Conservatism (and neo-conservatism) is the root of all of our problems in America.

Once upon a time the United States was the most progressive nation in the world and the best place possible to live. No more. That honor goes to nations like Sweden who have wisely become near-completely socialized in terms of public benefit; cheap housing, cheap (in some cases free) utilities, immense public transport, incredible voter turnout (%80+), universal healthcare, a healthy economy, etc. The only real problem is the illegality of marijuana, but we can blame the US and their drug treaties for that.

I honestly hope that the Tea Party manages to fracture the conservative base enough that another one is never elected again. This already happened in a district in New York, I hope it happens everywhere. If we can get a real liberal (best case, democratic socialist) super-majority in the federal House and Senate, as well as real Liberal Presidents and governors I can see American making real progress. If we can do that I can see taxes being raised for the rich, decreased military spending and decreased earmark spending, true universal healthcare, possible decriminalization of marijuana, and an overall better economy and nation for the people.

Conservatives and neo-cons are in the pockets of big business (not to say that some liberals aren't either), huge tax breaks for oil and gas companies, prolonged Bush-era tax cuts, spending too much on the military where it isn't needed (do we really need all of those bases in Germany still?), stomping on women's rights, too much of a Christian/religious influence, I could go on. Hell they are acting like 4 year olds just holding their collective breaths to get what they want in terms of the debt ceiling, potentially further ruining our nation.


Edit: Just to clarify, when I say real liberals or socialist I am referring to social democracy, not true socialism. Capitalism is still very important.

LOL, wow, IMO all that you wrote was laughable and sounded like someone who hasn't been around long when it comes to politics or the true state of things.

It would be great if you could give some examples of these other great countries and all their greatness.... because then I will tell you why you're dead wrong and we can have a conversation about it.

First lesson: Neither neo-con or liberal(socialist) are the answers...

Ha! You have GOT to be kidding!

Where do you think all that money from socolized programs comes from? If you dont know, you should do a little more research. There is no such thing as a Utopia and even if there was, I would not want to be a part of it. Talk about boreing and sterile....


No, the downfall of this country is the "entitled" mentality, backed by laziness and a sever lack of self respect.

No, the true failing of this country is that too many people, both in power and the voters, can't see what is best for the people and only go with what their religion tells them, what businesses whispers in their ears, or what if fed to them by conservative media pundits.

reply to post by SG-17



So you think others should decide whats best for you? Sounds like living in China to me...

Looks like this may be a true first spotting of the new Obama Internet Bad News Czar.
Foolish to say the least.
Predictable at best.

Good luck with that whole "bigger & more controlling Govt" pitch.

reply to post by DerbyCityLights


You'd be a great replacement for Glenn Beck with the way that you twist words.

Too many people act against their own interests because they don't know any better. Do you think that if everyone was aware at how high the quality of life and socially strong so many European nations are they would continue to vote for the people who are hell bent to keep us in the first half of the 20th century?

Originally posted by SG-17
No, the true failing of this country is that too many people, both in power and the voters, can't see what is best for the people and only go with what their religion tells them, what businesses whispers in their ears, or what if fed to them by conservative media pundits.

edit on 5/26/2011 by SG-17 because: (no reason given)

I was gonna give this guy a chance......... but considering his first 2 posts..... he's a long ways away from being able to have an intelligent conversation with.

Good luck kid, we'll talk in a few years when you see the light... maybe?

Originally posted by SG-17
reply to post by DerbyCityLights

 

You'd be a great replacement for Glenn Beck with the way that you twist words.

Too many people act against their own interests because they don't know any better. Do you think that if everyone was aware at how high the quality of life and socially strong so many European nations are they would continue to vote for the people who are hell bent to keep us in the first half of the 20th century?

So you are trying to convince me with Ad Hominem attacks? Does this mean that you would make a great replacement for (insert any CNN show host here)?

Our country was founded on the principles of personel freedom. Are you trying to tell me that you dont want this anymore? Cause if thats so, I think you should revoke your citizenship abnd move to Saudi Arabia where you have no freedoms and everything is chosen for you.

reply to post by SG-17


The reason those nations (Sweden and other model socialist democracies) work is because of their small size and large per-capita GDP. They can afford it because they kept making stuff. It's really as simple at that. I used to be like you and always scratched my head at our nations seeming inability to give its citizens something to show for the taxes. Then I realized: we are simply too big.

