^

While it was motivated by racism, it was for Mexicans not blacks.

My proposed reforms

1. Those sitting on the jury must be professionals, capable of logically examining evidence and are knowledgeable of the law.
2. Eye witness testimony can not be a substitute for empirical evidence, and any case relying on witness testimony alone (even if that witness is the officer) will be dismissed.

> Ehawk wrote:

> i have no arguement with that, justinian hit the nail on the head. our elites are absolutely driven by short term gain. 

@justinian, how do you think a dictatorship would actually start? military coup d'etat? or simply a fall of economics that result in localized governments?>

The historical record suggests when the elites fail to supply the goods and services expected of them (whether it's economic, administrative or even security), new suppliers emerge on to the scene. For example, toward the end of the Roman Republic, the nobility caused the number of urban poor to explode. All Marius or Caesar needed to do to gain popular support was to institute themselves as the people's champion. In the case of the French Revolution, the ancient regime neglected and exploited the people to the point that they caused the circumstances that lead to their own demise. The subsequent regimes also failed until Napoleon was able to deliver long lasting security and effective government. In modern times, communities where the government has little presence have also gone to alternative suppliers, like mercenaries for security.

What I see today is that the American elite are neglecting the welfare of the American people for their own short-term gain, and if history serves as a reliable reference the people will eventually go to an alternative supplier. I do not know who, what or how, but I have my doubts that it will be done democratically or that there will be no supplier with the presence over a large land mass. For the former, the elite have a firm grip on the democratic process and can legally ruin any one who opposes their interests. However, my estimation is that there will be some sort of armed overthrow. Second, no office has sufficient power to make the necessary reforms. Third, even if a populist gained a high office, it is doubtful that the elite would be unable to stop an effective populist coalition in either legislative house. For the latter, it is very possible that America could be split between two or more countries with a powerful government presence, but technology and infrastructure makes it impossible to have several small autonomous communities like the Greek polis.

I don't think Muhammad really existed. Seriously, how could a bunch of nomads defeat a combined army of Persians and Romans?

No but the introduction of humans into Europe caused a shortage of resources because humans enjoyed competitive advantages that they did not.

Morbo,

Yeah I figured that. But still it's terrible logic. DPS explained it quite well .

> .:]FfT[:. ~Damon~ wrote:

> Justinian,

I was dead serious in all parts, and I am glad you find my points valid. However the fact that you are not acting as I intended, and are actually going through with this tells me you ignore these points, and then I fail to see the use of the validity of such.

After evil-eyeing your post, I have found couple things I feel the need to comment though...>

You're welcome. I'm grateful for the many valuable insights you had to offer me that I will carry on in to the future, but I also disagreed with your main conclusion for the following reasons.

1. I think you assign too much causal weight to a person's will. Much of a person's outcome depends on their circumstances, and my parent's played a role because they provided an opportunity for me that I took advantage of. Key word is role, and I also played a role by seizing it.

2. I am not bumming off of my room mates. I am fully aware that effective diplomacy is about appealing to self-interest. I would not have persuaded them to agree to this arrangement if I had not. I signed the lease and payed 3 months up front and I still have enough left over to pay for at least those 3 months of utilities and food. Currently, my relationship with my room mates is one of mutual advantage - I cut their bills and they give me a place to live. I am fully aware they will kick me shortly after I'm unable to cover my expenses. Humans are a selfish and sorry lot, and I know this.

3. I still maintain that necessity is the mother of motivation. Clearly there's more to the poor staying poor, such as drug addiction, mental illness or a criminal record.

4. The girl is simply one room mate that I used as an entertainment device when making this thread. Sure I would sleep with her, but I did not come here expecting to date her and nor am I foolish enough to hang on to a girl for months. I came here to get away from my backstabbing and irritating family, and this was the most favorable opportunity I had available.

5. I have an exit strategy. My family is now understanding and they have guaranteed they would bail me out if my gamble did not turn out well. I hope it does not come to this, but at least I know I'll survive if I fail here.

6. I will have the means to finish my education and pay my loans after I receive my inheritance, which is predicted to be in a year.

Lelouch vi Britannia commands you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDuSUDlK2dc&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fuser%2FPrinceLionheart&feature=player_profilepage

Just a little over a day until freedom!

Fokker,

Pragmatism is something to respect

Esa,

No that's what Christian fanatics watch. Sadly, there isn't a conservative channel. You pretty much are limited to reading Edmund Burke, and there's only so much of that.

> Morbo the Annihilator wrote:

> @ Justinian:

Change has shaped the human race for thousands of years. We are who we are
BECAUSE of change, because our beliefs have changed, and because we have
opened our mind to the endless possibilities of the universe and its contents.

Maybe instead of stating that you are now XYZ, you should define what XYZ
is and why you are so willing to swear allegiance. Just a thought.>

Of course. I have nothing wrong with gradual, organic change. But radical change, the likes seen during the French or Russian Revolutions, will lead to unpleasant results with unforeseeable side effects.

Yell,

No you're a liberal

I am an academically lazy American and college drop out, and I still write better than you do. There are valid reasons for generally dismissing the input of a person who can not articulate their thoughts well. How well you write/type indicates your measure of intelligence and education.