General Discussion

quakerboy

(13,914 posts)

170. Explain exactly, in simple words and phrases

Thu Jul 18, 2013, 01:35 PM

Jul 2013

What I could have done to "force" the president to "do it". Please. Clearly I am too inept to figure it out, because I thought Voting, protesting, letter writing, donating, protesting some more, raising awareness in others, etc was, as a private citizen all the power I have in our current system to try and nudge a president in one direction or another. And those efforts on the parts of millions, have been fully and completely ignored. Not even denied, ignored.

So, break it down. Exactly how does one "force" a president to do something, other than being very wealthy and able to buy his attention.

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Jimmy Carter issues statement on Snowden. "America no longer has a functioning democracy" [View all] Catherina Jul 2013 OP

Thank You For Sharing - Kick And Recomnend cantbeserious Jul 2013 #1

Thanks but all thanks go to President Carter who's not afraid to tell the truth Catherina Jul 2013 #3

"... No American media outlets reported on the event and it was not clear where Die Spiegel struggle4progress Jul 2013 #231

This is a rehash ProSense Jul 2013 #2

In other words: ljm2002 Jul 2013 #4

From the OP: ProSense Jul 2013 #24

From the OP: ljm2002 Jul 2013 #33

The headline is deceptive. Blanks Jul 2013 #119

Of course it is. Bobbie Jo Jul 2013 #122

No fair, your using complete quotes. You are supposed to truncate it by replacing the "," after NorthCarolina Jul 2013 #138

"he 'violated the laws of America, for which he’s responsible'" OnyxCollie Jul 2013 #39

I ProSense Jul 2013 #58

I don't care if Snowden violated the law. Maedhros Jul 2013 #94

President Carter thinks he violated the law, Progressive dog Jul 2013 #123

No, the OP thinks that President Carter believes the information leaked by Snowden Maedhros Jul 2013 #147

Partial truths are not truth. nt Progressive dog Jul 2013 #148

Those are Carter's own words. Maedhros Jul 2013 #152

You don't understyand what partial means, obviously Progressive dog Jul 2013 #169

I'm not following you. Maedhros Jul 2013 #171

The OP doesn't say it, it has to be Progressive dog Jul 2013 #173

You are splitting some really, really tiny hairs. Maedhros Jul 2013 #178

How come since Carter spoke in English, der Spiegel only reported in German Progressive dog Jul 2013 #179

because they are a German magazine muriel_volestrangler Jul 2013 #181

Okay nt Progressive dog Jul 2013 #183

I don't know why Der Spiegel didn't publish this in their English version. Maedhros Jul 2013 #184

So they translated one way and we translate back to English nt Progressive dog Jul 2013 #187

How come since Carter spoke in English, der Spiegel only reported in German ????? bvar22 Jul 2013 #229

No you can't, it's not as if there is no news in English Progressive dog Jul 2013 #232

At this point, dude, bvar22 Jul 2013 #233

I am an American and I think that things said in English Progressive dog Jul 2013 #234

Dear Progressive dog, there is a world outside of US borders. Really. :( idwiyo Jul 2013 #238

American president speaks in America in English Progressive dog Jul 2013 #240

You are complaining that GERMAN magazine doesn't cater primarily to English-only speaking public... idwiyo Jul 2013 #241

No I'm not, I'm complaing about the OP Progressive dog Jul 2013 #242

oh... No foreign language sourses should be allowed because this is American website? idwiyo Jul 2013 #243

Jimmy Carter spoke English in the speech Progressive dog Jul 2013 #244

You got all pissy with OP because American press didn't bother to provide a report and because idwiyo Jul 2013 #245

I made the mistake of assuming that an Atlanta event wasn't foreign Progressive dog Jul 2013 #246

Would you like some contact links to American mainstream News agencies so you can ask them why they idwiyo Jul 2013 #249

No Progressive dog Jul 2013 #250

Wow... xocet Jul 2013 #251

Wow is right nt Progressive dog Jul 2013 #252

Yes, totally delusional and incoherent. NealK Jul 2013 #256

Explain exactly, in simple words and phrases quakerboy Jul 2013 #170

word G_j Jul 2013 #247

Or the banks that also violated laws? Did Obama hold them responsible? JDPriestly Jul 2013 #76

