Do You Take Interest In Politics?

[A Link In Time]

"Politics" is a word which prompts many to flinch in the modern world. Used to describe the inner workings of the government, many shy away from seeking information about prospective candidates and participating on the basis of what they deem to ineffective regimes. It's perfectly understandable given the dilapidated state of the modern economy which shows no signs of recovery in the near future.

But politics isn't only about power and authority-who has the right to command another to act in accordance with his or her will. It's about applying the past-history-to the present day in shaping a better future. Many voters in democratic nations are indifferent towards this fact, explaining lower voter turnout. A popular saying is, "You don't appreciate what you have until it's gone". Never knowing the daily fears and struggles under totalitarian blocs, those granted liberty fail to see meaning in the choices they make. Voting becomes the brainless process of uplifting those who promise the greatest beneficial change and outing them from office some years later if they fail to keep those promises or bearing them on the same hollow throne for another go in hopes of seeing desires fulfilled.

Politics isn't a grotesque disease but a necessity to understand in the modern world. It is the medium through which citizens influence public policy first hand and pave the way for their progeny. You don't need to enjoy it but you should care or refrain from complaining after the fact if you didn't participate in elections.

What are your views on politics in general? Have meaningful choices generated in recent times? Are you indifferent towards who is elected because the modern political spectrum is superficial with alleged "conservatives" and "liberals" embodying the same ends through different means? Or is there a glimmer of hope among the darkness? Do politicians genuinely follow through on their lofty rhetoric?

 

[Koosholts]

I used to be fascinated with politics. In school, learning about it was exciting; I always had a smile on my face walking to Government class. However, once I was exposed to the flip-side of politics -- the corrupt policies and crooked people -- I immediately shied away from it. I realized debating politics is useless, as it -- usually -- gets you nowhere. People are uninterested in actually bettering the state of the country. Instead, all they care about is lying to four faces so they can win the popular vote, and then when they get to office they have no idea what they're doing. It's hopeless, so I have no interest in wasting my time with it anymore.

 

[Ventus]

I really do not care at all for politics. The way I see it is, good job for the one who is in office, but I'm not necessarily rooting for anyone. There will always be mistakes made. Some drive the country worse than others, but regardless there are mistakes. If you want to talk politics, that's fine, but don't involve me as I have absolutely no input -- the subject is just too boring, and frankly, so unconcerning to my person.

 

[Joy]

I'm not a very political person. I don't care for politics except perhaps at elections and even if i could vote I wouldn't - because IMO all the politicians end up being the same. Except for the extremes.

 

[Azure Sage]

Personally, I'm not too interested in politics. I doubt that I can really say much on this subject, but from what I've seen both the Democrat party and the Republican party are no good. Maybe I'll need to get a little farther in life to truly understand, but from where I sit right now, the current political situation doesn't look too good. Therefore, I don't really want any part in politics. Once I'm of voting age, I'll most likely vote Independent.

 

[octorok74]

Yes I take interest in politics. I have had an interest in it since the September 11th attacks. I go toe to toe with most of my professors and I win, because they are ill informed and just plain ignorant. But to answer your question, yes I take interest in politics.

 

[Gannon]

I take a huge interest in politics. I actually find it annoying when people say they don't have an interest in them or they say that they don't have any political views.

 

[Johnny Sooshi]

I think that everyone should take an interest in politics. I'm extremely interested in them. Often times I'll hear very badly made arguments against some political figure or another, and they'll often be the voices of that persons parents, and not really them. Why? Cause they don't take an interest in politics. They only repeat what they hear spoken in little snippets on the news or by their parents or other people. I think we should all take an interest in politics so we can educate ourselves.

 

[tysonrss]

I got into it at 16, and my interest declined some last year because talking about events now is depressing and what not, and it's stressful when debating politics. So now every once in awhile I check into things, I think that's something everyone needs to do, check up on things that are going on in our world from time to time.

 

[Trio the Punch]

Politics is actually one of my very few passions. It is something I take great interest in, although I feel like I haven't pursued my interest in it enough lately. I used to go on the Guardian UK every once in a while and read whatever the newest article was, but lately I've been too distracted to do so. Maybe I'll get back into that.

 

[Vanessa28]

I never was interested in our Dutch politics until 2002 when Pim Fortuyn got killed. None of our governments survived their full time since then. So I voted a lot. I'more left orientated and voted for SP (socialistische Partij) because they seem to be the only party to stand firm in their beliefs

 

[Seth]

Everyone should, politics is not a dinner table discussion but something that has a direct effect on all our lives. If all the people who moaned about how bad politicians are actually did something about it then maybe we wouldn't have that problem.

My interests to politics expands to history. I am fascinated in the beginnings of civilization and the evolution of various political systems. How it started, how it grew etc.

 

[Warbad]

Who wouldn't be interested in politics?? This is what changes your way of doing things (such as paying taxes, school supplies, and even home financials) Even the politics of other countries over the world can affect each other. Take Africa for example. The politics over there are mad at the US. They might attack our country. Politics on a single counry can affect the whole aspect of the world. Politics is a topic we should all talk about.
Totally agree with Seth.

 

[Sir Quaffler]

I think that it is extremely important for people to be involved at some level in politics, if only to find out more about why they believe what they believe. For instance, while I started out Republican and am still technically registered as such, I have found my views to line up much more with the Libertarian party. This is because, while I am still a wholehearted believer in the federal government handling international matters and matters of the highest caliber in our nation, they really should just stay out of the vast majority of our businesses. Also (and correct me if I'm wrong) they are wholly for separation of church and state, on both ends. I believe that religion should have no bearing in government, just as the government has no right to interfere with religious proceedings. They are two totally independent and separate realms that should have absolutely nothing to do with one another.

So yes, get involved to help define your own beliefs.

But as far as who gets elected and the smaller details, I really don't give a crap. I have no interest in (almost) any of the people in office because, even though they all badger us with what they plan to do once in office, all they care about is gaining money and power & keeping it that way. (I say almost, because Ron Paul is the only politician I can honestly say I fully agree with, and unlike everybody else he stands by his beliefs and doesn't back down to peer pressure or abuse his power for selfish wants.) I used to vote for what I deemed the lesser evil (Republicans) but I can't in good conscious do that anymore. If I don't agree with any of the candidates running I'm not going to vote for them. I'm sick of it. I voted for McCain but he was almost the same in practice as Obama. And I don't like Romney either. So even though I'm voting for the major issues this coming November, I'm not casting a vote for presidency this time around. I'm not gonna complain about the future president and what he does because frankly my dear I don't give a damn.

It almost seems as though the people who would actually be best at handling government stand the least chance of actually being elected. Anybody who could actually make a positive difference in our nation is immediately shot down, as what happened with Ron Paul.

 

[SinkingBadges]

Sure. I'm not really one who'd fully side with a party like some people I know seem to do, but I do take interest in knowing their basics and what the gears and cogs are. I've been called "undecided guy" by a lot of people because of that, since voting is taken dead serious over here. Dunno, maybe I am.

Though, I'd say I'm probably more intersted in general philosophy than in politics. Not sure why, but for some reason, I find my overall views to fit like square peg on my idea of "politics".