An "Earth" Government?

[gela]

Why do people keep thinking this is a democracy? When was the last time our president was elected by a direct poular vote? Never! We are a republic much like rome was before ceaser. We don't have majority rule, we have represented rule, as in a congress we elected to represent us makes the rules. Screw electing the president, more importantly, whens the last time anyone got a chance to vote for or against a law, or even suggest a law that wa at least considered?

Who are the politians looking out for?
Themselves.
How do they get re-elected?
Please the majority.

I assume it would be a democrasy because most western countries are democrasies, and the western countries are the most powerful.

[Compugasm]

Quote by: weasel Optimistic science fiction films, like the Star Trek movies, depict Earth as a unified, political entity: there's one government that takes care of the whole planet. My question to you is is this something attainable or even worth obtaining in the near future?

Oh boy, I feel like a total dweeb for knowing this; but the economy of "The Federation" worked differently in The Original Series and The Next Generation. While Ferengi traders and various others outside the Federation still retain property rights, the Federation seems to have eliminated them.

Case in point, Scotty bought a boat in the 6th Star Trek movie. But, in the Next Generation, Picard mentions humans do not have the desire to accumulate wealth and property (aside from keepsakes). Picard says their motivation is to "better themselves and help humanity" and therefore money offers them no incentive.

In the Federation, all starships look the same, and feel the same. They have the same colour scheme. The same interface... Civilian transports are mentioned, but no-one owns their own personal transport vehical. How did they arrive at the decision to wear those uniforms, and who was awarded the contract to make that clothing... Haliburton? Why did they eliminate the mini-skirts!!!

In real life, give people freedom and they'll abuse it. Give the government more power and it will abuse it. But billions of people live quiet, spartan, communist lifestyles on Star Trek. They never covet wealth, they never go ripping through space in a personal vehicle, they never expect compensation for their achievements, they never challenge the government with rebellious propaganda, they never push the envelope by producing offensive art... They never do anything to test the limits of their freedom. Not only does this sound communistic, but how did they manage to erradicate all these desires? Some kind of sophisticated government brainwashing? Damn commies.

[weasel]

If a global government managed bring that level of security and contentment, will anyone really care if the state is communist or not?

[Milton Bradley]

Quote by: weasel If a global government managed bring that level of security and contentment, will anyone really care if the state is communist or not?

I care.


Coerced communism is coercion just the same.


How can some people rationalize that it is alright for governments to act in a manor in which we would never let an individual act?

[simple simon]

Quote by: GPIRS88 So your pro 1 world with no democracy (whatever thats your opinion)

you asked what if Chavez were to run for president .... i merely tried to point out that it may not be a democracy .. not that it couldnt be ..... sorry if it didnt come across that way

i really dont think it would happen at all unless there was a massive disaster

[Compugasm]

Quote by: weasel If a global government managed bring that level of security and contentment, will anyone really care if the state is communist or not?

Something else to consider, in Star Trek, the military is of the highest importance and respect in their society. Example, Captains Kirk, Picard, and Janeway, are well known by the civilian population, with quasi-celebrity status. But has there ever been a Donald Trump like person in the Federation? Contrast that to the real world, how many Captains can you name?

How did the Federation manage to get so powerful? They control all the technology for communication and transportation. The entire subspace relay system is owned by the Federation government. As is all the methods of transports via starships to tramways. There is no private enterprise in the 24th Century. This is fact, because nothing in Star Trek ever has a corporate logo.

Additionally, every movement by every crew member is monitored and tracked continually. Simply by asking the computer to locate you, they can find out where you are at any moment.

But to answer your question weasel, no the inhabitants of Star Trek do not care about the government form. But how come? How did the "enlightened" Federation manage to make everyone happy, yet respect everyones personal rights at the same time? The civilization of the Star Trek Federation is impossible.