Great point! Banksters are above the law, no investigations needed. Snowden guilty evil traitor. Civilization2 Jul 2013 #124

Also, how about Clapper? Broward Jul 2013 #162

And Clapper lying to Congress is impeachable offense - which should mean that truedelphi Jul 2013 #196

We had to look forward. Enthusiast Jul 2013 #100

And by that logic, forget about ever participating in civil disobedience, ProSense... MrMickeysMom Jul 2013 #56

Yes. Clean your glasses off, ProSense. Enthusiast Jul 2013 #101

Thanks for your logic and also truedelphi Jul 2013 #197

If that quote is taken out of the context of the entire article, JDPriestly Jul 2013 #75

Results of your Jury bahrbearian Jul 2013 #126

That post was ALERTED on? Such nasty desperation to shut down debate! chimpymustgo Jul 2013 #130

Its all about Popularity. bahrbearian Jul 2013 #132

^^^this^^^ ...and it makes a joke out of the jury system. L0oniX Jul 2013 #141

three mins again! uncanny! nt galileoreloaded Jul 2013 #5

lol ctsnowman Jul 2013 #127

Give it up. Mojorabbit Jul 2013 #6

LOL. You have 200 Snowden smear threads that are all the same. DesMoinesDem Jul 2013 #12

^^^this^^^ L0oniX Jul 2013 #142

+1 idwiyo Jul 2013 #216

Did you intend to include a period? burnodo Jul 2013 #23

And guess what, ProSense Jul 2013 #29

Why is it you only care about Snowden? burnodo Jul 2013 #31

ProSense doesn't really care about Snowden. Maedhros Jul 2013 #96

Results of your alert Kolesar Jul 2013 #120

+10000 Katashi_itto Jul 2013 #121

^^^this^^^ L0oniX Jul 2013 #143

+1000 Fantastic Anarchist Jul 2013 #165

K&R! idwiyo Jul 2013 #217

-1 darkangel218 Jul 2013 #26

It's not all a rehash. President Carter also made new remarks on Tuesday at the Atlantic Bridge. deurbano Jul 2013 #27

Yeah, let's ProSense Jul 2013 #32

Yeah, let's ljm2002 Jul 2013 #34

"If another country wants to give haven to Snowden, 'then that is their right as a sovereign nation" ProSense Jul 2013 #37

"If is up to Russia, where he's currently stuck." ... ??? ljm2002 Jul 2013 #40

Oops I meant ProSense Jul 2013 #44

And your point is? ljm2002 Jul 2013 #48

LOL! ProSense Jul 2013 #50

Well that's what I was asking... ljm2002 Jul 2013 #57

lol, oh, the irony. You are worried about someone highlighting ONLY part of a quote?? sabrina 1 Jul 2013 #61

And this isn't the first time I've pointed out Carter's comments that precede that selected quote. deurbano Jul 2013 #66

Be careful... awoke_in_2003 Jul 2013 #85

YOU be careful! ConcernedCanuk Jul 2013 #111

PLUS A BRAZILLION! nt Enthusiast Jul 2013 #103

+1 and ...Oh ...kinda like a Fox news journalist? L0oniX Jul 2013 #144

Cutting and pasting is hard work N_E_1 for Tennis Jul 2013 #164

This message was self-deleted by its author N_E_1 for Tennis Jul 2013 #166

Really???!!! Phlem Jul 2013 #45

Good point! That's a really annoying thing. NuclearDem Jul 2013 #87

I guess people are less interested in your 1000th deceitful Snowden hate thread than this one. Marr Jul 2013 #220

"But" .... once again, you put a PERIOD where President Carter puts a COMMA. Pholus Jul 2013 #226

In making secrecy paramount Boothie Jul 2013 #7

Welcome to DU Boothie RobertEarl Jul 2013 #18

They wouldn't be making that claim under a republican administration. SammyWinstonJack Jul 2013 #137

