To Americans and the rest of the world

[mjames]

To Americans: how does it feel to see how much of a sham and an embarrassment your whole political sphere is? Do you think your crazy politicians rightfully represent the general population?

Rest of the world: Are you enjoying the political freak show (trump, clinton, sanders, cruz etc)? Yes or no, and why of course.

[thalbergmad]

Indeed it is a source of amusement, but i doubt if they are more demented than some of the European politicians.

Thal

[indianajo]

The leading Republican presidential candidate is drawing a minority, unfortunately the mainstream vote is split 4 ways.
I've always known a minority of the majority race here are bigots.  Quite a few are my neighbors.  In a democracy the majority gets their way, subject only to the retraint of the courts. I'm real lucky I didn't inherit my two native grandparent's brown eyes.  There is a racial epithet used frequently in this county about everybody with brown eyes.   
I thought the comment about the future supply of 21 foot ladders the other side of the 20 foot wall, quoted in the Guardian yesterday, was hilarious.  The wall didn't keep the Mongols out of Han China 3000 years ago. The curernt wall is not keeping drug dealers in Tijuana today. They tunnel right under.  Promise the voters a sound bite and watch them cheer. The news media, bbc included, don't let anybody say anything on free TV but the poll leader.  The republican debates were held on cable TV, only for the viewing of wastrals spendthrifts and concussion sports fans.   
I can't say the democratic elections in the 00's in italy, or recently in Poland, have produced a lot more sensible ideas either.  As Churchhill said, democracy is the worst form of government except for all the other ones. 

[immortalbeloved]

This is the beautiful part: America is the only superpower in the world. Laugh all you want, but if America decided to occupy your country it could and you would have no choice but to accept it.

Eat that

[immortalbeloved]

The odd thing is I live in Canada.

[themeandvariation]

Yes, immortal- But we in the US are also 'occupied' by the biggest bidder…  And we are trying  to undue that - 'citizens united' , lobbyists, etc…  Yet the blow back from our foreign 'policy' will be used to trumpet further 'police state' at home.. And the blowhard , on the way to the white house, is not a favorable sign.. 

Thanks, indianajo for your observations!

[hardy_practice]

The odd thing is I live in Canada.

The 51st state?

[mjames]

This is the beautiful part: America is the only superpower in the world. Laugh all you want, but if America decided to occupy your country it could and you would have no choice but to accept it.

Eat that

Disregarding the inaccuracy of your comment,

is shifting the topic to a diick measuring contest the only way you can contribute to discussions about things related to America? Jesus Christ what an asinine response.

----

[pencilart3]

I'm going for cruz at this point as he is the only republican who has a shot other than trump, and trump will probably lose to some criminal or maybe a socialist

[perfect_pitch]

This is the beautiful part: America is the only superpower in the world. Laugh all you want, but if America decided to occupy your country it could and you would have no choice but to accept it.

Erm??? No.

Considering China has 1.1 billion people, I think if you tried to occupy their country, they'd walk all over you (literally).

Nice thinking though. You're not as great as you might think and your country is trillions... TRILLIONS of dollars in debt.

That... and you're about to vote in a bad hairpiece to run the country.

[themeandvariation]

Noah, thought you might be interested  to know - and if Cruz is aware of this:

Origins of socialism:

Some of the verses of the Bible which inspired the communal arrangements of the Anabaptist Hutterites are Acts 2, verses 44 and 45:

"All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need."

Acts 4, verse 32:

"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions were his own, but they shared everything they had."

and Acts 4, verses 34 and 35:

"There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from their sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need."

 And we  have had socialists in the US - who had been as popular as Roosevelt..  Because of his popularity, they decided to put the limit on of 2 Terms!  So it has had Mass appeal.
Like in Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand….

[iansinclair]

I will grant that the current crop of visible politicians in the United States is a bit off the wall.  However, please allow me to say that one should not deride any nation's politicians as being better or worse, or odder or less odd, than any other nation's.  Different, yes.  In many cases, looking on dispassionately and from a very neutral position, I honestly can't think of any major nation whose elected, or about to be elected, leaders are that much better -- or that much worse -- than any others.

I will also grant that it is also very fashionable in some circles, as well as entertaining, to rant about this nation's or that nation's leaders or foibles (in some nations, I might mention that it is also exceedingly unwise to do so).  It is not, however, particularly helpful.

God Save the Queen.

[pencilart3]

Why are you talking about the Bible? You guys were the ones who said to fight religion with religion. I think Cruz would do a good job leading the country.

