I'm still not sure if this is the appropriate venue, if this is the right place but I'm so concerned and in extreme need to share it that I will deeply apologize if I'm choosing the wrong venue, the wrong place.
The last days, or should I say the last years? I think that would be more precise. The last years have been extremely difficult for our country; and I should clarify I was not born in the U.S.A., but I consider myself as American as anyone else. Once more, the last years have been extremely difficult for our country and the last days have brought back memories I had "burned" in the back of my mind and thought will be there forever.
It should be worrisome for anyone, regardless of their political identification or affiliation, the course the country is taking and being witness of actions that some have only seen in history textbooks or from storytellers. I was born in a Socialist country, I had free education from Kindergarten to College (completely designed for me where I didn't have a choice, neither my parents), I also had free medical care (excellent service when you were not in need or you had a family/friend that could advocate for you). All of that came with a price, a big one chunky price!! We could not think for ourselves and we could not express what we thought, we could not dissent from the government without receiving a painful punishment that sometimes include one's life. I came here, to the land of opportunities to raise myself and my descendants in the "land of the free and the home of the brave" as my forever home. The younger generations may not understand my point, although I am not old yet, I have had my share of experiences....
This place has a lot of other things I usually do not agree with and one of them is the important place the money has and even though it may corrupt the most adorable and innocent individual. However, I was able to "deal" with and place it in the "back burner" when having my freedom of thinking, my freedom of speech and my freedom of respectfully dissenting from the elected government without fear. Well, I believe those my "freedoms" could be in danger of disappearing or being repressed.
We all do not have to think the same, we all do not have to believe on same, even we all don't have to believe but we should be respectful to each other and live like a civilized society. Everyone's rights should be respected. We have become a society based on feelings and not on facts. Some people get offended by other's way of thinking that is incredible and unthinkable to happen in this land. We "cut" people out because the way they think or who they "support”, but we accept inappropriate behaviors from the ones that supposedly think alike, is that the new norm?
Where are the principles, the moral (yes, that word exist and is part of a civilized society) and the values of the individuals, regardless of their age? I am afraid we are losing them, yes!
We have become so accustomed to comfort and delicacies that we do not realize the high price we are paying for those, and unfortunately, it is not only in dollar bills....
Obviously not or you would know what I am talking about
Nice try but no dice, people are getting cancelled because of their conservative and/or Republican views only! This should worry everyone no matter what your views are because we are losing and open speech which is the only way the republic/democracy stands, people are being silenced, not silencing themselves!
And, in case you didn't notice the Authoritarian in chief is now Biden. Quit worrying about Trump and pay attention to what Biden and the Dems are doing (ie they are in control), how many and what executive orders, and how is it helping we the people?
I would suggest that America is and has always been the most socialist country currently and in world's history.
Do you pay taxes? What do you get for those taxes? Schools, roads, police, the military, state subsidized universities, Medicare, Medicaid, etc. How many things are tax related that you enjoy and rely upon? That's socialism!
Would you prefer to pay privately for all of those amenities individually?
Capitalism runs alongside socialism in every successful country. It's only the unenlightened and ignorant who choose to delusionally believe that they are independent and got where they are by their own attributes!
When you get ill and are in your private hospital, all of those txs, which tax funded subsidized institutions produced those txs?
Socialism is LIKE AN INSURANCE POOL!
You need to consider what is the alternative to socialism? Take ANY ASPECT OF YOUR LIFE and unpack how did you receive that specific service? ANY ASPECT, ANY!
Did you just order food in? What would the cost of that food be if everything was privatized?
Your phone! All of the technology. Who developed it? How much govt subsidized military expenditure? The car you drive, the electricity you enjoy!
Private companies are necessary but dangerous! Socialism regulates them! Free market regulates them by an educated consumer who didn't through osmosis acquire the freedom to make those choices or obtain their education to discern those choices!
The free speech and rights you ENJOY, would be subjugated in a privatized world. Think about that!
I really suggest you read or maybe rent Orwell's 1984 and carefully evaluate the implications of what you are wishing for!
"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not" ---"I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery" Thomas Jefferson
I believe you are mixing concepts, it is true that the USA is not a perfect capitalist country, I don't think there is really any, but we are the closest you can think of.
