kumbaya, my ATS

originally posted by: Krazysh0t
a reply to: interupt42

I'm currently putting my hopes in the legal weed market. It is making good strides and as the money pull builds soon the tide will be inevitable. Especially once the banks get tired of being squeezed out of their profits thanks to issues that the plant being illegal create between the legal dispensaries and their banking institutions. The way I see it, money can be used to our benefit too.

I don't know to much about the legal weed business, but i recall reading about how there are already a few large players setting the regulations to cut out and keep the little guys out of the game. I think even if weed become legal nationwide, it will still be bastardized by lobbyist influenced regulations from the highest bidder.

Great OP...I have been saying this for a while about the 2 sides of the same coin issue and it never seems to catch on here. Just nice seeing more people voicing this here finally.

a reply to: RickyD

If Americans have accomplished obtaining freedoms in the past, they can accomplish it in the present or even the future. Government doesn't work like a race car. It is slow to act and slower to implement. Getting impatient because what I want hasn't been accomplished in the short time I've desired it only shows a lack of dedication to my cause. I'm sorry that you have lost all your faith in the government, but I haven't. The only way to change things is to work within the system. Even implementing the OP's solutions requires you to trust politicians to have it accomplished.

a reply to: interupt42

Of course. That goes without saying. The most successful businessmen will form lobbies to help their interests at the expense of the little guy as is the case for every market in the country, but that is a part of Capitalism. Life isn't perfect and every solution creates new problems. It keeps life interesting. I'm willing to tackle those problems when we come to them. Plus, to make that go away we'd have to implement Communism or at the least more hardcore Socialism in the country.

a reply to: Sublimecraft

In a nutshell: Low-info liberal-minded rabbits exist to ensure the survivability and dominance of conservative-minded lions

To be fair. I didn't vote for either Hillary or Trump ,but I'm thankful that Hillary didn't get rewarded for her worthless career as a politician. Having said that, there are just as many low info conservatives minded rabbits.

They were the ones that overlooked their party and candidates that sold them the idea that the free market is BS and we need a FIXED tax payers market to bail out the ceo and bankers in a tanking private business.

They were the ones that thought it was a good idea to spit on individual privacy when the patriot act was passed.

They are the ones that think small gov't is making the gov't bigger by creating Homeland Security , being the world police, and increase American surveillance

The point is that BOTH parties are compromised and only the Big Corps are winning under both party. The individual democrats , republicans, and the world are the ones getting shafted as long as we continue to IGNORE the 6 things I listed in the thread.

Until we address conflict of interest in congress its pointless to discuss which party gets elected or how to fix healthcare,SS,Taxes,Foreign matters, etc.

The catch is , in order to address the conflict of interest in DC both democrats and republicans must join forces to make it happen.
Sadly the likelihood is about as likely as Hillary Clinton getting prosecuted or trump not offending someone. People care more about their party than actually fixing things.

a reply to: interupt42

A. I don't do posts about either of the last candidates, so I'm good there.

B. I'm all about calling for the end of lobbyists and crony capitalism...I do it often.

C. No, I'm not going to ignore topics that interest me just because you feel like those are the only things that matter.

1. Big fan of term limits...HUGE...biggest fan, believe me

2. Depends on what the reform is, but I'll discuss it when I see it discussed.

3. Lobbying should be outlawed, at least in a centralized way as happens in D.C. If you want to lobby, go to your congressman's or senators' offices and do it that way.

4. I think that people and organizations have a right to start up, collect money, and purchase air time and create marketing materials as they see fit. That said, I think that libel and slander laws need to be emphasized and enforced with extreme prejudice during political campaigns.

5. That one really depends on what you're referencing, so that's a tough one to comment on at the moment. There should always be an open-door policy between government and the private sector, but if you're referencing the pay-to-play phenomenon that is so popular in politics, that has to be scrutinized much more closely and punished much more liberally.

6. That's the issue that pushed me to vote for Obama in 2008--he promised the most open and transparent administration and government ever. Boy, I learned my lesson on that one. Transparency should absolutely be there, and it is, to a point. I understand why some things have sensitivities attached to them and shouldn't be broadcasted as they happen, but too much secrecy gets applied to things "just in case" for my liking. We definitely need the SCOTUS hearings televised, though, I definitely believe that--why they are protected when others are not is beyond me.

