tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573015459789360915.post3155434933265906152..comments2024-01-02T23:22:21.430-05:00Comments on The Guild Review: Somehow, It All WorksAaron Lindermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15992073027586818751noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573015459789360915.post-30705137794167420272008-09-16T10:13:00.000-04:002008-09-16T10:13:00.000-04:00In today's Financial Times Gideon Rachman wrote, "...In today's Financial Times Gideon Rachman wrote, <BR/><BR/>"Foreigners may wonder why the ability to dress a moose or drive your kids to a hockey game is a relevant qualification for the vice-presidency. But the US is quite a successful country. So its voters may not be as bad at picking their leaders as the rest of the world evidently fears."<BR/><BR/>http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a5995ef6-832c-11dd-907e-000077b07658.htmlAaron Lindermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15992073027586818751noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573015459789360915.post-82830778259058239252008-09-15T17:40:00.000-04:002008-09-15T17:40:00.000-04:00I think I'm basically optimistic about the state o...I think I'm basically optimistic about the state of the American polity *in spite of* the triviality and chatter, not because of it. But I guess it's not so much a question of whether or not I'm optimistic; rather, I marvel that a process this silly can work this well.<BR/><BR/>And while I agree that the chatter is often absurd in its quality - hence my desire to see it end - I am somewhat encouraged by the great interest Americans have taken in politics of late, even if that interest is too often superficial. At least it is not apathy. The man on the street is probably more likely to have an opinion now than at any time in a long time.<BR/><BR/>Still, I am puzzled with what to do with Therese' comment. I'm apt to agree, but it contridicts the notion that recent increases in interest should be read as a good thing. Perhaps American elections are like the supermarket, which will have impulse buys out in the open for the folks who shop that way, and good deals tucked away for the discount shopper. Everyone goes home happy, having found what they want. Perhaps American elections are the same way?Aaron Lindermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15992073027586818751noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573015459789360915.post-10495616592610310072008-09-15T13:15:00.000-04:002008-09-15T13:15:00.000-04:00Pardon my cynicism, Aaron, but I have one question...Pardon my cynicism, Aaron, but I have one question for you: Should we celebrate a process that encourages such triviality? The reason why you, like so many others, are happy to see this campaign end is that the process of electioneering leads to endless chatter. Politicians want to stay in the news every day, but don't give enough thought to what they say. Thus, the rampant triviallity of the last year. In democratic politics, silence is not golden.Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10825489013036249581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1573015459789360915.post-28319177766875667432008-09-12T23:15:00.000-04:002008-09-12T23:15:00.000-04:00It is impressive, even without all eligible voters...It is impressive, even without all eligible voters participating - only 60% voting in 2004. Then again, some would say that the ability to sit home and let the system proceed is a sign that the system works.Northernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05535101462516835514noreply@blogger.com