2020 Dems: Iowa (how it works and what to look for)

[Aqua Buddha 14599]

If Bern doesn’t generate big turnout in NH, will you vow to stop posting on this website?

[GSU&UT 1798]

Lol I paid my student debt off earlier in 2019. I'm all for everyone else getting relief, there wasn't exactly a huge number of bachelor level STEM jobs in 2011 where my Biology degree cold take me until the economy improved. It's not just liberal art majors in debt and the cost of tuition keeps increasing.

[bad_teammate 13220]

And then had to change them to meet your goals. Bravado wars became suicides.
If you want to wipe out medical debt, I'm open if it actually makes sense. But F student debt. I had to pay mine back, you pay yours back. If that means slinging coffee or shoveling shit because you were too lazy to finish or that 'Gender Studies' degree isn't paying off. So be it. We can make allowances for medical/economic hardships. Even come up with a work program. 
I'm in agreement with you on the endless wars and missions. We do need to pull back. I'm ok with a little isolationism. Are you?
The fact was that you changed the scope of your argument, but we'll overlook that.

They die in wars overseas and they kill themselves at home because it stays with them. This shit isn't complicated. It's not either/or.

It's extremely disrespectful to the veterans who suffer at home for what they were told to do in service to pretend it just disappears when they come back. Ignorant, as well.

Do you plan on supporting a candidate that will push to wipe medical debt?

Do you plan to support a candidate who will push for universal healthcare?

Do you plan to support someone who will try to find revenue to pay for this spending?

See, the reality is that you actually do have compassion for your fellow man you've just slathered yourself in some right-wing shit you need to hose off.

Some of these people standing next to you are just genuinely shitty humans.

I'd love to have you on the team.

What do you think?

[bad_teammate 13220]

If Bern doesn’t generate big turnout in NH, will you vow to stop posting on this website?

I vow to offer my balls for you to gargle should you find yourself unoccupied and in need of diversion.

[Brothahorn 10087]

25 minutes ago, GSU&UT said:

Lol I paid my student debt off earlier in 2019. I'm all for everyone else getting relief, there wasn't exactly a huge number of bachelor level STEM jobs in 2011 where my Biology degree cold take me until the economy improved. It's not just liberal art majors in debt and the cost of tuition keeps increasing.

Congratulations, seriously. Maybe if the problem is attacked from both sides I might could see forgiving some debt. But to just let folks walk away is ridiculous and forces the government to step in. Which is part of the reason tuition is so high. And why exactly does the cost keep increasing so fast?

Edited February 5, 2020 by Brothahorn

[TwiceHorn 31512]

Just as a point of reference, "medical" bankruptcies are bankruptcies that list a medical creditor, in most cases among many others.  People in debt have all kinds of debts, including doctors and medical facilities.  Remove their medical debt, they're still insolvent.

Because doctors and hospitals don't aggressively collect and can't, for example, foreclose your house or car, they're not driving bankruptcy in the vast, vast majority of cases.  Because it is a foreclosure/repossession that drives most consumer bankruptcies.

Also, sometimes a health problem will cause someone to lose a job or stop being able to work overtime, making their already precarious financial situation untenable.  Little to do with healthcare.

I can't read the public health article, but other studies claiming a huge number of medically-driven "medical" bankruptcies are an exaggeration.

 

Which is not to say that healthcare isn't a problem.  But the bankruptcy deal is pretty much bullshit.  Nobody that was in a sound position previously is filing bankruptcy solely over medical bills.

Edited February 5, 2020 by TwiceHorn

[Pasken 1309]

 

little more out

[henrygandorf 29194]

forgiving student debt > free college for all

there i said it.  again.

[bad_teammate 13220]

If I lose my job because of an untreated or undertreated medical problem and subsequently go bankrupt, would you contend that the medical part is irrelevant to the bankruptcy?

[bad_teammate 13220]

Turning around on this. Iowa is pissing everyone off and I'm starting to like them.

[Brothahorn 10087]

30 minutes ago, bad_teammate said:

They die in wars overseas and they kill themselves at home because it stays with them. This shit isn't complicated. It's not either/or.

It's extremely disrespectful to the veterans who suffer at home for what they were told to do in service to pretend it just disappears when they come back. Ignorant, as well.

Do you plan on supporting a candidate that will push to wipe medical debt?

Do you plan to support a candidate who will push for universal healthcare?

Do you plan to support someone who will try to find revenue to pay for this spending?