We have a blend of approaches but this is not a socialist country not even in the dreams of the most imaginative person. Ordering food? you cannot order food in a socialist country and you get it here because the "owner" wants you to buy from him (her) so money can be made. That is private economy, private industry. The government subsidize certain industries? Yes, but it does not mean that this is a Socialist enterprise, if you want you can develop the same industry and compete against the government. In a socialist country you cannot do that. You don't have the "means" and the government will not allow you to do so.
In a Socialist country you cannot bear arms, this is the first thing the government will take away from you, saying that is dangerous. It definitely is, but for the government itself. In a Socialist country you cannot decide which school to go, how to educate your kids and how to raise them [everyone gets vaccinated, you like it or not ? ]. Socialism does not regulate private companies, it does not allow them to exist, and prosper, period! unless you are a government official.
In a Socialist country you have no freedom of speech or thoughts!! You have to think, do and make how the government decides for you. If you don't, you are an antisocial and can be imprisoned for lengthy years.
Taxes? are not part of a Socialist country, no need, the government is the absolute owner of every industry and everything you can think of. You cannot become richer than the government, unless you are the government.
Anyhow, just let's keep thinking that it will be a better world tomorrow where everyone's ideas can be discussed respectfully and the disagreements don't take us to unpredictable wars. Be in peace!!
"Capitalism runs alongside socialism in every successful country." is what I said.
The terms of Socialism, Communism and Capitalism are exactly that. Just terms. They do not exist anywhere in the world. All countries are a blend of all three except for the percentage they choose to adopt dictate their functioning.
Now dictators and fascists etc Co opt the terms eg Hitler calling Germany a socialist country or Stalin, Russia a communist country of which neither is or was! Hitler was a dictator/fascist and Stalin was simply a dictator! They wore the clothes of socialism and communism to dupe their people but they were authoritative leaders underneath!
I can call myself friendly and outgoing but in reality I am a loner who prefer to read and be alone except for being with my immediate family and when I need female companionship. I am extremely adept at socialising but only to satisfy my needs as a young, single person.
Countries are exactly the same! To satisfy the leader's needs except in Democracies! European countries are true Democracies! There's no voter suppression or gerrymandering or hanky panky! No dark money is allowed and the Govts are Coalition based! Corruption still exists as in Iceland or the recent Swedish mistakes. Coalition makes a huge difference in suppressing corruption! But then you have Australia who bucks that trend.
Example : these could be called Socialist countries based on their models. But they have a very strong capitalism streak running alongside tempered by Democratic politics with an embedded Coalition template.
The Nordic model comprises the economic and social policies as well as typical cultural practices common to the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden).[1] This includes a comprehensive welfare state and multi-level collective bargaining[2] based on the economic foundations of social corporatism,[3][4] with a high percentage of the workforce unionized and a large percentage of the population employed by the public sector (roughly 30% of the work force).[5]
America can never truly be Democratic with gerrymandering and voter suppression and especially Citizens United in existence! Thankfully both the Judicial and Legislative branches held up to the attempted recent coup, emphasizing the importance of the Federal aspect of our system.
It is very important to be able to differentiate and understand whatever you read and have a contextual understanding of reality! Nothing is ever black and white, but a blend! Socialism and Communism doesn't exist in reality except as constructs! They are hijacked to be used for controlling populations! And, in America for demonizing and misrepresentation!
Big difference between paying taxes for services and having a socialist/communist/totalitarian gov/society (don't conflate the two). IMO this is exactly where we are headed and the suppression of Republicans and/or conservatives should be a wake up call to everyone (esp the crowd who thinks they are woke!). If you look at the "1984" themes it should be quite obvious that some of these are playing out now and the Dems (along with a few Reps) are the ones using it (1984) for their playbook. Nobody should have their views "cancelled" in a free and open society! We, as a Country, are headed in the wrong direction that we won't be able to come back from easily, if at all, but I guess that is their plan.
Specializes in NICU, PICU, Transport, L&D, Hospice.
11 minutes ago, Daisy4RN said:
Big difference between paying taxes for services and having a socialist/communist/totalitarian gov/society (don't conflate the two). IMO this is exactly where we are headed and the suppression of Republicans and/or conservatives should be a wake up call to everyone (esp the crowd who thinks they are woke!). If you look at the "1984" themes it should be quite obvious that some of these are playing out now and the Dems (along with a few Reps) are the ones using it (1984) for their playbook. Nobody should have their views "cancelled" in a free and open society! We, as a Country, are headed in the wrong direction that we won't be able to come back from easily, if at all, but I guess that is their plan.