There's my constructive, yet truncated, attempt to address your points and concerns in this thread. I hope that helps.

originally posted by: SlapMonkey

1. Big fan of term limits...HUGE...biggest fan, believe me

I see what you did there. Who loves ya baby!

a reply to: network dude

Every. single. time. that I see a notification from you now, I already know what to expect. It gives me a good chuckle, so keep it up.

I should close every comment of mine on ATS with that from now on--it would be so questionable in some of them that it would be worth causing the confusion.

originally posted by: LesMisanthrope
The danger of anti-partisan politics is that its proponents always tends towards the center for purely dogmatic reasons, even when the scales are unbalanced. Those who poo-poo partisanship will be caught in a perpetual cycle of poo-pooing partisanship, because that is all that their politics amounts to.

It sounds like you are trying to say those who reject the idea we as an electorate must fall into only two camps, two schools of thought and if we don't, we have nothing to contribute by not falling in lockstep with a party platform? How is partisan gridlock desirable? Why is compromise a dirty word?

I've come to view political parties as a trap. A trap baited with the promise of never having to think for oneself, drenched with a sporting event vibe where winning at all costs, even to the point of hating the other team just because they are the other team is used to keep people inside the trap.

Logic would say good governance must involve compromise to reach a consensus beneficial to all. All being feet planted firmly in the mud partisans does is get in the way by guaranteeing our representatives are in perpetual campaign mode, never being able to compromise to break the gridlock and actually move us forward in a positive direction.

a reply to: interupt42


S&F from me. I also agree on your 6 points. I also say that the American people should vote on these 6 points and not the congress or the senate. I have stated this before that the people should be able to keep these yahoos on a short leash until they get it or get out.

I laugh at all this political crap.

I am a libertarian and voted as such.

Maybe next go around we could get people on the right track and screw dems and republicans.

WHAT IS THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY? The Libertarian Party (LP) is your representative in American politics. It is the only political organization which respects you as a unique and responsible individual. Our slogan is that we are “The Party of Principle”, because we stand firmly on our principles. Libertarians strongly oppose any government interference into their personal, family, and business decisions. Essentially, we believe all Americans should be free to live their lives and pursue their interests as they see fit as long as they do no harm to another. Founded in 1971, we run many hundred of candidates every election cycle. These candidates seek positions ranging from City Council to President of the United States. Each of these candidates helps to give liberty a voice. THE LIBERTARIAN OPTION Consider voting Libertarian or joining the Libertarian Party because… We seek to substantially reduce the size and intrusiveness of government and cut and eliminate taxes at every opportunity. We believe that peaceful, honest people should be able to offer their goods and services to willing consumers without inappropriate interference from government. We believe that peaceful, honest people should decide for themselves how to live their lives, without fear of criminal or civil penalties. We believe that government’s only responsibility, if any, should be protecting people from force and fraud.

www.lp.org...

a reply to: interupt42

Start working together and become a loud voice to represent Americans against Special interest instead of fighting with each other. 

a reply to: annoyedpharmacist

No, the courts would and it's a good thing that they would.

a reply to: Blaine91555

I'm trying to state the dangers of centrism and the dismissing of partisanship, and in some cases, the political conversation altogether. Party bickering works, and opposition and disputation are a fundamental aspects of politics in free societies.

I think that participating in and fostering partisanship will help people deal with it far better than lamenting, poo-pooing it, and subsequently running away from it, ironically, with those who hold the same opinion.

I've laid out my arguments, written my opinion on the subject here, if you care to take a read.

a reply to: Groot

I laugh at all this political crap.

I am a libertarian and voted as such.

Maybe next go around we could get people on the right track and screw dems and republicans.

While you laugh at this political crap so do the lobbyist , GOP, DNC, and the MSM. The difference is that they are laughing on the way to the bank to cash in your tax dollars they stole from you.

While I think right now the best thing we could do is have a libertarian congress , there is no maybe on the next go around. You and I and the rest of the country will be forced a 'D' or 'R' POTUS. It sucks but that is reality.

The reality is a 3rd party doesn't have a chance as long as Congress, DNC,GOP, and the MSM are running the show and filled with conflict of interest. You might as will vote for Mickey Mouse or Monty Brewsters none of the above.

