[ghostrider]

So, given that we tend to agree the US is a great place to live, which of the following do you think is the most important component that drives our success? If you don't think we are "successful" or the US is a great place to live, don't bother posting.

1. Democracy
2. Constitution
3. Bill of Rights

The more I look at current events, the more I think it is the third, specifically, the 1st amendment. Thoughts?

 

[Silver]

2 and 3 are kinda the same, aren't they? 3 being a subset of 2?

 

[Changleen]

The 1st Am. is great, but you'd better watch out, it seems to be slipping through your fingers every day...

Patriot Act
Broadcast Indecency Act
Dept. of Homeland Security
Monitored Internet Access
Detention without charges

etc. etc. etc.

 

[RhinofromWA]

Originally posted by Changleen
The 1st Am. is great, but you'd better watch out, it seems to be slipping through your fingers every day...

Patriot Act
Broadcast Indecency Act
Dept. of Homeland Security
Monitored Internet Access
Detention without charges

etc. etc. etc.

Can't yell "FIRE" in a crowded movie theater.....what is the world coming to?

 

[Ducman]

Originally posted by Changleen
The 1st Am. is great, but you'd better watch out, it seems to be slipping through your fingers every day...

Its not the only Amend. that is trampled on.

I like #2 & #3 whats left of them

 

[MMike]

The deep fryers

 

[ALEXIS_DH]

Originally posted by ghostrider
So, given that we tend to agree the US is a great place to live, which of the following do you think is the most important component that drives our success? If you don't think we are "successful" or the US is a great place to live, don't bother posting.

1. Democracy
2. Constitution
3. Bill of Rights

The more I look at current events, the more I think it is the third, specifically, the 1st amendment. Thoughts?

4. protectionist tariffs, external debt collection and some subsidies.
and also probably the bill of rights. the US constitutions is kinda outdated now. democracy, hmm, this is not a truly democracy i think. too little people actually vote.

 

[ALEXIS_DH]

oh yeah, McDonalds and DisneyLand too.

 

[laura]

uh, ridemonkey of course.

 

[ghostrider]

Originally posted by Silver
2 and 3 are kinda the same, aren't they? 3 being a subset of 2?

I figured some smart ass out there would try to call out a technicality rather than just answer the question. And, no, not in the context of the question, the Constitution being original framework of the government, the 10 amendments equating to the Bill of Rights.

 

[Silver]

Originally posted by ghostrider
I figured some smart ass out there would try to call out a technicality rather than just answer the question. And, no, not in the context of the question, the Constitution being original framework of the government, the 10 amendments equating to the Bill of Rights.

Just looking for some clarity, that's all. Did you think that the smartass was going to be the first reply, or later on?

Having said that, I'll go with the Bill of Rights. When people talk about American style democracy and freedoms, I think they are talking about the principles enshrined in the bill of rights (specifically the 1st amendment) more so than the procedural stuff in the constitution.

So actually, if I can introduce a 4, it would be the First Amendment, and that would be my vote.

 

[Jr_Bullit]

I tend to think we're successful because we have all three...and at least in the initial structure of the government, the balance of power would be a fourth leg to our comfy chair. I dunno...I like the knowledge and think we are successful for two reasons: 1) Anyone, with enough work and effort can affect change within our society and improve or hinder our quality of life as a result of their efforts and 2) that with enough work and effort you can social classes are not something born to or even necessarily inherited, that it can be a fluid system with people constantly moving up and down the social ladder.

But then again...I'm always a supporter of those who're willing to put forth the work necessary and not rely upon others to provide them with their life and liberty.

 

[$tinkle]

hard to answer, as this might be a question like "which came first, chicken or the egg".

you could argue that 2 & 3 are necessary components of 1 & vice versa.

i'll take 'em all w/ equal weights. This is assuming you mean representative democracy.