m00nie (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} m00nie) wrote,@ 2003-10-08 12:07:00 |
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Issues
Commenting on some people's thoughts on www.valloq.com with other thoughts
"I thought you wanted this democracy? The people voting and with power. Oddly enough to prevent such things as this recall, that is exactly why "America was not founded as a pure democracy, and reasons why such things as the electoral college exists. But you think thats a sham also now." (Alex)
"Again, the problem is TOO much democracy. Thats why this recall happened. Thats why the rich are able to exploit the poor." (Alex)
Like what someone has said, the problem is NOT too much democracy.
We, or let me say I, do want democracy. In fact, I want direct democracy because I want each person's view to be heard and have impact. There are conditions for it though. Direct democracy can take place in a society where every person is educated about issues and politics, or at least enough awareness. I am very proud of Taiwan for having direct democracy in the Presidential Election where each citizen's vote counts and matters. I see it as a sign that Taiwan is freer than the United States.
The Electoral College was established to keep the power to the elite and keep the majority of people out of the power structure. You support the Electoral College system? The system was established more than 200 years ago, and it is outdated. The Founding Fathers did not give suffrage to more than 50% of the population in America at that time. Women, slaves, and the poor were excluded. Was it just that the voices of these people were not heard?
If you get the impression that I like the Electoral College system from my earlier entry, it is because I was trying to express my frustration. I also see yet another example of policy that has advantages and disadvantages. No policy is perfect, but we make them to regulate society and people. We do our best to implement the best policy possible.
People should be given political power. We do not want a few to decide on important issues.
If people are exposed to one side point of view only, for example, through media which is controlled by rich people, then they will know only one side of view. That means they do not know the issues well. They are being controlled by the few rich people. That is how the rich exploits the poor- through the media. The elite gives people the power but not the mind to exercise their rights. People need to be aware and then form views. Views that are formed out of ignorance are harmful to oneself and others.
"So you care for the poor, meanwhile spending tens of thousands on college, your car, fast food, eating at restuaratns, etc. meanwhile people are starving and homeless?" (Alex)
(Note: The misspelling of "restuaratns" is not me. Anything in the quotation marks is originated from the speaker)
In a perfect society, we can work out a system to equally distributed wealth so that no one starves or has no shelter. But it is not a perfect society. The society we live in is hierarchical. Some people have wealth and care about the poor and the homeless. If no one or only the poor and the homeless care about themselves, then nothing can be done.
Caring does not mean that you should give all of your wealth away and be homeless or poor. Because the society is like this, you have to maintain your status in order to help and make a difference. You still live your life. Each person's life is determined by the combination of oneself and the environment, therefore, you cannot hope to solve the poor and the homeless problems by giving away all your wealth or live like one. It does not make sense. You want to be able to still help.
If you spend money effectively and productively, it is good. Paying for education helps a person to be aware; getting a car helps you move from place to place; eating food is a basic necessity; and getting a bit of luxury (I am not talking about getting a $1 million house, or stuff like that. I am talking about buying a DVD or CD) is ok because it helps to reduce our stress. I also believe that we should be allowed to relax and enjoy life when we can, but without too much expenses.
"You just answered your own question. Each person should take the responsibility of educating themselves. If they don't, then they choose to remain "blind" and "stupid." Since when was it my responsibility to educate people?" (Penguin Kid 9)
We should try to educate others. Perhaps it is not our responsibility, but it is nice to spread awareness to as many people as possible because it benefits the society in the end. If you are the only one who is aware of things, yet others are ignorant, you will be unhappy about how things are because the majority of the people are not aware of issues.
Because I believe in the power of education, I am concerned about the education system in the U.S. and Taiwan.
In the U.S., I am more concerned with the disparity between the education that the suburb children and the education that urban/inner-city children receive. After coming to Cal, I see it more because most people that I know on campus are from upper-middle and middle class. The quality of their education is certainly different from the quality of my education. My education has been very good among the inner-city children, but most inner-city children are not as lucky. It makes me wanting to go into the teaching profession at the high school level or middle school level because those are critical years that help in determining their future.
In Taiwan, I am concerned with the content of education. There have been some improvements, but it is still not satisfactory. Learning about a China from more than 90 years ago does nothing to a person's intellect or life. It only creates propaganda and mythical delusion of things in the past.
I am doing my part in the Berkeley community with educating people about as many issues as possible, especially issues relating to Taiwan. Berkeley Students for a Sovereign Taiwan is a grass-roots student organization that promotes awareness on Taiwan issues. I believe in the power of education and knowledge. It is extremely powerful.