The six items I listed will benefit everyone including 3rd party candidates , it will only harm the lobbyist ,GOP, DNC, and the MSM.

Instead of laughing or arguing with each other over political ideals or political supremacy, we should be joining forces including the individual 'D' and 'R' to minimize conflict of interest in DC. That way our political ideals can be given a fair shot versus the corporateism that we get every election cycle, where neither the 3rd party ideals get a fair shot nor the two primary party ideals get a fair shot.

Without a doubt The next go around will be the same as the previous go around until we join forces.

a reply to: interupt42

You are asking for rational thinking among people prone to irrational thought.

Politics is more about group think and mutual acceptance. It has nothing to do with thinking something through rationally. If it did, fear wouldn't work so well.

originally posted by: bigfatfurrytexan
a reply to: interupt42

You are asking for rational thinking among people prone to irrational thought.

Politics is more about group think and mutual acceptance. It has nothing to do with thinking something through rationally. If it did, fear wouldn't work so well.

LOL Agreed, and that is why I have labeled the hard core republican and democrats political cheerleaders. Its become a team sport and a religion in a way.

However, its frustrating sometimes to watch these chickens running around with their heads cut off and chasing their tails year after year ,especially when it impacts our children life and their children life.

Its such a simple concept to not expect a person with conflict of interest to do right by you . The Majority does get and understand this concept , but for some reason completely overlooks it when it comes to politics?

Its ,tragic,mind boggling and fascinating all at the same time as to how people think focusing on healthcare and the typical issues will get resolved by the same people that created the issues to begin with , which are surrounded with conflict of interest and benefiting .

Its like they get a paper cut and are focused on fixing that cut with the their favorite bandaid brand , while asking the robber stabbing them in their backs to help them stop the paper cut bleeding. Its crazy.

I also find it interesting that most of the hard core Left or Right members around here have ignored this thread or have completely ignored my replies to them in other POST in regards if they would temporarily put their political ideals to the side and join forces.

originally posted by: interupt42

LOL Agreed, and that is why I have labeled the hard core republican and democrats political cheerleaders. Its become a team sport and a religion in a way.

I think i will use this going forward. Team Red and Team Blue. LOL

However, its frustrating sometimes to watch these chickens running around with their heads cut off and chasing their tails year after year ,especially when it impacts our children life and their children life.

Its such a simple concept to not expect a person with conflict of interest to do right by you . The Majority does get and understand this concept , but for some reason completely overlooks it when it comes to politics?

We, as humans, tend to misplace loyalty. Sometimes its tradition, sometimes convenience.

I think its related to Stockholm Syndrome psychologically....but we tend to accept the less than acceptable, and rationalize the reasons away. For many, it seems to be about protecting their ego by not admitting their folly.

Its ,tragic,mind boggling and fascinating all at the same time as to how people think focusing on healthcare and the typical issues will get resolved by the same people that created the issues to begin with , which are surrounded with conflict of interest and benefiting .

Its like they get a paper cut and are focused on fixing that cut with the their favorite bandaid brand , while asking the robber stabbing them in their backs to help them stop the paper cut bleeding. Its crazy.

I also find it interesting that most of the hard core Left or Right members around here have ignored this thread or have completely ignored my replies to them in other POST in regards if they would temporarily put their political ideals to the side and join forces.

It has to be positioned in a way that they don't absorb a "defeat" from the perspective of ego. No one wants to admit folly. Its hard to do.

And even more, it would take years to break the thinking processes that keep them where they are. Think of someone who is atheist...are they really, truly atheist? When faced with certain death to their children, would they try prayer? Same thing with politics...when faced with stress, people will revert back to the easier modes of thought.

a reply to: LesMisanthrope

In my mind it's far easier to manipulate people in the rah, rah, sis, boom, bah partisan to the end crowd. I think those who go with the “Party Line” of any party and blindly vote based on party are the least politically involved of all. They are rooting for a sports team, not learning about the issues and acting on pure emotion.

It does make for job security for the beltway elite though and they can get away with doing not much of anything.

Thanks for the link. It looks interesting and I'll read through that.

a reply to: interupt42

Great points. Many of us here at ATS carry the same sentiments. I am absolutely willing to go along. Count me in.