See, the reality is that you actually do have compassion for your fellow man you've just slathered yourself in some right-wing shit you need to hose off.

Some of these people standing next to you are just genuinely shitty humans.

I'd love to have you on the team.

What do you think?

When I listen to Bernie in sound bites, I am impressed by this no nonsense attitude. He stays focused, and shuts the stupid shit down. Like how he handled Warren after the debate. But when I read his platform, nah. As a former union member his goal of doubling membership is a terrible idea, just to name one. But there are things that I would support.

But as I said when we started this if Bernie is elected(Hillary will kill him first), life will go on. Plus Escriva will come back and die everyday like some posters do now.

I'm realistic about some of the conservatives that I share ideals with, just like I'm realistic about some of the 'libs' that love everyone(when they need you're vote..Mayor Pete). They're all shitty humans.

Edited February 5, 2020 by Brothahorn

[bad_teammate 13220]

We aren't doggedly focused on being socially identity woke. That's a piece of it (and I'm sure you're a socially live and let live guy), but the core is making sure working people have a good life.

Not just handouts, we want a federal jobs guarantee so that everyone who can work is working and is a contributing member of society making a living wage so local economies can flourish.

It's not about a big welfare state that takes care of non-working people, but centering power around the working people.

Bernie's plan to fund M4A isn't delusional. He knows we all have to pay in. There is no promise of free healthcare that Jeff Bezos is going to pay for. He just practically says we are ALL going to pay, we are just going to pay less because we will function as one massive powerful buyer.

Don't look at student loan forgiveness as a moral issue. Think of it practically. That money is frozen right now. We can unfreeze that money so working people can invest in their businesses and their neighborhoods. Every dime of that will go straight back into the economy. It's a stimulus that will hit the middle class almost exclusively.

I think you would agree with me that real freedom is ultimately economic freedom right? A mother isn't free if she can't pay her bills, right, no matter how woke the president sounds on TV? At least not free in any way that matters?

That's the thing I think conservatives understand better than many liberals. Some liberals seem to think socially conscious messaging is more important than money to cover a dance class the daughter has been begging for.

[bad_teammate 13220]

Feeling like shit for Yang. I had hopes for him hitting 10%

[bad_teammate 13220]

boo Tapa

[Bama Chick 28596]

Pete shot his wad in Iowa and hopefully this is the peak of his campaign.  Even though I support Warren, I'm cool with Bernie, but Pete sold out as a centrist bore and would lose bigly to Trump.
Many won't admit that what they see as a liability in Sanders somewhat mirrors a liability in Pete.  Right or wrong (it's stupid and wrong), Sander's ties to socialism makes him a liability in more conservative parts of the country who will happily vote against their interests.  Right or wrong (it's stupid and wrong), Pete's sexuality will make him a liability in more conservative parts of the country who will happily vote against their interests for Jesus.
Bernie is at least worth the risk as a real agent of change in our nation.  The juice is worth the squeeze.  Pete had a big chance to be that too but he flinched and backtracked. I can't imagine Pete inspiring people risking another term of Donald Trump by saying "I will bring us back to 2015, where we kind of just played with the ball but didn't move it any direction."

Nahhhhh, I cannot stand Weasley Pete but his sexuality will not hinder him in the general against Trump.

Anyone who has an issue with “the gays” was NEVER gonna vote for any Democrat. Period.

The voters needed to defeat Trump, IE everyone not drinking the Trump Orange Kool-Aid won’t be put off by Pete’s sexuality.

Dude is as straight laced as they come and is married to a literal cartoon character. They’re so wholesome and bland it’s yawn inducing. Especially compared to the philandering adulterous thrice married porn star fucker he’d be running against.

Y’all act like Pete’s running around in assless chaps and sheer blouses while singing “It’s Raining Men”.

Pete’s the straightest gay man in America.

[Brothahorn 10087]

2 minutes ago, Bama Chick said:

 

Nahhhhh, I cannot stand Weasley Pete but his sexuality will not hinder him in the general against Trump.

Anyone who has an issue with “the gays” was NEVER gonna vote for any Democrat. Period.

The voters needed to defeat Trump, IE everyone not drinking the Trump Orange Kool-Aid won’t be put off by Pete’s sexuality.

Dude is as straight laced as they come and is married to a literal cartoon character. They’re so wholesome and bland it’s yawn inducing. Especially compared to the philandering adulterous thrice married porn star fucker he’d be running against.

