The Return of Common Sense to the West?

[T2K]

Though we disagree on a fair number of things, Vulcan, I have no argument with the piece you posted above.  Well, except maybe that shooting rioting mobs on sight may be a little extreme.  Just a little.

The bottom line, though, is that all these things we "should" rationally and logically do are not things that a majority of people want to hear (the "Greece Syndrome") and thus no politician that advocates them can get elected.  And therefore these rational and logical policies cannot get enacted.  And we lumber along, debating 2% here and a little tweak there.  It will get worse before it can get better.

[Vulcanl]

T2K,

Indeed...the very serious shortcomings of liberal Democratic governments are being exposed for all to see.  I wonder if this is what we will still have in the West by the time all is said and done

[T2K]

I think not, and that's what I alluded to in my last sentence.  But, the "going to get worse" part is going to be messy.  It will happen within our lifetime, I think, though not imminently.

Individual Freedom or Societal Order seems to be the question of the day.  In earlier years, I would be far in favor of the former.  Now, after over a decade in Asia's more authoritarian societies, I lean more towards the latter (though not in the extreme).  In my opinion, leaders should have more power to make decisions and get things done fast and firmly, but still need to be accountable via periodic elections.

[Vulcanl]

T2K,

I agree with all of what you have posted above.  I would add that I am not necessarily opposed to a more authoritarian system in the USA, however finding that 'special one' to be the benevolent dictator is the trick.  None of the current clowns gunning to be President in 2012 fits the ideal.