I wouldn't give them too much credence or time. rwsanders Jul 2013 #192

Double welcome! Catherina Jul 2013 #36

Another welcome to DU. Cleita Jul 2013 #49

That is exactly correct! nt Enthusiast Jul 2013 #104

Welcome to DU, Boothie! calimary Jul 2013 #158

Welcome Boothie! N_E_1 for Tennis Jul 2013 #167

Welcome. woo me with science Jul 2013 #236

Obviously Jimmy Carter is the new Ralph Nader. N.T. Warren Stupidity Jul 2013 #8

I guess someone's going to say he's not a good Democrat, next. leveymg Jul 2013 #14

I guess you are sarcasm impaired. Seek help. Warren Stupidity Jul 2013 #15

Sorry, had to clean my glasses. Didn't see the snark until it was too late. . . and then I wasted leveymg Jul 2013 #19

Why does that little guy look like Karl Rove? chervilant Jul 2013 #106

Even better - that is 'The Banker' muriel_volestrangler Jul 2013 #114

knr Douglas Carpenter Jul 2013 #9

Yeah, and Carter thinks the Zimmerman verdict was right. SunSeeker Jul 2013 #10

Must be them damn liberals trying to hold the Republican NSA accountable. Next rhett o rick Jul 2013 #42

It ain't in trouble. DeSwiss Jul 2013 #77

It was gone a long time ago. The Democracy they teach in grade school is a fairy tale. harun Jul 2013 #136

Exactly. n/t DeSwiss Jul 2013 #174

Another thing, ProSense Jul 2013 #11

That makes way more sense. Those are the reasons our democracy is in trouble, not the NSA. nt SunSeeker Jul 2013 #20

Those and the NSA caseymoz Jul 2013 #51

Actually, Carter said that the NSA program is endangering the credibility or trustworthiness JDPriestly Jul 2013 #78

The "democracy comment" was on Tuesday; this speech was on Wednesday. deurbano Jul 2013 #28

FWIW, Obama made at least one very similar comment cprise Jul 2013 #35

If accurately quoted burnodo Jul 2013 #47

& The Snowbots put their fingers in their ears and say "la la la, can't hear you"... eom Kolesar Jul 2013 #102

Tues: Atlantik-Brücke; Wed: OCSE forum on the US November elections muriel_volestrangler Jul 2013 #117

Thanks for posting the link to the organization. xocet Jul 2013 #139

It also makes sense that Der Spiegel might notice it when US media didn't muriel_volestrangler Jul 2013 #149

Indeed. xocet Jul 2013 #160

"America no longer has a functioning democracy," marions ghost Jul 2013 #13

Get ye to the Greatest Page. woo me with science Jul 2013 #16

This message was self-deleted by its author roamer65 Jul 2013 #207

For those who claim it's always been like this, here's testimony that it hasn't. leveymg Jul 2013 #17

I am sure some will want to argue with President Carter, maybe send him some horrible blue links Catherina Jul 2013 #22

Will he be called a narcissist desperately trying to stay relevant? nt Bonobo Jul 2013 #25

Or a racist who's mad about his pony and deliberately timed his statement to hurt President Obama Catherina Jul 2013 #30

Thank you. snot Jul 2013 #21

K&R rosesaylavee Jul 2013 #38

Even Carter says Snowden should be in jail right now. railsback Jul 2013 #41

Thats not all he said. darkangel218 Jul 2013 #43

No, I'm not the one making him say what he's not. railsback Jul 2013 #72

It's helpful to read the articles at the links before commenting. JDPriestly Jul 2013 #79

When did President Carter say Snowden should be in jail? deurbano Jul 2013 #67

Trying to mix oil and water railsback Jul 2013 #70

We give amnesty to all kinds of people who claim to be political refugees. JDPriestly Jul 2013 #80

But he doesn't say Snowden gets safe passage, does he? railsback Jul 2013 #83

cyclops delrem Jul 2013 #88

No, actually, he didn't. No one who respects the rule of law WOULD say such a thing until sabrina 1 Jul 2013 #68

He said he obviously violated U.S. laws railsback Jul 2013 #69

Carter clearly states that the violation of laws is not the end of the story JDPriestly Jul 2013 #82

