California at the sheer number of wind farms. Can't speak for the rest of the States though.

Ironically, if you go to LA you will see a brownish haze covering it. (although this is more likely attributed to the lack of constant rain, compared to most other 1st world cities)
Further Ironically, despite having the most clean and renewable energy, California is lagging behind the rest of the states economically.

[Stark of Winterfell]

California lagging behind economically?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of..._%28nominal%29

Doesn't look it. Just cause the state's broke doesn't mean that its doing poor economically.

[Mr. Scott]

California lagging behind economically?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of..._%28nominal%29

Doesn't look it. Just cause the state's broke doesn't mean that its doing poor economically.

I live in the state bro. It's a year behind the rest of the nation. It's stuck in the recession while most of the states have moved on. California has double digit unemployment.

California is usually the beacon of light during American recessions or depressions. This time, we're the pit of darkness .

GDP per capita doesn't mean its moving forward economically. If that were the case then people would say that the US is soaring through the skies economically.

[Col. Tartleton]

I live in the state bro. It's a year behind the rest of the nation. It's stuck in the recession while most of the states have moved on. California has double digit unemployment.

California is usually the beacon of light during American recessions or depressions. This time, we're the pit of darkness .

GDP per capita doesn't mean its moving forward economically. If that were the case then people would say that the US is soaring through the skies economically.

We're not?



Unless that's Detroit...

[Armenum]

California lagging behind economically?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of..._%28nominal%29

Doesn't look it. Just cause the state's broke doesn't mean that its doing poor economically.

wow tiny Connecticut and new jersey are doing rather well...

[chilon]

Ironically, if you go to LA you will see a brownish haze covering it.

Naw...

Los Angeles (and San Francisco) export their "brown haze" to Bakersfield (and Sacramento)

[eran]

So if there will be a free healthcare will a raise of taxes will follow?

[Big War Bird]

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

But seriously, the first thing you need to understand is that the terms "business" and "special interests" are deceptive. Everyone has their finger in the pot, even you. Maybe especially you. What are business and special interests? People. Citizens. Citizens with a common cause that are exercising their right to petition the government.

People only use those terms when they are talking about other people's lobbying efforts, never their own.

[Mythos]

I don't think it is that hard to understand. Politicians are given money by private individuals, actual persons or legal persons, i.e. companies. When the money you receiver from companies are more than what you receive by the people who vote for you, it is pretty hard not to cater to their interests unless you are an extremely moral person, of which there are precious few in any society.

[eran]

Why didn't the Americans choose the party who gives them free healthcare?

[Armenum]

Why didn't the Americans choose the party who gives them free healthcare?

because they don't want to become communists...

[Enemy of the State]

Why didn't the Americans choose the party who gives them free healthcare?

Because many realize nothing is free.

[Oldgamer]

Why didn't the Americans choose the party who gives them free healthcare?

Because healthcare isn't free ...

EDIT: Sorry, Timothy. If I had scrolled down one more post, I would have seen yours!

[eran]

Why can't the richest country in the world take care of her citizens like other developed countries?

[Oldgamer]

Why can't the richest country in the world take care of her citizens like other developed countries?

You seem to be under the assumption that universal healthcare would be free and effective. It isn't free. Someone has to pay for it ... usually the taxpayer, whose burdens are already high enough. Effective? There won't be enough money to give equal healthcare to everyone, and so it will have to be rationed, leading to decisions about who gets what care, when, and/or if.

You also seem to suffer under the assumption that healthcare is a right. It's not.

Finally, why can't "other developed countries" ... which are suffering from their own problems in paying for healthcare, and the rationing thereof ... mind their own business?

[Enemy of the State]

It is. Otherwise the ER could turn you away, but they can't.

What makes it a right?

[Azog 150]

I think its less a case of can't and more a case of not wanting to.