[themeandvariation]

Noah, "You guys"?
All I know is Us guys… There is Us, and there is the top 1 percent. 

[pencilart3]

haha nvm I'll head out before somebody gets angry at me

[Bob]

I think it's bizarre Trump and Clinton could be the two choices.  It sounds like a joke or a bad movie plot.  Clinton I could see.  That people mentioned years ago.  And she's in politics.  Trump... It makes me wonder, "That's the best they could come up with?"  And then I see the other ones.... plain, nameless, personality-less...

I was just wondering what Trumpet would be like as President in dealing with international leaders.  I could see USA-embarrassment and ticked off international leaders.  And then considering some of them have nukes....

[adodd81802]

.

[themeandvariation]

and none of the candidates have suggested cutting the military budget.. close to 700 Billion.. This is Our money!  (1/10 of that figure would put everyone thru college)  which then follows in hundreds of thousands dead, infrastructure destruction, a poisoned environment for food and water, and costing us trillions more, including costs of VA, … largely for the purpose of securing (stealing) resources for big business, and inflaming a great hatred by so many for US 'policy'..

Bob, I think Trump saw the vacuum in the GOP and sucked out all the air…  (notice how he treats his protesters, and how the mob responds...

[outin]

... trump will probably lose to ... a socialist

Lets hope so! 

[ahinton]

The odd thing is I live in Canada.

So are you anticipating a US invasion and the provinces of Canada becoming America states?

Best,

Alistair

[ahinton]

I will grant that the current crop of visible politicians in the United States is a bit off the wall.  However, please allow me to say that one should not deride any nation's politicians as being better or worse, or odder or less odd, than any other nation's.  Different, yes.  In many cases, looking on dispassionately and from a very neutral position, I honestly can't think of any major nation whose elected, or about to be elected, leaders are that much better -- or that much worse -- than any others.

I will also grant that it is also very fashionable in some circles, as well as entertaining, to rant about this nation's or that nation's leaders or foibles (in some nations, I might mention that it is also exceedingly unwise to do so).  It is not, however, particularly helpful.

God Save the Queen.

Given the shortcomings of the British "visible politicians", don't you mean "God Help the Queen"?...

Best,

Alistair

[ahinton]

and none of the candidates have suggested cutting the military budget.. close to 700 Billion

...a fact that reveals the mythical nature of America's "superpower" status, given that it is one significant factor that has contributed to US indebtedness as referred to earlier.

This is Our money!  (1/10 of that figure would put everyone thru college)  which then follows in hundreds of thousands dead, infrastructure destruction, a poisoned environment for food and water, and costing us trillions more, including costs of VA, … largely for the purpose of securing (stealing) resources for big business, and inflaming a great hatred by so many for US 'policy'.

... another factor that undermines America's (largely self-perceived) "superpower" status. OK, China also has massive indebtedness and has attracted widespread international enmity, so the true question today might be whether there is any longer such a thing as a "superpower" at all...

Best,

Alistair

[iansinclair]

Given the shortcomings of the British "visible politicians", don't you mean "God Help the Queen"?...

Best,

Alistair

I guess I do, at that.  There certainly are some very fishy things going on north of the Tweed these days...  and in Westminster, if it comes to that!

[ahinton]

I guess I do, at that.  There certainly are some very fishy things going on north of the Tweed these days...  and in Westminster, if it comes to that!

North, south and west of the Tweed, I would say - and in all directions from Westmonster!

Best,

Alistair

[gep]

Erm??? No.

Considering China has 1.1 billion people, I think if you tried to occupy their country, they'd walk all over you (literally).

Nice thinking though. You're not as great as you might think and your country is trillions... TRILLIONS of dollars in debt.

That... and you're about to vote in a bad hairpiece to run the country.

Interesting note; I think I read somewhere that Chine now owns about 1/3rd of the US debt, so with a bit more, they can buy the US. Considering the enterprising nature of China and the way the US burn money, the next National Anthem of China might be similar to this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAqCbOJc6RU. Needs but a few tweaks, I think!

All best,
gep

[ahinton]

Interesting note; I think I read somewhere that Chine now owns about 1/3rd of the US debt, so with a bit more, they can buy the US. Considering the enterprising nature of China and the way the US burn money, the next National Anthem of China might be similar to this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAqCbOJc6RU. Needs but a few tweaks, I think!

Yes, in theory, China possibly could do that, but would it actually choose to do so (especially if President Trump were in charge at the time)?