Y’all act like Pete’s running around in assless chaps and sheer blouses while singing “It’s Raining Men”.

Pete’s the straightest gay man in America.

 

 

 

[troph 24893]

Just as a point of reference, "medical" bankruptcies are bankruptcies that list a medical creditor, in most cases among many others.  People in debt have all kinds of debts, including doctors and medical facilities.  Remove their medical debt, they're still insolvent.
Because doctors and hospitals don't aggressively collect and can't, for example, foreclose your house or car, they're not driving bankruptcy in the vast, vast majority of cases.  Because it is a foreclosure/repossession that drives most consumer bankruptcies.
Also, sometimes a health problem will cause someone to lose a job or stop being able to work overtime, making their already precarious financial situation untenable.  Little to do with healthcare.
I can't read the public health article, but other studies claiming a huge number of medically-driven "medical" bankruptcies are an exaggeration.
 
Which is not to say that healthcare isn't a problem.  But the bankruptcy deal is pretty much bullshit.  Nobody that was in a sound position previously is filing bankruptcy solely over medical bills.

In many of these cases medical debt is what drove them into credit card debt or left a judgment on their credit or was the straw that broke the camels back to convince them to file. Uncovered medical is a major issue. I’m going to disagree with you on this.

[washparkhorn 9939]

48 minutes ago, Bama Chick said:

 

Nahhhhh, I cannot stand Weasley Pete but his sexuality will not hinder him in the general against Trump.

Anyone who has an issue with “the gays” was NEVER gonna vote for any Democrat. Period.

The voters needed to defeat Trump, IE everyone not drinking the Trump Orange Kool-Aid won’t be put off by Pete’s sexuality.

Dude is as straight laced as they come and is married to a literal cartoon character. They’re so wholesome and bland it’s yawn inducing. Especially compared to the philandering adulterous thrice married porn star fucker he’d be running against.

Y’all act like Pete’s running around in assless chaps and sheer blouses while singing “It’s Raining Men”.

Pete’s the straightest gay man in America.

 

Facts.

[washparkhorn 9939]

 

https://twitter.com/bagniewski/status/1224884476213387265

Time to count the Polk County results - DNC/Iowa Dem Party. 

 

[GSU&UT 1798]

9 hours ago, Brothahorn said:

Congratulations, seriously. Maybe if the problem is attacked from both sides I might could see forgiving some debt. But to just let folks walk away is ridiculous and forces the government to step in. Which is part of the reason tuition is so high. And why exactly does the cost keep increasing so fast?

A big reason the tuition is high i's because the government hasn't done enough to subsidize the cost.

Edited February 5, 2020 by GSU&UT
phone grammar sucks

[TwiceHorn 31512]

7 hours ago, troph said:

Uncovered medical is a major issue.

Don't disagree with this.  But a lot of the hysteria about medical bills causing actual filing of  bankruptcy is just that.

Do they cause insolvency, you betcha.  But the vast majority of insolvent people don't file bankruptcy.

 

[washparkhorn 9939]

4 minutes ago, TwiceHorn said:

Don't disagree with this.  But a lot of the hysteria about medical bills causing actual filing of  bankruptcy is just that.

Do they cause insolvency, you betcha.  But the vast majority of insolvent people don't file bankruptcy.

 

True - but isn't Biden Bankruptcy Reform law the reason bankruptcy became so difficult to obtain - even for those who are truly broken?

Warren and he fought bitterly over the harsh Biden bill. What she wrong to fight back against his legislation? I think Warren was spot on back then. 

[Hank Kingsley 20991]

8 hours ago, Bama Chick said:

 

Nahhhhh, I cannot stand Weasley Pete but his sexuality will not hinder him in the general against Trump.

Anyone who has an issue with “the gays” was NEVER gonna vote for any Democrat. Period.

The voters needed to defeat Trump, IE everyone not drinking the Trump Orange Kool-Aid won’t be put off by Pete’s sexuality.

Dude is as straight laced as they come and is married to a literal cartoon character. They’re so wholesome and bland it’s yawn inducing. Especially compared to the philandering adulterous thrice married porn star fucker he’d be running against.

Y’all act like Pete’s running around in assless chaps and sheer blouses while singing “It’s Raining Men”.

Pete’s the straightest gay man in America.

 

LOL at first I actually thought Bama was going to defend Pete here but it turned into another petty jab. 

 

[B00M 6431]

I dig this kinder, gentler BT. The CR is a better place when Bernie looks destined for the presidency.

