White House WHITE interns

[carpedm9587]

I tend to walk across the street when I see these guys walking toward me.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]27200[/ATTACH]

*j/k. I would probably walk over TO them to see what they say

This is NO laughing matter. This is almost as dangerous as the ripped, tattoed, skin-head with brass knuckles....

[lilpixieofterror]

It's not hard. But it does take some amount of vigilance. Even with two black children, I still catch myself, at times, with stereotypical views. We are marinated in our culture, so we are going to exhibit some of the signs of that marination.

Or another alternative is to realize that people are individuals and not Borg.

[carpedm9587]

Or another alternative is to realize that people are individuals and not Borg.

I don't recall suggesting anyone was borg...?

[Teallaura]

We've gone over this multiple times.

I know but it bugs me.

[Teallaura]

State legislatures, maybe, but states in general? It's still done by the people of that state. I don't see how it's taking power from states.

State legislatures are part of state government - having a direct say in who represents the state is in fact a power - it was also originally intended as one of the balances. Taking away that power marginalized state governments somewhat.

States have lost a lot of their original power but it's complex - a lot is due to their own inactivity but a lot is due to their unbelievable dependence on Federal payouts - hence the ever fun debate about types of grants..

Definition of "democracy":

Merriam-Webster: "a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections"

Cambridge Dictionary: "the belief in freedom and equality between people, or a system of government based on this belief, in which power is either held by elected representatives or directly by the people themselves"

Oxford Dictionary: "A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives."

Dictionary.com: "government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system."

Aside from cynical claims about how the government is controlled by special interest groups rather than the people, in what way does the United States fail to meet these definitions?

A democracy is a system of governance run directly by the people - and it's practically only possible in city-states which is where it originated. Sure, there are a lot of dictionary definitions that indicate representation but that's because dictionaries represent common usage, not systemic definition. Most of the definitions you cited are better definitions of republics than democracies. It matters because blurring the definitions makes it really tough to figure out what exactly a system is supposed to do. Since we are discussing the American constitutional system, the common definition is not correct. The American system is really a republic based on democratic principles - it's a hybrid of republics and democracies.

Here's a partial explanation from Qxford's political dictionary - I'm not paying for a subscription which is why it's partial:

democracy

[Teallaura]

I hate everybody, equally, for no good reason. Am I racist?

Only if you hate fishmen more than everybody else...

[Teallaura]

Yuo should act like it doesn't, and acknowledge that many people act like it does.

So civil rights activists are racists? Seriously, think about this one - it works in any direction. This idea seems to be 'don't be racist but understand that some are' but it also reads ' don't be racist and let us tell you whether or not you are' (largely from the over empowerment of activists if we read it in that context).

Okay, I'm going off on a tangent here - not really directed at you, your post just got me started on it:

But regardless, assuming the first interpretation, it's not working according to activists. In fact, we're (general) often told that we're racist merely because of our own skin color which has some semi-magical properties of privilege attached to it (and appallingly cruel assumptions about those without that trait that advocates don't seem to which to acknowledge). What's the point if trying not to be racist if you cannot not be racist by definition?

That matters because it does more than merely muddy the waters - it creates the resentment and frustration on both sides that we were trying to deal with in the first place. Adding fuel does not make the fire go out.

[shunyadragon]

I hate everybody, equally, for no good reason. Am I racist?

No . . . , but you may need some meds.

[shunyadragon]

So what? How does that prove anything?

Proves the obvious and confirms Trumps history toward other races and ethnic groups. Nothing short of deplorable.

[rogue06]

No . . . , but you may need some meds.

And what has the nice nurse told you about offering to share your medications?

[Roy]

So civil rights activists are racists?

No, they're acknowledging that others are racist and trying to counteract that.

Seriously, think about this one - it works in any direction. This idea seems to be 'don't be racist but understand that some are' but it also reads ' don't be racist and let us tell you whether or not you are' (largely from the over empowerment of activists if we read it in that context).

I'm not sure I understand this correctly

But regardless, assuming the first interpretation, it's not working according to activists. In fact, we're (general) often told that we're racist merely because of our own skin color which has some semi-magical properties of privilege attached to it (and appallingly cruel assumptions about those without that trait that advocates don't seem to which to acknowledge). What's the point if trying not to be racist if you cannot not be racist by definition?

As in "You're white so you're a racist"? That's an excellent indicator of unawareness.

[shunyadragon]

And what has the nice nurse told you about offering to share your medications?

I visit the nice old nurse once a week to see that she is taking here medications. Actually true story instead of your vindictive sarcasm.

[Sparko]

This is NO laughing matter. This is almost as dangerous as the ripped, tattoed, skin-head with brass knuckles....

Actually I think I am on the Mormon's "no fly list" - I had two come by my house years ago and invited them in and started sharing the real gospel with them and showing them how the BoM was wrong and Joseph Smith was a fraud. One of them called me a week later and said they were not allowed to visit me again :-(

[Teallaura]

No, they're acknowledging that others are racist and trying to counteract that.

No issue with the first part but the second doesn't follow from the quote. ye[p, being picky - don't mind me.

I'm not sure I understand this correctly

Eh, it wasn't the clearest I don't suppose but I'm not sure where exactly the problem lies. Basic point is that it can be taken different ways.

As in "You're white so you're a racist"? That's an excellent indicator of unawareness.

Explain, please.

[Roy]

Explain, please.

You're white so you're a racist" is itself a racist claim, so anyone making it is showing that (i) they are themselves racist, (ii) they haven't put much thought into it.