liveonearth (liveonearth) wrote,
liveonearth
liveonearth

QotD: We (Americans) are Spoiled

Even those too lazy to vote feel it their birthright to blast our elected representatives from every direction.  We complain bitterly when we do not get all we want as if it were possible to have more services with lower taxes, broader health care coverage with no federal involvement, a cleaner environment without regulations, security from terrorists with no infringement on privacy, and cheaper consumer goods made locally by workers with higher wages.  In short, we crave all the benefits of change without the costs.  When we are disappointed, our response is to retreat into cynicism, then start thinking about whether there might be a quicker, easier, and less democratic way to satisfy our wants.

--Madeline Albright on page 116 of Fascism, A Warning.  This quote comes on the heels of a section about globalism and about the manipulation of public opinion using the internet.  The first part of this book was the best short history of Europe I have ever read--for once it made sense.  Excellent read: recommend.
Tags: america, democracy, economics, environmentalism, federal government, government, healthcare, heroes, privacy, quotes, rights, taxes, terrorism, voting
Subscribe

  • What's in a name

    There are lots of theories about what names do to us. The trends in the naming of babies also say things about what is happening in our culture. It…

  • QotD: Your Body

    "Your body is not a temple, it is an amusement park." --Anthony Bourdain 1956-2018

  • QotD: The Earth Laughs

    "The earth laughs in flowers." --Ralph Waldo Emerson

  • Post a new comment

    Error

    Comments allowed for friends only

    Anonymous comments are disabled in this journal

    switch
    default userpic

    Your reply will be screened

    Your IP address will be recorded 

    Help
  • 0 comments