1,101

(15 replies, posted in Politics)

> Wild Flower Soul wrote:

> "It was true in Rome, Venice and Belgium."

Do elaborate.. How do we have a plutocracy?>

I was talking about the Dutch Republic. That said, you are still a Plutocracy. Your commercial elite still dominate politics.

I think government should be a meritocratic autocracy (like the 5 good emperors), and be more powerful than all private interests, though less present unlike today (less efficient). The government's job is to ensure that all services (public and private) are provided efficiently without compromising its supreme power over private interests, balance the needs of elite/non elite, and destroy elites who are parasitic (like monopolies).

As for values, power and wealth are good. Altruism is evil. Liberals are wicked.

So where am I?

1,103

(15 replies, posted in Politics)

What are you saying?

That people with superior organization/communication skills have a competitive advantage for success, and therefore the fact that the wealthy dominate politics is dependent on their skills rather than financial advantages?

1,104

(15 replies, posted in Politics)

It is obvious that Republics/Democratic governments of large populations tend to actually be Plutocracies. It was true in Rome, Venice and Belgium. Furthermore, it is also true in modern Western states. Moreover, the evolution of democracy in the West correlates with the rise of commerce and a powerful merchant class that dominated government.

As far as I'm concerned, it is the economic development of Western states that has caused the higher standard of living, and also the government. Democracy only represents the finalized transfer of power from the old nobility to the commercial class.

1,105

(20 replies, posted in Politics)

So, I don't want to live next to the scents produced by farms. In reply, you imply I should just get used to it. My reply is "F U"

Mason,

Rich Dad/Poor Dad is misguided and incorrectly uses economic language. Goods you consume are also assets, it's just that most do not appreciate in value. Rather, they depreciate in value. However, the main premise of the book, that the rich invest their money in to assets that appreciate in value, and the poor either do not or do it irrationally, is true. If you want to be rich, you have to be rational, educated, experienced, and invest in assets that appreciate in value yourself.

1,107

(36 replies, posted in Politics)

If a lack of exercise causes you to be overweight, then why is it that I am 120 lbs and I never exercise? I'm pretty sure it's because of my diet. I was gaining weight when I went to college and ate junk food, I got to 140 lbs, but then changed my diet and took out the high sugar content and it went down to 120 again.

And the people in Minneapolis are idiots. The only good place about that city is Sex World.

Who cares? Our country was bought a long time ago.

1,109

(36 replies, posted in Politics)

The Constitution was made by men, and is therefore no more important than the importance you give it.

1,110

(36 replies, posted in Politics)

If you want to get rid of fat people, destroy the Athletics lobby. Then focus on food, and put regulations on nutritional content and how foods are synthesized. For example, ban the production and sale of items with high fructose syrup, and limit the content of sugar in foods. Problem solved.

1,111

(47 replies, posted in Politics)

And much easier to contract.

HIV should be mentioned so people can make rational calculations to reduce their risk, but the amount of advertising it gets is profit driven off people's fears. That's all the medical community is anyway.

1,112

(47 replies, posted in Politics)

There is a track record of US health care authorities over reacting to health care risks. They do the same thing with HIV, which is so ridiculous because it's hard for first worlders to be infected from unprotected vaginal intercourse (1/2000) and only 1-2% of the population has it. Yet whenever we hear about STDs, we hear about HIV. ROFL. They should be more worried about herpes or HPV. Idiots.

1,113

(39 replies, posted in Politics)

I hate to say it

But St. Augustine was right when he spoke about government.

http://www.srichinmoylibrary.com/books/1195/1/5

1,114

(10 replies, posted in Politics)

Anyone who is committed to beliefs that are not supported by, or are contradicted by, empirical evidence is not someone I want in power. Second, I only want blue-bloods to rule. Palin is a dirty commoner.

1,115

(116 replies, posted in Politics)

Institutional racism is grossly exaggerated.

1,116

(116 replies, posted in Politics)

That's assuming you have the option to work hard and earn money. Can't very well do that if you have no work opportunities.

1,117

(116 replies, posted in Politics)

Can I have some $ for strippers?

1,118

(39 replies, posted in Politics)

Anyone notice that the people in those pictures were hideous looking?

1,119

(116 replies, posted in Politics)

I'm poor living off of $400/mo, live in the US, and my only complaints are that I can no longer afford a car, strippers and alcohol.

The reason I'm poor is because working full time is no fun.

1,120

(39 replies, posted in Politics)

No. Militia groups tend to be fascist or communist, or nut cases.

1,121

(60 replies, posted in Politics)

Key,

No I haven't read SST. Although, I like many of the themes espoused in the first movie. 2nd sucked. 3rd was ok, it was saved by the good ending.

But yes, I would like the military to take over and clean house. A Republic that is controlled by private interests is no different from tyranny imo.

1,122

(60 replies, posted in Politics)

I declare the Monarchy of Paul Emery Washington! Long live the King!

http://www.newsweek.com/id/162914

1,123

(60 replies, posted in Politics)

It's time for a military dictatorship. I want a military dictatorship! The Republic is ineffective and controlled by special interests. We are an Oligarchy of special interests with no love for the nation.

1,124

(17 replies, posted in Politics)

Judge Dredd! I didn't consider it a dystopia either. It was a utopia for me. The law enforcement officer is the enforcer and judge. woot!

I loved the movie btw.

1,125

(34 replies, posted in Politics)

I agree. Chicago isn't a great place to live. In fact, $50k will afford you a very minimal lifestyle. I could live better in Minnesota for $20k.

Any of the prostitutes good looking?