[Brisketexan 105180]

1 hour ago, washparkhorn said:

Warren and he fought bitterly over the harsh Biden bill. What she wrong to fight back against his legislation? I think Warren was spot on back then. 

That single bill is one of the reasons I really like Warren, and perhaps the main reason that I will never like Biden.  The "Bankruptcy Reform" was utter fucking bullshit -- it was a gift to usurious lenders, and ruination for millions of ordinary people.  It was flat-out evil.

[jw4381 3091]

14 hours ago, immortal13 said:

Team petey buttsex!!

Never has there been better avatar/post alignment. What color's your pee?

[David Dennison 18940]

6 minutes ago, Brisketexan said:

That single bill is one of the reasons I really like Warren, and perhaps the main reason that I will never like Biden.  The "Bankruptcy Reform" was utter fucking bullshit -- it was a gift to usurious lenders, and ruination for millions of ordinary people.  It was flat-out evil.

Capitalism has issues.

[Brisketexan 105180]

Just now, David Dennison said:

Capitalism has issues.

Of course it does.  Every system does.

Well-regulated capitalism can function as well or better than any other alternative.  Again, one of the reasons I support Warren.  Unfettered anarcho-capitalism (and what we have isn't even that -- it's rigged capitalism) is poison.  Regulated capitalism, with open courts and minimized rent-seeking and socialization of the costs and risks of capital (e.g., allowing an enterprise to make a fortune on an activity that pollutes our water, which creates a cost that society has to bear as a whole -- profits for the few, costs for the many) and the like -- that would be a nifty thing.

[bad_teammate 13220]

Brisket, I would like to tell you about a good friend of mine who could be a good friend of yours.

Like you, he wants a market-based economic system that protects the environment, encourages entrepreneurship, breaks up monopolies, and builds harmony and pride by ensuring profit-sharing for the workers.

He wants to make sure we can be prosperous without being abusive. He wants to make sure that the most vulnerable people in that market-based economy have a voice in their workplace so they can advocate for their safety and health.

He wants to make sure that we are in harmony with our planet and that we preserve the beauty we have and ensure its long-term health for our children, grandchildren, and every generation that follows.

Like you, Brother Brisket, my friend Bernard knows how much indignity the working people of this nation suffer. He wants to make sure that everyone who can work is guaranteed a job will provide a wage that allows him and his family to live in dignity.

Do you enjoy shooting deer? Brother Bernard wants you to continue enjoying that.

Do you enjoy tearing through the countryside on a Polaris? Bernard wants you to continue enjoying that, too.

Do you want your wife, your daughter, and your sisters across the country to not only have the right to prevent or terminate a pregnancy regardless of their ability to make money? Well I've got news for you, Brisket, my friend Bernard wants that as well.

Do you feel like millions of hard-working Americans could add more to our market-based economy if they weren't saddled by debt they agreed to as teenagers?

Do you feel like too many Americans are crippled financially from the debt forced on them by illness and injury? Of course you do, and Bernard feels that way, too.

But what I love about Bernard, and what I think you will love, too, is that he doesn't just want to feel bad about it and move on, he wants to help. And while a lot of politicians say they want to help, they don't really want to wrestle with the hard questions about HOW we help and HOW we fund the programs we need to provide that help.

Like you, Bernard is no coward. The typical DC politician move is to promise stuff and get really nervous about the third rail of "how do we pay for it", but not Bernard. He is a realist. We pay for things collectively and share the necessary burdens as a nation.

And through that shared sacrifice and shared provision of necessities, we are united and stronger.

Everyone contributes. Everyone thrives.

Brother Brisket, can I interest you in learning more about my friend Bernard?

[bad_teammate 13220]

Also, Emily Ratajkowski likes him.

[wildcat09 29360]

2 minutes ago, bad_teammate said:

Also, Emily Ratajkowski likes him.

This is going to be much more effective at persuading Brisket.

[bad_teammate 13220]

Oh I was only halfway through my revival tent spiel. Wait until I get to the snake handling.

[Incredulity 11679]

Quote

Everyone contributes. Everyone thrives.

here is the long form version of the revival

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Das_Kapital

[bad_teammate 13220]

Fair enough, even though it's extremely old at this point it has a lot of fantastic insight into how we got to where we are with critical insights that are intellectually forbidden in modern America.