Commenting on some people's thoughts on www.valloq.com with other thoughts
"I thought you wanted this democracy? The people voting and with power. Oddly enough to prevent such things as this recall, that is exactly why "America was not founded as a pure democracy, and reasons why such things as the electoral college exists. But you think thats a sham also now." (Alex)
"Again, the problem is TOO much democracy. Thats why this recall happened. Thats why the rich are able to exploit the poor." (Alex)
Like what someone has said, the problem is NOT too much democracy.
We, or let me say I, do want democracy. In fact, I want direct democracy because I want each person's view to be heard and have impact. There are conditions for it though. Direct democracy can take place in a society where every person is educated about issues and politics, or at least enough awareness. I am very proud of Taiwan for having direct democracy in the Presidential Election where each citizen's vote counts and matters. I see it as a sign that Taiwan is freer than the United States.
The Electoral College was established to keep the power to the elite and keep the majority of people out of the power structure. You support the Electoral College system? The system was established more than 200 years ago, and it is outdated. The Founding Fathers did not give suffrage to more than 50% of the population in America at that time. Women, slaves, and the poor were excluded. Was it just that the voices of these people were not heard?
If you get the impression that I like the Electoral College system from my earlier entry, it is because I was trying to express my frustration. I also see yet another example of policy that has advantages and disadvantages. No policy is perfect, but we make them to regulate society and people. We do our best to implement the best policy possible.
People should be given political power. We do not want a few to decide on important issues.
If people are exposed to one side point of view only, for example, through media which is controlled by rich people, then they will know only one side of view. That means they do not know the issues well. They are being controlled by the few rich people. That is how the rich exploits the poor- through the media. The elite gives people the power but not the mind to exercise their rights. People need to be aware and then form views. Views that are formed out of ignorance are harmful to oneself and others.
"So you care for the poor, meanwhile spending tens of thousands on college, your car, fast food, eating at restuaratns, etc. meanwhile people are starving and homeless?" (Alex)
(Note: The misspelling of "restuaratns" is not me. Anything in the quotation marks is originated from the speaker)
In a perfect society, we can work out a system to equally distributed wealth so that no one starves or has no shelter. But it is not a perfect society. The society we live in is hierarchical. Some people have wealth and care about the poor and the homeless. If no one or only the poor and the homeless care about themselves, then nothing can be done.
Caring does not mean that you should give all of your wealth away and be homeless or poor. Because the society is like this, you have to maintain your status in order to help and make a difference. You still live your life. Each person's life is determined by the combination of oneself and the environment, therefore, you cannot hope to solve the poor and the homeless problems by giving away all your wealth or live like one. It does not make sense. You want to be able to still help.
If you spend money effectively and productively, it is good. Paying for education helps a person to be aware; getting a car helps you move from place to place; eating food is a basic necessity; and getting a bit of luxury (I am not talking about getting a $1 million house, or stuff like that. I am talking about buying a DVD or CD) is ok because it helps to reduce our stress. I also believe that we should be allowed to relax and enjoy life when we can, but without too much expenses.
"You just answered your own question. Each person should take the responsibility of educating themselves. If they don't, then they choose to remain "blind" and "stupid." Since when was it my responsibility to educate people?" (Penguin Kid 9)
We should try to educate others. Perhaps it is not our responsibility, but it is nice to spread awareness to as many people as possible because it benefits the society in the end. If you are the only one who is aware of things, yet others are ignorant, you will be unhappy about how things are because the majority of the people are not aware of issues.
Because I believe in the power of education, I am concerned about the education system in the U.S. and Taiwan.
In the U.S., I am more concerned with the disparity between the education that the suburb children and the education that urban/inner-city children receive. After coming to Cal, I see it more because most people that I know on campus are from upper-middle and middle class. The quality of their education is certainly different from the quality of my education. My education has been very good among the inner-city children, but most inner-city children are not as lucky. It makes me wanting to go into the teaching profession at the high school level or middle school level because those are critical years that help in determining their future.
In Taiwan, I am concerned with the content of education. There have been some improvements, but it is still not satisfactory. Learning about a China from more than 90 years ago does nothing to a person's intellect or life. It only creates propaganda and mythical delusion of things in the past.
I am doing my part in the Berkeley community with educating people about as many issues as possible, especially issues relating to Taiwan. Berkeley Students for a Sovereign Taiwan is a grass-roots student organization that promotes awareness on Taiwan issues. I believe in the power of education and knowledge. It is extremely powerful.