Interpretation is right. railsback Jul 2013 #84

There is a video on DU of Sensenbrenner's questioning of an administraton spokesman JDPriestly Jul 2013 #97

If it was illegal railsback Jul 2013 #107

"He said he obviously violated U.S. laws" vs "Even Carter says Snowden should be in jail right now" deurbano Jul 2013 #89

For one railsback Jul 2013 #91

I harbor no illusion that President Obama will pardon Snowden... deurbano Jul 2013 #98

No, if you tried really hard, you might understand that someone who understands 'innocent sabrina 1 Jul 2013 #176

Violating laws, as Carter says, is pretty cut and dry railsback Jul 2013 #188

You were wrong, period. Seems hard for you to admit. Carter did not say he belonged in jail sabrina 1 Jul 2013 #189

I suppose you can interpret life any way you like to fit the meme railsback Jul 2013 #193

Interpret? It was you who 'interpreted', (incorrectly) Carter's words. There was no need for ME sabrina 1 Jul 2013 #213

Like I said, nothing but interpretation, railsback Jul 2013 #224

Another misinterpretation on your part. The comparison was not between Snowden and the FFs sabrina 1 Jul 2013 #225

"I suppose if I squinted my eyes really hard and double crossed my fingers, I could see it your way" NealK Jul 2013 #257

Dick Cheney should be in jail right now. Pholus Jul 2013 #227

I agree railsback Jul 2013 #228

Seems just like there are two versions of the law these days.... Pholus Jul 2013 #230

I fucking LOVE Jimmy Carter. cliffordu Jul 2013 #46

This man should run for his second term. nt silvershadow Jul 2013 #52

I'd vote for him. Gladly n/t Catherina Jul 2013 #53

So would I...in a heartbeat. nt silvershadow Jul 2013 #55

Quick! Throw Carter under the bus, too! truth2power Jul 2013 #54

What dirt can we dig up on him?! backscatter712 Jul 2013 #60

I think at one time Jimmy Carter was addicted ConcernedCanuk Jul 2013 #116

Catherina, who did the translation of the Der Spiegel article? Has that HardTimes99 Jul 2013 #59

Hi HardTimes! Catherina Jul 2013 #86

The following translation is correct... defacto7 Jul 2013 #95

I almost went with ""America does not have a functioning democracy at this point in time" Catherina Jul 2013 #204

Here is a question regarding the translation if you have the time... xocet Jul 2013 #153

My head spins lol Catherina Jul 2013 #200

Thank you for your commentary. xocet Jul 2013 #208

Temmer is a German poster here Catherina Jul 2013 #218

That is really cool. xocet Jul 2013 #219

I wish the US would too Catherina Jul 2013 #221

There were a lot of students from another US university in Stuttgart. xocet Jul 2013 #223

I like all sorts Catherina Jul 2013 #248

It is interesting that you bring up dynamical systems.... xocet Jul 2013 #254

Catherina, all the English language souces I've seen point back to the HardTimes99 Jul 2013 #195

No I haven't. Der Spiegel is the only original source Catherina Jul 2013 #201

The translation seems to be fine. xocet Jul 2013 #92

Carter said something in English, which the reporters at HardTimes99 Jul 2013 #194

I, too, would love to see a transcript of President Carter's original remarks, but... xocet Jul 2013 #211

Jimmy! AzDar Jul 2013 #62

We're gonna need a bigger bus! westerebus Jul 2013 #63

knr Douglas Carpenter Jul 2013 #64

There you go.... ReRe Jul 2013 #65

In the Der Spiegel article, Carter also stated JDPriestly Jul 2013 #71

Nothing like hearing it from someone intelligent and Wise. nt adirondacker Jul 2013 #73

You can ALWAYS depend upon Jimmy Carter to tell the truth. DeSwiss Jul 2013 #74

"He’s obviously violated the laws of America, for which he’s responsible" railsback Jul 2013 #81

"Cherry picking" would be using those selective quotes and leaving out the context. deurbano Jul 2013 #90

