Question on Trump

[chuckChuck]

The USA has a fundamentally flawed electoral system in which access to big money is the key to winning. It is not very democratic to let the most powerful individuals and corporations have so much influence. Big money runs America and its' politics

Why people think that a billionaire such as trump will represent the interests of middle or lower class Americans is beyond me? The USA is a divided country racially, politically and economically. There is tremendous inequality which leads to an economy and a society which is in trouble.

Trump wants to erect walls of protectionism to bring back or save American jobs which is the opposite of free markets. When did all those Americans who believe in free markets suddenly become willing to let their government get in the way of free markets. Isn't capital supposed to flow to where it is most efficient?

Many Americans are in trouble. Low wages, disapearing jobs, huge public debt. The quality of life for many Americans is much lower than in many other developed countries.

Trump has simple ideas that appeal to people who want easy solutions to very complex problems. Trump is making alot of things up as he goes. He doesn't seem to care what he says. It is pretty obvious he doesn't think before he speaks and doesn't listen to advisors. This is a recipe for a disaster in the White House.

Trump is all ego and no substance. He once said he knows more about ISIS than all the Generals? What a joke. This is why so may Republicans have openly said they can't support him.

[Hamloc]

Chuck2, all American presidents are wealthy and have no idea about the plight of the poor. Hillary Clinton has been part of American politics over 30 years, she helped create the large debt, the large difference between rich and poor, the disappearing jobs. What makes anybody think as President she will change anything. She has been bought and payed for by big money for years. In the US big business buys favours, in Canada we vote for parties that will give us the most. Both systems create large debts and higher taxes. And if anybody thinks Justin Trudeau understands what it is like to be poor you are dreaming. All image no substance!

[fjlip]

The US president has to have the support of the Houses of Congress, or zip gets done. It has always been a political Theater, games and deals. He can ask to declare war, propose all manner of regulations, then wait for Congress...as I understand it. He does NOT write laws.
Our prime ministers have MORE power, directing how majority gov votes, making laws.

[chuckChuck]

Obama tried to come up with a plan to to provide health insurance for the uninsured, mostly poorer Americans. I am not sure how effective it has been, but Republicans saw it as big government and socialism. Contrast that to Canada's experience with health care which is a lot fairer system, with lower costs. We are better off because of it.

Hamloc you have identified that many people vote for their own perceived or real self interest. Farmers are no different. American and Canadian farmers often support subsidy programs that benefit them but often benefit larger wealthier farmers more, while at the same time asking for lower taxes.

No doubt we are living beyond our means. Individuals are often no different than governments. Over spending, high debt, low savings. The federal government spends alot on income programs for seniors. Without that social spending many seniors would be in serious trouble. The provincial governments spend alot on health care especially for seniors. Where would you suggest we cut any of these programs?

[Hamloc]

Chuck2 I would raise the age for OAS initially to 68 as our life expectancy improves maybe 70. Means testing possibly for certain seniors programs. Having said that what about Trudeau's new child benefit program or all the money he is spending outside of Canada that does nothing to help Canadian poor or create jobs.