Moreover, the once seemingly unstoppable economic growth that China has enjoyed (doubtless at the expense of many of its citizens) is no longer what once it was; China's current growth might still seem enviable compared to that of many other nations, but the bubble has burst and it seems now to be on a slow downard spiral.

Furthermore, almost all notions on earth are indebted to others to a greater or lesser degree, suggesting that, where national debt is concerned, it's all rather a "what goes around, comes around" situation. What ultimately matters here is the value of the collateral and, of course, that very value is itself dependent upon economic growth; as such values in any case are expressed in currencies, they are hitched to those currencies' own values so, if one says that US is worth x$tn, that won't repsent much if the value of the $ itself has plummeted.

Best,

Alistair

[georgey]

Original question: To Americans: how does it feel to see how much of a sham and an embarrassment your whole political sphere is? Do you think your crazy politicians rightfully represent the general population?

I am an American.  I am little embarrassed.  Until a new president is elected, I am hoping that other countries will judge us by our current president. Also, it is possible for a “crazy politician” to become a great president after they are elected.

A prior post: I'm going for cruz at this point as he is the only republican who has a shot other than trump, and trump will probably lose to some criminal or maybe a socialist

Oddsshark currently has the following odds for winning the republican nomination: Trump: -350, Rubio: 550, Cruz: 900 and Kasich 900.  This translates into the following approximate probabilities of winning the Republican nomination: Trump: 69%, Rubio: 14%, Cruz: 8.5%, Kasich: 8.5%.  Other betting sites have similar probabilities.  Clinton has about a 67% of becoming president at this betting site (that is, becoming the Democratic nominee then winning the office of POTUS).  Other sites have similar probabilities. These probabilities are based on current information and will change as new information becomes available. 

[georgey]

Correction: I am little embarrassed.  I am a little embarrassed.

Clarification: Also, it is possible for a “crazy politician” to become a great president after they are elected. - possible does not mean probable

Correction: Clinton probability of becoming president is currently more like 62%, not 67%

[brogers70]

To Americans: how does it feel to see how much of a sham and an embarrassment your whole political sphere is? Do you think your crazy politicians rightfully represent the general population?

Rest of the world: Are you enjoying the political freak show (trump, clinton, sanders, cruz etc)? Yes or no, and why of course.

France: Le Pen

Italy: Berlusconi

Brazil: Dilma

America has no monopoly.

[pencilart3]

America has no monopoly.

[mjames]

France: Le Pen

Italy: Berlusconi

Brazil: Dilma

America has no monopoly.

dont worry

I MOCK EVERYONE THAT NEEDS TO BE MOCKED.

europeans especially like to act all high and mighty when they talk about america, but I always come in to give them a reality check.

Let's see if the swedes will end up electing the swedish democrats llolololol

[chopinlover01]

I'm going for cruz at this point as he is the only republican who has a shot other than trump, and trump will probably lose to some criminal or maybe a socialist

https://www.facebook.com/RBReich/videos/1157252837620644/

[mjames]

To be fair every single candidate but sanders just seems to be outright nuttish. I would argue that middle easterners prefer trump over Clinton as the latter is downright dedicated to expanding US' military campaigns.

[dcstudio]

I am going to claim my Canadian citizenship if trump wins... I really hate the cold, too. Hillary is shady as hell...but if things go back to the way they were when her husband ran the show I am all for it... those were good years...

right now I am too embarrassed to even watch... we look like a bunch of clowns... this is worse than when Perrot tried to run...

God Bless America.

[pencilart3]

https://www.facebook.com/RBReich/videos/1157252837620644/

Ahh, that's where you get all your information

[georgey]

Off topic:  Beethoven op.90 measures 54-65 left hand - Is a large hand helpful to play this passage well?

[georgey]

Off topic:  Beethoven op.90 measures 54-65 left hand - Is a large hand helpful to play this passage well?

I am referring to 1st movement.  Thanks.

[pencilart3]

Off topic:  Beethoven op.90 measures 54-65 left hand - Is a large hand helpful to play this passage well?

LOL make this a new forum topic in the repertoire section please

[chopinlover01]

Ahh, that's where you get all your information

No, I just thought you could use an outside perspective from someone who has experience in politics and knows what they're talking about.

Sanders, despite being a "socialist" (which isn't accurate if you're talking about Marxist socialism) is actually an international centrist. What he's asking for is actually conducive to capitalism; breaking up the monopolies that huge corporations and Wall Street has (which is something that was written out in Adam Smith's explanation of capitalism), giving everyone health care and universal education (setting everyone equal to compete), getting money out of politics (so that our political system isn't corrupt like it is now), and equal civil liberties for all. On an international stage, these things are a given in most countries. But only in the US is it considered "radical" to want to give everyone an equal footing.