Not once does he call Snowden a 'whistleblower'. railsback Jul 2013 #93

He also doesn't call Snowden a traitor. deurbano Jul 2013 #99

Kicked and Recommended! nt Enthusiast Jul 2013 #105

Keeping this kicked, too... MrMickeysMom Jul 2013 #108

If more prominent individuals worldwide chervilant Jul 2013 #109

WRONG!!!! WovenGems Jul 2013 #110

I always thought: "It can't happen here." Turbineguy Jul 2013 #112

k&r for James Earl Carter, Jr. n/t Laelth Jul 2013 #113

Carter will never be ass kissed at the obama's whitehouse now Ichingcarpenter Jul 2013 #115

I think we knew that early on Oilwellian Jul 2013 #131

Notice Both Bushie's surround him Ichingcarpenter Jul 2013 #134

I've always noticed in these photos Lifelong Protester Jul 2013 #145

If he ran again, he'd win. Precsely for that reason Catherina Jul 2013 #157

Very interesting photograph. roamer65 Jul 2013 #205

But Obama looks so uhm presidential. Where's Bo? L0oniX Jul 2013 #140

Picture worth a thousand words, TheJames Jul 2013 #155

K&R Le Taz Hot Jul 2013 #118

If he thought he was a "non-person" before........ Smarmie Doofus Jul 2013 #125

K & R !!! WillyT Jul 2013 #128

du rec. xchrom Jul 2013 #129

this heaven05 Jul 2013 #133

Program Note: Todays 'Two Minutes Hate', will feature Jimmy Carter markiv Jul 2013 #135

Carter has given missives in the last couple of weeks that have the devotees of this guy... Safetykitten Jul 2013 #146

K & R - You beat me to it Catherina. LOL. 99th_Monkey Jul 2013 #150

Where did you see it? Catherina Jul 2013 #156

Sorry but I don't remember 99th_Monkey Jul 2013 #163

K&R, good to see Pres. Carter's support quinnox Jul 2013 #151

We haven't had a functioning democracy since November 2000. roamer65 Jul 2013 #154

Sad but true. Kudos to President Carter for speaking the truth. polichick Jul 2013 #159

Jimmy is right. Conium Jul 2013 #161

Run, Jimmy....RUN! roamer65 Jul 2013 #206

President Carter sets the bar high for other former Presidents. another_liberal Jul 2013 #168

Thanks, Catherina. Have posted on Facebook!! n/t Duval Jul 2013 #172

At least we have a functioning President. nt AllINeedIsCoffee Jul 2013 #175

Carter is the best president of my lifetime blackspade Jul 2013 #177

No matter who sings the song. Savannahmann Jul 2013 #180

Hell, I was already saying that after Citizens United... Blue_Tires Jul 2013 #182

Jimmy Carter is very credible. kentuck Jul 2013 #185

Kick and Rec for Carter and Catherina. Good reads. nt PufPuf23 Jul 2013 #186

Thank you PRESIDENT Carter. I have and always will love him. nt live love laugh Jul 2013 #190

President Carter is 100% correct. HooptieWagon Jul 2013 #191

I voted for Carter, against the gipper and GHWB, for Clinton, against junior, and for indepat Jul 2013 #198

"I'm with Carter on this one and am confident he would not speak out against a Democratic deurbano Jul 2013 #203

K&R It's true we no longer have a functioning democracy. We have a plutarchy. nt Zorra Jul 2013 #199

+1 woo me with science Jul 2013 #237

seems like a lot of people agree, our democracy is kind of messed up. nt limpyhobbler Jul 2013 #202

I am now a Carter Center donor. roamer65 Jul 2013 #209

The NYTimes editorial doesn't mention Snowden. Sparkly Jul 2013 #210

K&R n/t myrna minx Jul 2013 #212

If you haven't seen it, watch his July 15, 1979 address. roamer65 Jul 2013 #214

K&R idwiyo Jul 2013 #215

He is correct nadinbrzezinski Jul 2013 #222

He stands apart from all recent Presidents. American democracy and the Constitution woo me with science Jul 2013 #235

Notice how the monkey W has to put himself front and center. roamer65 Jul 2013 #239

In every picture too. I have yet to see a picture of them not pushing Carter to the side Catherina Jul 2013 #255

Jimmy's right tabasco Jul 2013 #253