News What Idea Shapes Your Political Philosophy?

[Anttech]

Where did Smurf go? Who kidnaped Smurf and replaced him ??

 

[Smurf]

are you trying to say something but realising your too dull, and resorting to puny sarcasm?

 

[Andre]

In my case, as most here probably know, it's the U.S. Constitution. I believe when honored and enforced, this document, and esp the Bill of Rights, thus far sets the standard for enlightened government.

Just an observation, nothing more, would it matter if we seem to observe that the American constitution was based on autochthonic legislation?

The people of the Six Nations, also known by the French term, Iroquois [1] Confederacy, call themselves the Hau de no sau nee (ho dee noe sho nee) meaning People Building a Long House. Located in the northeastern region of North America, originally the Six Nations was five and included the Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas, and Senecas. The sixth nation, the Tuscaroras, migrated into Iroquois country in the early eighteenth century. Together these peoples comprise the oldest living participatory democracy on earth. Their story, and governance truly based on the consent of the governed, contains a great deal of life-promoting intelligence for those of us not familiar with this area of American history. The original United States representative democracy, fashioned by such central authors as Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, drew much inspiration from this confederacy of nations. In our present day, we can benefit immensely, in our quest to establish anew a government truly dedicated to all life's liberty and happiness much as has been practiced by the Six Nations for over 800 hundred years.

 

[Anttech]

Well my "puny sarcasm" is sharper than your wit it seems

 

[Smurf]

Well my "puny sarcasm" is sharper than your wit it seems

utter nonsense, you're just too dull to understand my gaping genius.

 

[Anttech]

<--- what's happened to me?

 

[Smasherman]

I detest the liberal political philosophy nicely expressed by this platitude.
QUOTE=Smasherman] Ultimately, the enlightenment of humanity. Specifically:
socialism, veganism, and (real) education.

.[/QUOTE]

What I am saying here is that the enlightenment of humanity has highest priority; Socialism, veganism, and (real) education are secondary, meaning that they can be discarded if found incorrect.

Socialism because it seems to offer the best solution to the world's economic problems.

Veganism because of the benefits for both an individual and society.

(real) Education because it is what appears to allow an individual to find the path of enlightenment.


I assert that the enlightenment of humanity is the ultimate goal that must be achieved. The other things I mentioned are only the best-looking means to that end, as I see it.

 

[Gokul43201]

I assert that the enlightenment of humanity is the ultimate goal that must be achieved.

You haven't defined this "enlightenment"...would you, please ?

 

[Smasherman]

You haven't defined this "enlightenment"...would you, please ?

It's not a very solid goal. It's irrationally based, as are all things. This is not philosophy, and nor do I wish to fully explain my belief. Let it be said that "enlightenment" is the state where one is not "forced" to think certain thoughts by another. This is essentially the opposite of dogma.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

Are you referring to the driving license?

Yes; in this day and age, the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness, depends on one's ability to function within society. It may be a minor point in practice, but in principle I see driving as a right that is surrendered only when the public's safety is at stake. [rant]But beyond that, I see the [motorycycle] helmet and seatbelt laws for adults as violations of this principle as well. The intent of these laws make perfectly good sense, and I always wear my seatbelt when driving cars and a helmet when riding bikes, but personal rights of choice should not generally be surrendered in the interest of health insurance premiums.[/rant]

 

[Ivan Seeking]

Just an observation, nothing more, would it matter if we seem to observe that the American constitution was based on autochthonic legislation?

Absolutely! At one point I remember seeing a list of documents and philosophies from which the authors of the Constitution borrowed ideas and principles... it seems to me that it was quite long. And of course the Constitutional debates are famous for their deep philosophical content.

 

[GENIERE]

...But in practice rights are not assumed to exist. I see this as one of the great failings of Constitutional law.

I tend to agree with your comments in this post but I'm confused by "failings of Constitutional law". Is there an alternative you're considering or just musing.

 

[GENIERE]

Just an observation, nothing more, would it matter if we seem to observe that the American constitution was based on autochthonic legislation

I ran across this a few years ago. IMO the US constitution was not based on it but it was highly influential.

I wonder how well it served the several nations?

 

[Ivan Seeking]

I tend to agree with your comments in this post but I'm confused by "failings of Constitutional law". Is there an alternative you're considering or just musing.

I believe that the spirit if not the letter of the constitution has been violated by the aforementioned loopholes. The States have become dependant on the Fed for money, which results in expanded and unintended federal powers. Now, since the Federal Government is funded by taxes, it seems to me that the Federal tax rate is the problem. We give the Feds money who then give it back to the State, and in doing so we surrender the State's autonomy, and in some cases, personal liberties. One example of this was the 55 MPH Federal speed limit which was enforced with the threat of withholding Fed funds. It seems to me that this situation needs to be corrected. The fed has far too much influence.

