Gennifer Flowers.

[*wildcats forever*]

(10-08-2016, 12:30 AM)Dill Wrote: Thanks much Hollodero. This was above and beyond the call. (Die berumhte deutsche Tuetigkeit gilt auch fuer Oesterricher, ich vermute!)

I share many of your views regarding the parliamentary system; I would add that the public becomes better informed when there is real, differentiated and articulated political spectrum before it. Without that we hear centrist Democrats regularly called "socialists"; our political discourse is often muddy, insufficient to the task of clarifying options and consequences.

My mention of "strength" was in scare quotes; a segment of our electorate believes we must affirm our power in word and deed or others will "test" us. If Putin invades a former satellite or Iran Pakistan threatens India or North Korea detonates a nuke or ISIS moves into the Levant it is because they all perceive Obama as "weak." Our European allies will feel safer if we bluster and rattle our saber. The bad guys will retreat. The addition of another aircraft carrier and two more nuclear subs to our navy will make ISIS think twice before attacking Americans.  Diplomacy=weakness. Even people in "petty" countries will no longer respect us if we seek peaceful solutions to conflict. No more apologizing for America!

Were I European, I would be anxious and wondering what sort of history is, or isn't, taught in U.S. Schools. Why is our press, with so little to fear compared to Russia or Iran,  so timid?

I believe the answer has become a simple one. Our "press" is America's corporate newsletter. Don't cross the Chairman of the Board is the new mission statement.