People who consider themselves critical thinkers and independent intellectuals should absolutely read some Marxist critique of how capitalism goes from a simple system of economic development to what we have now, a vast web of monopoly, capital capture, and corruption.

 

 

[Zonahorn 8079]

6 minutes ago, Incredulity said:

here is the long form version of the revival

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Das_Kapital

Holy disingenuous horseshit batman!

[Pato del Muerto 52535]

13 minutes ago, bad_teammate said:

Oh I was only halfway through my revival tent spiel. Wait until I get to the snake handling.

I’m interested in Emily’s snake handling. 

[Brothahorn 10087]

Fair enough, even though it's extremely old at this point it has a lot of fantastic insight into how we got to where we are with critical insights that are intellectually forbidden in modern America.
People who consider themselves critical thinkers and independent intellectuals should absolutely read some Marxist critique of how capitalism goes from a simple system of economic development to what we have now, a vast web of monopoly, capital capture, and corruption.
 
 

Nothing wrong with capitalism in itself. It’s the human element that fucks it up. Just like religion.

[bad_teammate 13220]

11 minutes ago, Pato del Muerto said:

I’m interested in Emily’s snake handling. 

There's no way you will ever find out if you don't join us, brother duck.

2 minutes ago, Brothahorn said:

Nothing wrong with capitalism in itself. It’s the human element that fucks it up. Just like religion.

 

Agreed, and it's disturbing how uncritical American intellectualism in analyzing how this actually happens.

So much of it is either self-serving analysis written by the very capitalist powers that screw things up or by public intellectuals who are literally funded by the aforementioned capitalist powers.

We can't have a healthy market economy without critical analysis. And we are just not doing that work.

[wildcat09 29360]

5 minutes ago, Brothahorn said:

 

Nothing wrong with capitalism in itself. It’s the human element that fucks it up. Just like religion.

 

This is legitimately one of the funniest things I've ever read here.

[Brisketexan 105180]

11 minutes ago, bad_teammate said:

Fair enough, even though it's extremely old at this point it has a lot of fantastic insight into how we got to where we are with critical insights that are intellectually forbidden in modern America.

People who consider themselves critical thinkers and independent intellectuals should absolutely read some Marxist critique of how capitalism goes from a simple system of economic development to what we have now, a vast web of monopoly, capital capture, and corruption.

Agreed 100%.  Capitalism is a beast -- when kept appropriately tamed, it can do incredible work.  When unleashed, or even worse, controlled by only a few for selfish ends, it's a gruesome beast.

1 minute ago, Brothahorn said:

 

Nothing wrong with capitalism in itself. It’s the human element that fucks it up. Just like religion.

 

Also agreed 100%.  And you even said it in another thread, I think -- that communism sounds wonderful, but the problem is it fails to account for the human element.  I agree with that as well -- sounds like paradise on paper, always turns into hell on earth in reality, because humanity and greed.

Shit, maybe my thoughts on communism vs. capitalism are a lot like my thoughts on immigration and border control.  Communism tries to control human nature and greed by effectively banning it -- it's like building a wall.  Human nature will inevitably overcome it, and overwhelm it.  Capitalism (done right)  tries to channel human nature and greed -- allow the best parts to move forward (industriousness, creativity, risk-taking), while having checks on greed run amok, risk-spreading to society as a whole, etc.  Just like a sane immigration policy acknowledges human nature and builds in a workable work-permit system, asylum system, etc.

You don't build a wall against human nature -- you build channels to direct it and exercise some control over it, so as to prevent its most destructive potential.

And b_t, you know that I've said numerous times that I like Bernie well enough -- really, I do.  He's an earnest guy, with many good ideas.   I just like Warren more -- I think she's more realistic, more likely to be able to accomplish more, and is less polarizing.

[Dropout 355]

2 minutes ago, wildcat09 said:

This is legitimately one of the funniest things I've ever read here.

Before God created man

He created capitalism

[bad_teammate 13220]

Just now, Brisketexan said:

And b_t, you know that I've said numerous times that I like Bernie well enough -- really, I do.  He's an earnest guy, with many good ideas.   I just like Warren more -- I think she's more realistic, more likely to be able to accomplish more, and is less polarizing.

Very good. I like her, too.

Could I encourage you to donate to Warren?

Even better, volunteer to phonebank?

[David Dennison 18940]

1 hour ago, Brisketexan said:

Of course it does.  Every system does.