 

[GENIERE]

I believe that the spirit if not the letter of the constitution has been violated by the aforementioned loopholes. The States have become dependant on the Fed for money, which results in expanded and unintended federal powers. Now, since the Federal Government is funded by taxes, it seems to me that the Federal tax rate is the problem. We give the Feds money who then give it back to the State, and in doing so we surrender the State's autonomy, and in some cases, personal liberties. One example of this was the 55 MPH Federal speed limit which was enforced with the threat of withholding Fed funds. It seems to me that this situation needs to be corrected. The fed has far too much influence.

Amen brother!

 

[GENIERE]

.

What I am saying here is that the enlightenment … [/QUOTE]

Had I realized you were a youngster, I would have been less gruff in my comment.

In my youth, I was an “enlightened” ultra liberal and voted for JFK and LBJ. I can’t describe the elation I felt when LBJ won all but 6 or 7 states in the ’64 election.

The “enlightenment of humanity” is a phrase that will have as many meanings as there are human inhabitants of this planet. It cannot be defined, as you have discovered, so one cannot plan a course to achieve it. Platitudinal and negative phrases dominate liberal writing and are difficult to criticize. The phrase “Bush is an idiot” is an opinion, I cannot disprove an opinion but I can opine that the writer lacks intelligence. I cannot be against the concept of everyone receiving a “real education”, I might favor the concept if I knew what it was.

As far as Socialism, you will be hard pressed to find a viable socialist economy. I suggest you review the stagnant economies of Germany and France v. the economy of India. You may find that India began to prosper when the government removed the shackles of a planned economy, as did the UK under Mrs. Thatcher. The once touted French health care system proved itself unable to tend to the needs of 14000 of its citizens who died during a recent heat wave. Compare the results of President Clinton’s economic policies to those of President Carter. Compare the position of the USA to that of the EU re: a democratic Muslim nation (Turkey) being permitted to join the EU. I submit the EU is more racist than the US; that they simply have not faced the problem before (ignoring the ever prevalent anti-Semitism). Marx’s scapegoat (leftist writers always need a scapegoat) was Judaism. He equated Judaism with capitalism, not the religion. The modern scapegoats are, the corporation, oil, capitalism, individuality, the wealthy, Christianity, Judaism, Islam and the most evil of all nations, the USA.

 

[Smurf]

Ha! The deaths of the heat wave was because of France's heathcare system was socialist. Funny.

 

[vanesch]

Compare the position of the USA to that of the EU re: a democratic Muslim nation (Turkey) being permitted to join the EU.

? What democratic Muslim nation has recently joined the USA ?

(nah, don't say "Iraq" )

 

[Anttech]

You may find that India began to prosper when the government removed the shackles of a planned economy, as did the UK under Mrs. Thatcher.

So you are saying the economy is good in the UK? All Thatcher did was move the UK out of an industry based economy to a service based economy. The UK still has many “socialistic” ideals in place. For example the NHS, the BBC.

Compare the position of the USA to that of the EU re: a democratic Muslim nation (Turkey) being permitted to join the EU. I submit the EU is more racist than the US; that they simply have not faced the problem before (ignoring the ever prevalent anti-Semitism)

Opinion!

May I point you to your country History.. Racist indeed!

Points you obviously don’t understand, or care to understand:

a) Turkey is occupying a EU state.
b) In most Countries in the EU and the Commission it is Ilegal to deny the Young Turks Holocaust, which turkey does.
c) There economy is poor, and is no where near inline enough with the rest of Europe’s.
d) Most Europeans (Original EU states) believe the EU is already too big now, and needs some reforming.
e) Turkey have not been refused entry, the EU are talking about how to do it and when.
f) Turkey is Geographically not in Europe, so if we allow them in, should we also allow in Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Kurdistan, Iraq….
g) The Turkish people don’t want to be in Europe, they want to have the economical benefits but don’t really want to be part of Brussels

The once touted French health care system proved itself unable to tend to the needs of 14000 of its citizens who died during a recent heat wave.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/799444.stm

France leads the world in health care, says the World Health Organisation in a major report, which rates the UK 18th and the US 37th - despite being the country which spends the most per head.
The rating is based on a comprehensive assessment of medical treatment, including factors such as availability of medical insurance and pharmacies.

 

[Anttech]

Germany and France v. the economy of India

GDP
US $40,100
France $ 27,600
Germany $ 27,600
India $3,100

Population below poverty line:
US 12%
France 6.5%
Germany NA
India 25%

prospering?