You should explain what symptoms of communism/socialism/totalitarian government you are referencing. I'm thinking that maybe you're talking about our recent brush with the authoritarian who lied to the American people everyday for weeks about the election results and then stood by when a violent mob of his supporters ransacked the capitol in an attempt to stop the transition of power. That seems like a bit of a wake up call.
The course that our country is currently on is the course established by the Trump administration. Biden has not even been in office one month, he cannot work miracles. Trump's corrupt incompetence and failures of leadership will be a at play in our society and government for awhile yet to come. IMV
In a Socialist country no one cares about the others, no one cares about the services you provide or receive because it is not your business. We are, unfortunately, seeing a lot of that most places you go. When you provide a bad service to your clients and the owner does not "correct" it, the business loses customers and money; in a socialist (no free market, no privatization) country no one cares, and the "owner" which is the government cares less because it cannot, even though wants to, control everything as an individual can do with his own business. Nothing is perfect in this life, but the individual's freedom and responsibility for his or her own destiny is the most precious asset you could inherit from your parents.
Big difference between paying taxes for services and having a socialist/communist/totalitarian gov/society (don't conflate the two). IMO this is exactly where we are headed and the suppression of Republicans and/or conservatives should be a wake up call to everyone (esp the crowd who thinks they are woke!). If you look at the "1984" themes it should be quite obvious that some of these are playing out now and the Dems (along with a few Reps) are the ones using it (1984) for their playbook. Nobody should have their views "cancelled" in a free and open society! We, as a Country, are headed in the wrong direction that we won't be able to come back from easily, if at all, but I guess that is their plan.
That is the the primary function of a free country, having your views canceled!
What do you think the legal system is for or religious doctrine or social conduct?
We would all like to have our own way BUT when you CHOOSE TO LIVE IN A SOCIETY, you also choose to ABIDE BY THE LAWS OF THAT SOCIETY!
You cannot just say or do whatever you want unless it conforms to societal norms and is beneficial to all. You made that choice when you decide to live as part of society.
Blackstone and Plutarch expounded upon this and it's the cornerstone of the British and American legal systems. It's also basic common sense.
And seriously, do you think anyone in the Western world will give up our rights?
We do not want a Hungary, Russia, Turkey, Venezuela regime to develop. I honestly don't know why I am even arguing about this?
Trump is a madman and you all absolutely know it! He's always been a criminal and the phrase, 'Lie down with dogs and you get up with fleas' or 'Show me your friends and I will show you who you are' is so applicable to his supporters.
Guilty by association! You support his views means that you condone his behaviors and by extention reflects your own behaviors and beliefs.
I don’t think we are discussing specifically about Trump or Biden, or Obama,Bush or Clinton. We are talking about society in general, political and socio-economical systems that are pretty well intertwined and one influences the other like a never ends circle.
It is still unclear for me why so much hate against a president that showed so much love for this nation than no other in modern times, however, I’m very open-minded, I need someone who explains to me why the hatred, with facts. We can have an amicable discussion....
When we allowed the government “to provide to us” we are allowing the government “to decide for us” that is my message, and that is what big government does for a country.
It is unfortunate that a large number of individuals focus on “feelings” instead of facts and take decisions based on emotions. I believe that is mostly what’s going on everywhere....
I don’t think we are discussing specifically about Trump or Biden, or Obama,Bush or Clinton. We are talking about society in general, political and socio-economical systems that are pretty well intertwined and one influences the other like a never ends circle.
It is still unclear for me why so much hate against a president that showed so much love for this nation than no other in modern times, however, I’m very open-minded, I need someone who explains to me why the hatred, with facts. We can have an amicable discussion....
When we allowed the government “to provide to us” we are allowing the government “to decide for us” that is my message, and that is what big government does for a country.
It is unfortunate that a large number of individuals focus on “feelings” instead of facts and take decisions based on emotions. I believe that is mostly what’s going on everywhere....
Obama or Hillary elicited no feelings from you?
I couldn't give two hoots about Trump because he's the most honest man in America. Not deliberately honest just as a by product. No one I have ever seen has so blatantly and honestly described himself as to what he is and is capable of doing!