Well-regulated capitalism can function as well or better than any other alternative.  Again, one of the reasons I support Warren.  Unfettered anarcho-capitalism (and what we have isn't even that -- it's rigged capitalism) is poison.  Regulated capitalism, with open courts and minimized rent-seeking and socialization of the costs and risks of capital (e.g., allowing an enterprise to make a fortune on an activity that pollutes our water, which creates a cost that society has to bear as a whole -- profits for the few, costs for the many) and the like -- that would be a nifty thing.

How do you know?

[Zonahorn 8079]

4 minutes ago, bad_teammate said:

There's no way you will ever find out if you don't join us, brother duck.

Agreed, and it's disturbing how uncritical American intellectualism in analyzing how this actually happens.

So much of it is either self-serving analysis written by the very capitalist powers that screw things up or by public intellectuals who are literally funded by the aforementioned capitalist powers.

We can't have a healthy market economy without critical analysis. And we are just not doing that work.

*Cough* Keynesian economics *Cough*

[wildcat09 29360]

1 minute ago, Dropout said:

Before God created man

He created capitalism

What if economics, but without any people?

[Brisketexan 105180]

2 minutes ago, wildcat09 said:

This is legitimately one of the funniest things I've ever read here.

Actually, it's not -- it's really spot-on.  ANY system is subject to abuse, rigging, and creating one set of rules for me, but not for thee.

That's why the foundation of ALL of them has to be the rule of law, and processes and institutions that guarantee that it's upheld.  It's my pet issue, because it's the foundational one.  When you allow those in power to re-write the rules so that the rule of law doesn't apply to them, the system breaks down.  So, we can't allow that.  And to the extent that they've done so, we need to wrest that power back.

It's also why Congress ceding effectively ALL of its power and authority to the POTUS may be the most disastrous thing to happen to this country since the Civil War.

[Biff Tannen 45695]

So are we not getting any more Iowa results?

[David Dennison 18940]

1 minute ago, Brisketexan said:

Actually, it's not -- it's really spot-on.  ANY system is subject to abuse, rigging, and creating one set of rules for me, but not for thee.

That's why the foundation of ALL of them has to be the rule of law, and processes and institutions that guarantee that it's upheld.  It's my pet issue, because it's the foundational one.  When you allow those in power to re-write the rules so that the rule of law doesn't apply to them, the system breaks down.  So, we can't allow that.  And to the extent that they've done so, we need to wrest that power back.

It's also why Congress ceding effectively ALL of its power and authority to the POTUS may be the most disastrous thing to happen to this country since the Civil War.

When you say, "Well-regulated capitalism can function as well or better than any other alternative," are you including mixed economies? Do you consider Scandinavian economies regulated capitalism, or are they something else?

[Brisketexan 105180]

1 minute ago, bad_teammate said:

Very good. I like her, too.

Could I encourage you to donate to Warren?

Even better, volunteer to phonebank?

Already done -- and she'll surely get more from us.  Difficult to find time to do material volunteer work right now, but the wife and I are strategizing on how to make more of it happen.  So far, it's mostly been me supporting her -- she's traveled to DC and El Paso already working with a large group of pastors on issues of shared importance.

1 minute ago, David Dennison said:

How do you know?

Fair enough, and I see your point.  Look, we've never hit the bullseye/sweet spot, and we never will.  BUT, we've seen what a system that has some semblance of that does -- see the system that had unions with real power and relatively open courts did from the post-war period to the late 1970s.  We had huge increases in prosperity, and they were shared across the board -- the upper class and the working class saw their lives improve.  We won't ever hit the perfect balance, but we can do a LOT better than where we are now -- we don't even have to look back that far to see what that model looks like.

[wildcat09 29360]

2 minutes ago, Brisketexan said:

Actually, it's not -- it's really spot-on.  ANY system is subject to abuse, rigging, and creating one set of rules for me, but not for thee.

That's why the foundation of ALL of them has to be the rule of law, and processes and institutions that guarantee that it's upheld.  It's my pet issue, because it's the foundational one.  When you allow those in power to re-write the rules so that the rule of law doesn't apply to them, the system breaks down.  So, we can't allow that.  And to the extent that they've done so, we need to wrest that power back.

It's also why Congress ceding effectively ALL of its power and authority to the POTUS may be the most disastrous thing to happen to this country since the Civil War.

I found it funny because it's a wholly meaningless statement. There is no such thing and never will be such thing as capitalism, or socialism, or communism, or any other word we've invented to describe how humans interact with each other, without the human element.