Politics

[Ultimate Penn St. Hater]

Castro, Putin and Chavez endorse Obama:

Chavez, Castro, Putin: Four more years! | Times 247

So what?

 

[DSully1995]

French President Proposes Banning Homework - ABC News

Next he should propose lowering the voting age to 8.

Reasoning has some sense to it

 

[RallySonsOfND]

There are always going to be "inequalities" in the world. People born with better athletic abilities than others, people born into a wealthier family than others, people born smarter than others, etc.

Government is never going to be able to create 'equality' in the world, and it shouldn't try to either.

Why are we more concerned with someone who comes from lesser means not having the resources to be "successful" than an unathletic person who's only goal in life is to play professional athletics, but won't ever be able to?

 

[Jebediah Springfield]

There are always going to be "inequalities" in the world. People born with better athletic abilities than others, people born into a wealthier family than others, people born smarter than others, etc.

Government is never going to be able to create 'equality' in the world, and it shouldn't try to either.

Why are we more concerned with someone who comes from lesser means not having the resources to be "successful" than an unathletic person who's only goal in life is to play professional athletics, but won't ever be able to?

So if I'm stronger than you, can I take your stuff?

 

[RallySonsOfND]

So if I'm stronger than you, can I take your stuff?

You completely missed the point.

 

[Jebediah Springfield]

You completely missed the point.

how does people born stronger than others not fit in?

 

[RallySonsOfND]

how does people born stronger than others not fit in?

Because I'm talking about being "successful" at least that is what we continuously hear about.

Besides, you CAN take peoples stuff, it is called theft. Some people get away with it too.

 

[Jebediah Springfield]

Because I'm talking about being "successful" at least that is what we continuously hear about.

Besides, you CAN take peoples stuff, it is called theft. Some people get away with it too.

I would consider gangsters and conquerors "successful" by your definition.

They have/had more than others... Some of them a lot more.

 

[Ndaccountant]

Here is the thing. Everyone has their talents. Some have it in sports, some have it in business, some have it in creativity, etc. Instead of trying to bring everyone onto an equal playing field, we need to focus on catering to individuals strengths and look to nurture them. We just need to make sure that people in lower income areas have their talents developed as well. Homework or no homework is not going to alter career paths.

 

[Jebediah Springfield]

So this is basically the point:

Why should the gov't leave the stupid to be swindled, but should protect the weak from the strong?

What is the difference?

 

[RallySonsOfND]

So this is basically the point:

Why should the gov't leave the stupid to be swindled, but should protect the weak from the strong?

What is the difference?

No, that isn't. I'm saying why are we ONLY worried about the "poor"?

Should the government help me when my only goal in life is to play professional football when I wasn't born with the build to do so? Should the government help me when I'm born into a poor family when my only goal in life is to have a multi-billion dollar fortune when I die? Should the government help me win a Rhodes scholarship when I am born without the brain to do so?


Where does government stop trying to "level the playing field"?

What is the difference between being born into a poor family versus being born with an incredible athletic ability? Both are things we don't have control over

 

[RallySonsOfND]

Florida's plan to measure students by race riles education experts | Fox News



Thoughts on this?

 

[Jebediah Springfield]

No, that isn't. I'm saying why are we ONLY worried about the "poor"?

Should the government help me when my only goal in life is to play professional football when I wasn't born with the build to do so? Should the government help me when I'm born into a poor family when my only goal in life is to have a multi-billion dollar fortune when I die? Should the government help me win a Rhodes scholarship when I am born without the brain to do so?


Where does government stop trying to "level the playing field"?

What is the difference between being born into a poor family versus being born with an incredible athletic ability? Both are things we don't have control over

Florida's plan to measure students by race riles education experts | Fox News



Thoughts on this?

IMO America has such huge racial issues that are so mind boggling that I doubt an answer will ever come.

On the poor thing, I understand the some people are more intelligent, athletic etc but how much does that person get that they don't need...

 

[Downinthebend]

Reasoning has some sense to it

Lolwhat?

Some kids get "unfair" advantages by help with parents... so we must eliminate it? If the role of government is it create equality... sure.


What do some of y'all think the role of government is.

The two most important political questions (in my opinion of course) are what the role of government is, and how religion should influence law making.

 

[RallySonsOfND]

IMO America has such huge racial issues that are so mind boggling that I doubt an answer will ever come.

On the poor thing, I understand the some people are more intelligent, athletic etc but how much does that person get that they don't need...

Those things that people don't "need" create jobs and wealth for people.

Technically the only thing we NEED is food and water, shelter and clothing.


Who are you to tell me what I do and do not need? (Not directing that intentionally at you SoCal, just asking in generalities)

 

[RallySonsOfND]

Lolwhat?