If you want more social services that function (ala Sweden) - You need to decentralize.
If you want more capitalism and a free economy (ala USA eons ago) - You need to decentralize.

Capitalism and Socialism can co-exist with the best parts of both. We currently have the worse of both. We are a socialist democracy. Just a terrible one. The big brother regulations do little more than create a barrier-to-entry for the common man or woman like us to start a business. The current welfare state helps people in the most inefficient ways possible and with a broad brush defining who actually needs that help.

We are capitalists when it benefits the banking industry and corporatist.
We are socialists when it benefits the banking industry and corporatist.

So, no... it's not just a conservatism problem. It's a corporate problem. It's a bank problem. It's an US problem.

reply to post by DerbyCityLights


How does social welfare impact personal freedoms? You are still free to drive cars in Sweden, you are still free to use private health care in Sweden, you are still free to overpay for housing and utilities in Sweden, you are still free to not vote in Sweden, etc. Social welfare of the democratic socialist variety doesn't impact personal freedoms at all, if anything it increases them. No one is going to "take your guns", no one is going to abridge your right to free speech, right to assembly, or anything else defined by the Constitution or common law.

Of course Sweden can provide all those goodies, their tax rates are quite a chunk.

Sweden has a very burdensome income tax rate and a moderate corporate tax rate. The top income tax rate is effectively 57 percent, and the corporate tax rate is 26.3 percent. Other taxes include a value-added tax (VAT), a property tax, and a capital gains tax.

www.heritage.org...

I will never understand why people think it's a good thing to tax the crap outta people to help others. I'm all for charity, but not at the governments demand.

The government ruined America.

reply to post by DelMar

The thing is those taxes can be that high because their economy is strong enough that people make more money than they can use.

reply to post by DelMar


Sweden also doesn't share a border with Mexico.

Originally posted by SG-17
reply to post by DerbyCityLights

 

How does social welfare impact personal freedoms? You are still free to drive cars in Sweden, you are still free to use private health care in Sweden, you are still free to overpay for housing and utilities in Sweden, you are still free to not vote in Sweden, etc. Social welfare of the democratic socialist variety doesn't impact personal freedoms at all, if anything it increases them. No one is going to "take your guns", no one is going to abridge your right to free speech, right to assembly, or anything else defined by the Constitution or common law.

If you really feel that way, renounce your citizenshiop and move to sweden. Cause Im telling you right now, your belief is no longer the majority in this country.

Originally posted by Cuervo
We are capitalists when it benefits the banking industry and corporatist.
We are socialists when it benefits the banking industry and corporatist.

So, no... it's not just a conservatism problem. It's a corporate problem. It's a bank problem. It's an US problem.

To be short, the U.S. is fascist.

reply to post by DerbyCityLights


Why don't you actually explain how democratic socialism negatively impacts our personal freedoms, or can't you?

Originally posted by SG-17
reply to post by DerbyCityLights

 

Why don't you actually explain how democratic socialism negatively impacts our personal freedoms, or can't you?

well let's start with social security, it's a ponzi scheme, the new workers pay for the old, it's a system where people can not abandon it because then their entitlements would be erased. It's a sophisticated form of enslavement. Plus why would you give your retirement savings to a third party to "keep safe" until you retire when you know they are just spending it as soon as they get it?

The government basically works this way: okay, let's come up with a half-hearted reason to have something, like saying 'people can't save for themselves, government must be their savior' and then let's use this reasoning to instill it upon everyone.

Okay, so what if someone was capable of saving money on their own? Can they be exempt? If you can't be exempt, how is it not slavery?

Originally posted by SG-17
reply to post by DerbyCityLights

 

How does social welfare impact personal freedoms? You are still free to drive cars in Sweden, you are still free to use private health care in Sweden, you are still free to overpay for housing and utilities in Sweden, you are still free to not vote in Sweden, etc. Social welfare of the democratic socialist variety doesn't impact personal freedoms at all, if anything it increases them. No one is going to "take your guns", no one is going to abridge your right to free speech, right to assembly, or anything else defined by the Constitution or common law.

I'll simplify it for you, son. I am still taxed for it whether I want or need it. If I don't use, I pay for your services. With no choice. None. Nada. Zip. I am forced to pay for someone else's healthcare, drugs, house, what have you. If you have no choice, you are not free. Get it?

/TOA