@DC I agree, Hillary is shady, but most of the email scandal is absolute bullshit. That said, more objective answers may be waiting for us, as a Clinton worker just went with the FBI and is talking in exchange for immunity.

[pencilart3]

@DC I agree, Hillary is shady, but most of the email scandal is absolute b

I keep forgetting you are an FBI agent sorry

[indianajo]

As to the original post, read the article about the American Party 1835-1855.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Know_Nothing
The Know Nothing's.  Or Niths.
What goes around comes around. 

[chopinlover01]

I keep forgetting you are an FBI agent sorry

It doesn't take an FBI agent to recognize blatant fear mongering.

[georgey]

LOL make this a new forum topic in the repertoire section please

Thanks.  Measures 54-65 of Beethoven Op 90 1st mvt is a beautiful passage and the left hand should sound like it is "shimmering".

More on topic:  As president, do you think Mr. Cruz can compromise with the house and senate?  Compromising is very important in American politics.  As of 3/4/2016, Oddsshark shows +2500 odds for Mr. Cruz of becoming president.  This is a (100/2600)*(1/1.1) = 3.5% probability.  This will likely increase when it is updated in the next day or so.  Thanks.

[chopinlover01]

Cruz getting the Republican nomination is unlikely. Due to the Marcobot and other Republicans not properly dismissing Trump as a dickish TV snob early on, the Trumpenstein was created (partly as a result of all the media attention he created for himself). It's still possible for Cruz to win, but most likely Trump will win the nomination of the Republican party. As far as the Democrats are concerned, it's a tossup at this point really. Clinton has the Democratic (and some Repub.) establishment behind her, whereas Sanders time and time again points out her corruption.
Bernie has been winning more and more primaries, as well. And while the Superdelegates are somewhat concerning, they don't actually vote until July, after the popular vote is clear. The same thing happened in 08 with Obama; superdelegates were completely supporting Hillary, but when public opinion changed they flipped to Obama to save their own asses. It's very possible the same thing could happen.

[hardy_practice]

Off topic:  Beethoven op.90 measures 54-65 left hand - Is a large hand helpful to play this passage well?

No, it's how you use it.  Careful though, you may damage yourself without the right technique.

[georgey]

No, it's how you use it.  Careful though, you may damage yourself without the right technique.

Thanks!  I wasn’t planning on posting anything on the piano board until this summer. 

[rachmaninoff_forever]

To Americans: how does it feel to see how much of a sham and an embarrassment your whole political sphere is? Do you think your crazy politicians rightfully represent the general population?

I'm no supporter of Trump, but I think he represents a large portion of the American population.  Which is good and bad.  Good because it highlights how terrible race relations are in America for those of you who believe racism in America isn't a problem, and bad because...  Well race relations in America is terrible.

Am I embarassed?  Naw.  But come on man, I'm watching some of these debates and they're comparing penis sizes and making personal attacks on each other.  That's some immature ass 3rd grade ish right there.  Resorting to name calling by itself doesn't make you not qualified to be president, but it sure is a strong indicator that you aren't. 

[chopinlover01]

I liked the back and forth between Clinton and Sanders on fracking.
Question: Are you for fracking, knowing it's potential side effects?
Clinton: "Well, I am, but not when a population is already against it, and only when companies tell us what chemicals they're using, and only where it can be done safely, so by the time all my criteria are met, there will be very little fracking possible."
Mod: "Sen. Sanders, your response?"
Sanders: "I have a much shorter than Secretary Clinton- 'no'. I do not support fracking."
Mod: "Now, there are a lot of democratic governors and senators who say fracking can be done safely. Are they wrong?"
Sanders: "Yes."

[bronnestam]

Let's see if the swedes will end up electing the swedish democrats llolololol

I have promised to be the last non-Sweden Democrat. That party completely lacks any sign of political competence. If they still should be elected for government, which is highly unlikely as they are going down in opinion right now, I will consider emigrating to Canada.

It is enough to have that joke of a Prime Minister we have right now, but at least I think he has very honest intentions. And compared to Trump he is fantastic. Everyone is fantastic compared to Trump.

I bet many people vote for Trump just because they think it is fun, they don't take this election seriously. Unfortunately the rest of the world does ... we who cannot vote.

[mjames]

yes do us a favor and don't follow the Polish example of electing racist leaders