I care about what he's done to the country and giving credence to a faction of people who have little self control or the interlectual ability to self examine.
Who in their right mind picks up and goes to DC after all three branches of govt have concluded the result of the election? Electoral college, judicial and legislative branches.
Elementary forethought, what's going to happen when we get there? So you stop Mike Pence from verification. How? Disruption? And what's likely to happen after that? What does the optics of disruption generate? Now we know!
Indelible images all associated with the republican party! Do you remember 9/11?
These images are probably in the same category re occurrences not to forget! It is a nefarious historical event now! Do you think for instance that Cruz and Hawley will ever escape from the association?
The republican party has forever been tarred with an Insurrection of the American govt!
This was placed into the record in 1963 by a brave patriot who wanted to warn America about Communism. As you read through you can see what is happening now in our society.
If the Republican party is tarred than so is the Democratic party because they have said the same things Trump did. Maybe it is time to quit worrying about Trump and move on. I think peoples time/energy would be better spent worrying what Biden is doing since he is now in control and signing all kinds of executive orders that will affect we the people.
This was placed into the record in 1963 by a brave patriot who wanted to warn America about Communism. As you read through you can see what is happening now in our society.
If the Republican party is tarred than so is the Democratic party because they have said the same things Trump did. Maybe it is time to quit worrying about Trump and move on. I think peoples time/energy would be better spent worrying what Biden is doing since he is now in control and signing all kinds of executive orders that will affect we the people.
Trump is not the problem! He has woke up identity politics however and that is a problem. It drives the polarization.
You elect a party to perform. Not because of an image. You need substantive achievements instead of I'm going to build a wall and make Mexico pay and have people fall for the nonsense.
You are a nurse! You have a discolored mole that looks suspicious and you are a redhead who lives in the lower 48. One Dr who's got a beautiful office and fancy receptionist and smiles a lot, is concerned about how good your insurance is and is charming etc tells you that you shouldn't worry because it doesn't look that bad AND another Dr who's older and appears to be all business appears concerned and immediately wants to palpate, examine, do a biopsy and gets on the phone to the lab for a rush job because you are a nurse etc. Who would you go with?
Dowdy Hillary or Sleepy Joe with so much political experience or flashy, bombastic, racist, misogynistic, king of bankruptcy Trump?
All the money you contributed to Trump, do you think he gave any to Georgia re the senate race? All the news of his malfeasance, fake news?
We know who you like but with hindsight, who would you choose? And there isn't a single Democrat that I know who wants big, ineffective, inefficient govt or wants to pay more in taxes. We all want the same things, just that some of us are more discerning re whom we choose. I wouldn't trust Cruz, Cotton, McConnell, Graham if my life depended on it. Not because they are republicans but their previous behaviors deem them untrustworthy!
All politicians Democrats and Republicans are not to be trusted but some are less likely to ruin our lives and abide by the constitutional norms. John McCain was one of those.
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I would suggest that America is and has always been the most socialist country currently and in world's history.
Do you pay taxes? What do you get for those taxes? Schools, roads, police, the military, state subsidized universities, Medicare, Medicaid, etc. How many things are tax related that you enjoy and rely upon? That's socialism!
Would you prefer to pay privately for all of those amenities individually?
Capitalism runs alongside socialism in every successful country. It's only the unenlightened and ignorant who choose to delusionally believe that they are independent and got where they are by their own attributes!
When you get ill and are in your private hospital, all of those txs, which tax funded subsidized institutions produced those txs?
Socialism is LIKE AN INSURANCE POOL!
You need to consider what is the alternative to socialism? Take ANY ASPECT OF YOUR LIFE and unpack how did you receive that specific service? ANY ASPECT, ANY!
Did you just order food in? What would the cost of that food be if everything was privatized?
Your phone! All of the technology. Who developed it? How much govt subsidized military expenditure? The car you drive, the electricity you enjoy!
Private companies are necessary but dangerous! Socialism regulates them! Free market regulates them by an educated consumer who didn't through osmosis acquire the freedom to make those choices or obtain their education to discern those choices!
The free speech and rights you ENJOY, would be subjugated in a privatized world. Think about that!
I really suggest you read or maybe rent Orwell's 1984 and carefully evaluate the implications of what you are wishing for!