Some kids get "unfair" advantages by help with parents... so we must eliminate it? If the role of government is it create equality... sure.


What do some of y'all think the role of government is.

The two most important political questions (in my opinion of course) are what the role of government is, and how religion should influence law making.

The role of government is to protect life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It should treat everyone equally under the law. Our constitution should be treated as a color-less document, meaning that it treats all citizens equally.

 

[Jebediah Springfield]

Those things that people don't "need" create jobs and wealth for people.

Technically the only thing we NEED is food and water, shelter and clothing.


Who are you to tell me what I do and do not need? (Not directing that intentionally at you SoCal, just asking in generalities)

So who are you tell me that I can't take from someone weaker...

 

[RallySonsOfND]

So who are you tell me that I can't take from someone weaker...

For the love of god, you CAN take from someone weaker than you it is called theft. Too bad there are laws against that, it is kind of frowned upon in a civilized society. How about you answer some of the many questions I have asked instead of resorting to a childish line over and over again.

 

[Jebediah Springfield]

For the love of god, you CAN take from someone weaker than you it is called theft. Too bad there are laws against that, it is kind of frowned upon in a civilized society. How about you answer some of the many questions I have asked instead of resorting to a childish line over and over again.

SO once again... why does a smart person "deserve" whatever they can get but a strong man gets called a "thief"?

Where is the distinction?

 

[RallySonsOfND]

SO once again... why does a smart person "deserve" whatever they can get but a strong man gets called a "thief"?

Where is the distinction?

I never said the smart person "deserved" anything. I asked why are they not penalized for being smarter than everyone else? If the government is suppose to be about creating equality?

I've been asking where the line is drawn, but you continue to say the same exact thing.

If the government is suppose to be about creating equality shouldn't the government try to weaken the "strong man" because he is stronger than most?

 

[Downinthebend]

SO once again... why does a smart person "deserve" whatever they can get but a strong man gets called a "thief"?

Where is the distinction?

The smart people gang together to create laws to restrict the "strong" man from taking their stuff, thus the smart people are "stronger".

Yay Locke or Roussue.

Because I'm a quote noob I'll just quote this way

"The role of government is to protect life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It should treat everyone equally under the law. Our constitution should be treated as a color-less document, meaning that it treats all citizens equally."

One question I have for you is whether the government should protect people from themselves (in sense does one's pursuit of happiness/liberty override the government's role of protecting their life?)?

If you want an example try seat belt laws, or drug restrictions, or soda restrictions... etc.

 

[Jebediah Springfield]

Those things that people don't "need" create jobs and wealth for people.

Technically the only thing we NEED is food and water, shelter and clothing.


Who are you to tell me what I do and do not need? (Not directing that intentionally at you SoCal, just asking in generalities)

I never said the smart person "deserved" anything. I asked why are they not penalized for being smarter than everyone else? If the government is suppose to be about creating equality?

I've been asking where the line is drawn, but you continue to say the same exact thing.

If the government is suppose to be about creating equality shouldn't the government try to weaken the "strong man" because he is stronger than most?

You're right you never said, just strongly implied it.

Aren't rules in place already to stop/punish the strong man that takes what he wants... idk about the smart man though.

 

[RallySonsOfND]

The smart people gang together to create laws to restrict the "strong" man from taking their stuff, thus the smart people are "stronger".

Yay Locke or Roussue.

Because I'm a quote noob I'll just quote this way

"The role of government is to protect life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It should treat everyone equally under the law. Our constitution should be treated as a color-less document, meaning that it treats all citizens equally."

One question I have for you is whether the government should protect people from themselves (in sense does one's pursuit of happiness/liberty override the government's role of protecting their life?)?

If you want an example try seat belt laws, or drug restrictions, or soda restrictions... etc.

I personally don't believe the government be out protecting us from ourselves. I wear a seatbelt because I know it would help save my life in case of an accident (same reason I would wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle). However, that should be a personal choice.

 

[Bluto]

Interesting article relating to voter fraud and disenfranchisement.

Greg Palast on How the GOP Is Planning to Steal the 2012 Election

 

[jason_h537]

The role of government is to protect life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It should treat everyone equally under the law. Our constitution should be treated as a color-less document, meaning that it treats all citizens equally.

I get what you are trying to say. Whether you agree or not the government has a greater responsibility than just protecting borders and ensuring a functional recognized currency. With that said, any law no matter how good intentioned can be taken advantage of. Government can treat everyone as equal, but people do not.

As for equality, the truth is that racial and gender equality in a country who's foundation is built on oppression is impossible. There will never be a utopian USA where all are treated as equals and colorless. To this day a white male will earn more than a black male and woman for equal work.