Lets add the US for a laugh... Hmm why is thre GDP so high yet there is such poverty? (Figures taken from CIA fact book)

 

[Mercator]

What I am saying here is that the enlightenment …
Had I realized you were a youngster, I would have been less gruff in my comment.
In my youth, I was an “enlightened” ultra liberal and voted for JFK and LBJ. I can’t describe the elation I felt when LBJ won all but 6 or 7 states in the ’64 election.
The “enlightenment of humanity” is a phrase that will have as many meanings as there are human inhabitants of this planet. It cannot be defined, as you have discovered, so one cannot plan a course to achieve it. Platitudinal and negative phrases dominate liberal writing and are difficult to criticize. The phrase “Bush is an idiot” is an opinion, I cannot disprove an opinion but I can opine that the writer lacks intelligence. I cannot be against the concept of everyone receiving a “real education”, I might favor the concept if I knew what it was.
As far as Socialism, you will be hard pressed to find a viable socialist economy. I suggest you review the stagnant economies of Germany and France v. the economy of India. You may find that India began to prosper when the government removed the shackles of a planned economy, as did the UK under Mrs. Thatcher. The once touted French health care system proved itself unable to tend to the needs of 14000 of its citizens who died during a recent heat wave. Compare the results of President Clinton’s economic policies to those of President Carter. Compare the position of the USA to that of the EU re: a democratic Muslim nation (Turkey) being permitted to join the EU. I submit the EU is more racist than the US; that they simply have not faced the problem before (ignoring the ever prevalent anti-Semitism). Marx’s scapegoat (leftist writers always need a scapegoat) was Judaism. He equated Judaism with capitalism, not the religion. The modern scapegoats are, the corporation, oil, capitalism, individuality, the wealthy, Christianity, Judaism, Islam and the most evil of all nations, the USA.

Geniere, Geniere. Yes, I'm sure any German would sofort for the Indian style of living... Gutter health care and one meal a day if you're lucky. The country is a total mess with here and there an island of relative prosperity. A life is worth nothing. In chemical factories workers do their job without protective clothing, loading dangerous chemicals with buckets in drums, with naked hand and feet! The GDP growth is 7% per year. Which means that a few of the upper kastes get 7 % richer. Give it another fifty years and the Indian economy might surpass ... the Spanish for example.

Oh, and can you link to that racism meter? You know, when children have a problem, they always point at others first?

 

[kat]

An individuals equal right to liberty and the existence of universal moral truths.

 

[kat]

I believe that the spirit if not the letter of the constitution has been violated by the aforementioned loopholes. The States have become dependant on the Fed for money, which results in expanded and unintended federal powers. Now, since the Federal Government is funded by taxes, it seems to me that the Federal tax rate is the problem. We give the Feds money who then give it back to the State, and in doing so we surrender the State's autonomy, and in some cases, personal liberties. One example of this was the 55 MPH Federal speed limit which was enforced with the threat of withholding Fed funds. It seems to me that this situation needs to be corrected. The fed has far too much influence.

...never thought you and I would agree so strongly on any single ideal...wow, spoken like a true conservative

 

[Zlex]

One Skin; One Driver.

 

[Lisa!]

Right now world peace, but as soon as I grow up enough, I would realize I must be loyal to "what's best for me". (right now I think "world peace is the best for all included me")

? What democratic Muslim nation has recently joined the USA ?
(nah, don't say "Iraq" )

Do we have any democratic Muslim nation other than Iraq and perhaps Afghanistan?

 

[Skyhunter]

We are one.

 

[Lisa!]

Who are you?

 

[Ivan Seeking]

...never thought you and I would agree so strongly on any single ideal...wow, spoken like a true conservative

I volunteered for the Reagan campaign. Given the same circumstances I probably wouldn't now, that is my views have changed, but GHWB and son and the influx of the extreme right is what made a Democrat out of me.

 

[Smurf]

Do we have any democratic Muslim nation other than Iraq and perhaps Afghanistan?

Isn't the US still supporting that dictatoship in Burma?. I'm fairly sure there's a sizable muslim minority there.

edit: oh, democratic. never mind.

 

[russ_watters]

Lets add the US for a laugh... Hmm why is thre GDP so high yet there is such poverty? (Figures taken from CIA fact book)

Two reasons: first, the difference between capitalism and socialism means countries like France have a much higher unemployment rate, but much lower poverty. It's a tradeoff.

Second, the poverty line in the US is pretty strict. Comparing one country to another is difficult without comparing where the line is.