ATS.MIX: Above Politics Show 05

ATS MIX:

Above Politics Show 05

The AP boys, Martin and Justin, talk about the sudden re-appearance of Ralph Nader on the U.S. political scene. Has Ralph been brought in like a mercenary to take down Barack Obama? ATS Member Tuning Spork wins the trivia challenge. ATS Member Xpert11 asks a question about the potential for independent oversight of U.S. elections that pits Martin and Justin against each other. Justin actually has good things to say about sleazy special interest groups. Martin denies the existence of an underground Royal delivery system, and much more!



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length: 39:53
file: atsmix_2840.mp3
size: 18697k
feed: atsmix


[edit on 2/28/2008 by Dave Rabbit]

Holy cow! Five shows? Wow. Time flies when you're having fun. Keep that feeback coming. If you've got questions, we've got answers! Some of them might even be the right asnwers...

[edit on 28-2-2008 by Justin_Case]

Answer to trivia question.

Tony Blair
John Major
Margaret Thatcher

Thanks to Martian and Justin for all taking the time to answer my question.

[edit on 28-2-2008 by xpert11]

Thank YOU!

THE ABOVE POLITICS SHOW doesn't work unless you guys support it. Your support means we have a chance to build something new that isn't being heard elsewhere. Any knucklehead with a microphone can put out partisan talking points. Martin and I want to deny ignorance by actually telling you what we think. The other guys don't bother to es-plain themselves very much.

Wanna take issue with us? Grab that keyboard, but think before you type! If you change our minds, Martin and I will be honest enough to say so. Try getting THAT from the other guys...

I forgot to state in my last post that Nader may resent Obama on a personal level. Nader has made what two or three bids for the presidency and is known for splitting the left wing vote in 2000 giving Bush the election .

Now Obama a Johnny come lately with a near blank CV stands a good chance at being elected should he trump over Hillary .

"...the system seems to be working in the U.S..."

LOL!!!

--Luv ya, Marvin

P.S.: Bless Prince Harry. There's a man who knows his place.

I must say that I am sceptical of the notion that the current system is working in the US but hey Americans are in better position to judge there country then I am. One thing that concerns me about the possibility of NZ becoming a Republic one day is that we wont have the Governor General to make appointments .

Come to think of it the following question needs to be asked .

Just exactly what Special Interest group highlighted the voting irregularities that were discussed in AP Show 04 ?

Originally posted by xpert11
Just exactly what Special Interest group highlighted the voting irregularities that were discussed in AP Show 04?

A quick Google of the topic reveals many special interest group reports like this one.

reply to post by xpert11


I must ask harder questions in future. You are right so will get the big prize credited soon.

And thanks for asking the question. It great to have feedback.

reply to post by Tuning Spork


Me thinks you might be talking my comment a little out of context



While the US system is not prefect, there are plenty of countries around the world who would like to have a election system that is as open and transparent as that in the US. Of course, any election system is open to abuse from those determined to get the result they want but I think in "general terms" the US system is working.

reply to post by xpert11


The question of NZ becoming a republic is one that other countries in the Commomwealth are asking as well.

I am interested, xpert11, why you see this as an issue.

Well I don't necessary oppose NZ becoming a Republic I want the likes of the body's that deal with our elections to remain independent and I don't want the appointment of judges to become a purely partisan issue like it is in the US .

A lot depends on the model that is adapted for example I would want the people to elect the president NZ rather then having the NZ parliament select him or her.

While the Governor General is a sort of figure head there is always the possibility that a bill may not be assented into the law and so on . If MMP fails us having the Queen as head of state may just save us. To my Knowledge we haven't had Governor General who stepped into the limelight . But across the Tasman there was the infamous sacking of the Whitlam Government.

reply to post by xpert11


I would agree that the NZ people should elect any president if the country goes to be come a republic, and NZ could still be a member of the Commonwealth no matter what.

You quite rightly mention that the Governor General has never operated in the limelight but just how much happens behind closed doors. I can not believe that a bill that would not be assented in to law would be allowed to get that far.

Great show!

This show was brought to my attention in my thread you mentioned.
I have tried to listen to a podcast a while ago and had issues so didn't bother trying to listen again. Well, finally sorted it, downloaded it and listened.

Off now to listen to the one on reincarnation

cheers
Ms Thurisaz

Martin and I lurk EVERYWHERE. We may not post in your thread, but we might talk about it on the show.

You guys know where to find us. Post in the show threads (like this one), or reach us by u2u. Got a fun fact you want to share? Got a hot topic you want us to know about? Speak up!

Originally posted by Martin Bain
I can not believe that a bill that would not be assented in to law would be allowed to get that far.

While your logic is sound I am referring to a worst case scenario . Mussolini was sacked by the king of Italy . Hirohito exact role and powers are still debated today but he did play a part in making the Japanese government admit defeat. So that is the context of my point of view.

I don't expect this sort of thinking to come into play any time soon. It probably isnt a very good one but having the Queen as the head of state is a sort of insurance policy. I don't see how NZ can become a Republic and still be a part of the Commonwealth or retain the Queen as the head of state . Such a change would seem to be pointless anyway .

[edit on 1-3-2008 by xpert11]

[edit on 1-3-2008 by xpert11]

reply to post by xpert11


I am not sure you can cite Japan as the best example. Hirohito until the surrender was regarded as a living god. I think with Hirohito the interesting point is who advised him or ensured he saw the military reports that showed how bad things were for the empire.

There are members of the Commomwealth who do not have The Queen as head of state. India and Keyna are just 2 examples, so if NZ decides to become a republic, that does not mean the end of being a member of the Commonwealth.

I have a question. What are the benefits to being a member nation of the Commnwealth?

reply to post by Martin Bain


Good point about Hirohito I will leave that matter for another thread.
:Slaps face : Thanks for clearing up the matter about the Queen not being the head of state it never occurred to me that India who declared independence in 1947 would not have the queen as head of of state.

NZ becoming a Republic isnt one of my main concerns at this time . I am more concerned about our health system being burden down by elected burocrates(SP?) and the governments half baked defence policy's that look set to remain with any change of government. I'm really just running with my thoughts here .

reply to post by Justin_Case


Hmm on the surface not a whole lot . But the commonwealth does offer a diplomatic rout to its member nations which can include the likes aid to the poorer nations and trade. The Commonwealth must be more then an old gentlemen's club because Israel has shown an interest in joining.



[edit on 2-3-2008 by xpert11]

Originally posted by xpert11
The Commonwealth must be more then an old gentlemen's club because Israel has shown an interest in joining.

As a non-Brit, I'd be a little suspicious of that Israeli motive to join The Commonwealth. Israel is shopping for allies just now because they have a bad feeling about what's in their future. Hook that Commonwealth, and you might get the rest of NATO, if the spit hits the fan.