Look at worker's rights. If it wasn't for minimum wage, child labor laws, 40 hour work weeks, there would be an entire group of people (mostly the poor, uneducated, and minorities), who would be working 16 hour days at $2 an hour. Look at this countries history and other countries now. The weak get taken advantage of. I believe these are examples of where government "leveling the playing field" is warranted.

The point I think you are trying to make is that the government tries to do to much to level the playing field. I disagree. I think in the last 30 years the government has done too much to skew the playing field for those that do not need it. The more money you make in this country the lower percentage of taxes you pay. Tax breaks for hedge funds is welfare for the rich. The greatest determination of success in this country is heredity. Doing away with programs that allow the rich to become even richer is not punishing success.

 

[phgreek]

Tax breaks for hedge funds is welfare for the rich.

While I disagree with 99% of what you say here...I agree that it is not very reasonable that a man who works every day on repairing an aircraft...who risks life and limb...who has a life full of elbow, wrist and back problems ahead of him is taxed more for his efforts than a guy who is making money while he sleeps...I admire folks that can make money while they sleep...but the preference that is given itis both telling about "US" and an issue of fairness.

NOW...this notion of changing that structure is complex in that at some level you also whack a guy who invests as part of his own retirement plans, and who is not a professional trader...a family who should benefit from their father's sacrifices. How do you incentivize saving, and achieve some ballance...solving this issue isn't as simple as it seems...again IMHO.

I know how I'd go about it...and we differ greatly there...I'm sure.

While this is not THE issue that moves me to vote...I see it as needing correction.

 

[GoIrish41]

I get what you are trying to say. Whether you agree or not the government has a greater responsibility than just protecting borders and ensuring a functional recognized currency. With that said, any law no matter how good intentioned can be taken advantage of. Government can treat everyone as equal, but people do not.

As for equality, the truth is that racial and gender equality in a country who's foundation is built on oppression is impossible. There will never be a utopian USA where all are treated as equals and colorless. To this day a white male will earn more than a black male and woman for equal work.

Look at worker's rights. If it wasn't for minimum wage, child labor laws, 40 hour work weeks, there would be an entire group of people (mostly the poor, uneducated, and minorities), who would be working 16 hour days at $2 an hour. Look at this countries history and other countries now. The weak get taken advantage of. I believe these are examples of where government "leveling the playing field" is warranted.

The point I think you are trying to make is that the government tries to do to much to level the playing field. I disagree. I think in the last 30 years the government has done too much to skew the playing field for those that do not need it. The more money you make in this country the lower percentage of taxes you pay. Tax breaks for hedge funds is welfare for the rich. The greatest determination of success in this country is heredity. Doing away with programs that allow the rich to become even richer is not punishing success.

good post Jason.

 

[woolybug25]

The bigger question for everyone, what do you watch tonight?

- Cards v Giants NLCS game 7
- Bears v Lions MNF
- Debate

 

[RDU Irish]

Ratings for this one might be half that of the other two. The focus on foreign policy will only compound the ratings problem.

My remote will be working OT tonight.

 

[Ndaccountant]

While I disagree with 99% of what you say here...I agree that it is not very reasonable that a man who works every day on repairing an aircraft...who risks life and limb...who has a life full of elbow, wrist and back problems ahead of him is taxed more for his efforts than a guy who is making money while he sleeps...I admire folks that can make money while they sleep...but the preference that is given itis both telling about "US" and an issue of fairness.

NOW...this notion of changing that structure is complex in that at some level you also whack a guy who invests as part of his own retirement plans, and who is not a professional trader...a family who should benefit from their father's sacrifices. How do you incentivize saving, and achieve some ballance...solving this issue isn't as simple as it seems...again IMHO.

I know how I'd go about it...and we differ greatly there...I'm sure.

While this is not THE issue that moves me to vote...I see it as needing correction.

Here is the distinction, at least from where I stand. What is the point of an income tax? The first income tax was for the Civil War. But in more recent times, it has been a tax to help pay for the services and infrastructure used by you in your principle mode of work. This is what Obama was trying to say in the whole "you didn't build that" line. Now, investment income is being earned off of money that has already been taxed at the indiividual level or corporate level. So, should I have to pay a higher rate on investment income for infrastructre that I don't use in generating this type of income?

Now, for the average joe who is earning money on the side from rents, dividents, interest, etc I believe the tax for them should be at a lower % since they have or are currently contributing via income taxes to the services and goods they consume. However, professional traders do not. So, I feel as if professional traders do need to pay income tax levels on this type of income, only if this income is their sole source of earned income. They key distinction is actively trading.

If I am a guy that has $3m stocked away from previous earned income and am just sitting back and collecting dividends, should I have to pay a higher %? I would say no. To me, it goes back to what is your principle mode of work.