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Yes, through extorting monies from the rich and middle class alike - ala socialist programs like FHA. Even former communist Russia and Romania have a less socialist flat tax system than ourselves not allowing special deductions for mortgage interest or hybrid vehicles. I would argue that in this particular case, you are more free in Russia because the government isn't trying to engineer through incentives how you should live your life.
Please, spare me the nonsense of "if you like Russia's policies so much, why don't you live there?". That's just propoganda and akin to putting the flag in front of your eyes as you speak. I am seeing the restriction of property rights through eminent domain unfolding. Not just for public projects "for the greater good" either, but for private development and corporate interests. This further damages the illusion that your home is your castle.
See above. It is your entitlement bought for by the rich and middle class through a welfare program disguised as the "American Dream" of homeownership. Now we're seeing the destruction of the American Dream unfolding partly as a result of cramming homeownership down the throats of people who never deserved to be in one.
Also, don't confuse right with privilege. You don't have the right to a home, you have the privilege of earning a living to purchase one. Agencies such as FHA have transitioned this as more of a welfare/entitlement program.
I'm sure there are plenty of other socialist programs that confirm your entitlement theory.
Your wages are taxed. There are other countries in the world that only derive taxes from corporate activity and consumption. It's none of the government's business if I get paid a few hundred dollars to paint someone's room. Even worse, if I'm paid in barter such as wine, concert tickets, etc, supposedly I must declare the value of this barter as income.
Also, try to establish a competing currency backed by silver instead of "good feelings" and see if the FBI doesn't shut you down. (google: liberty dollars)
Sure thing. $1000 per child courtest of the rich and middle class. Replicated by few other countries. Social engineering. I also know of few countries limiting # of children.
I've seen very few countries who've limited this particular right. This is feel good nationalism propoganda that was appropriate during the cold war and a non-sequitor today.
We've sacrificed freedoms so slowly over the past few decades, it's no wonder it's not noticable by citizens everywhere. Think boiling a frog.
Shhh. Big brother is watching you. The secret socialist police force in America is reading everything you type and wiretapping your phones. They may even come tell you to move to make way for the welfare people. Would you like a tinfoil hat with that?
We are BIG and visible, that is all. Each to his own experience and each to his own conclusions. Our spending on national defense is bigger in direct proportion to the threat of being attacked. No one would bother to attack Sri Lanka.
I thought we were talking about freedoms on this thread. Why don't we ask the legal immigrants how the US compares to freedoms in the countries they left?
What irks the bejesus out of me is the 2 people on here who do not live in this country yet take it upon themselves to cut America down.
Since I'm not American, nor have I ever been in America I'll assume that you mean me being one of those 2 people.
I am not anti-America I just hate governments who measure with 2 different measuring rods.
Anywayz should I refrain from condemning a rapist simply because I’ve never been raped or have never raped anyone?
Shhh. Big brother is watching you. The secret socialist police force in America is reading everything you type and wiretapping your phones. They may even come tell you to move to make way for the welfare people. Would you like a tinfoil hat with that?
That's funny
Uh, I haven't said anything about the government coming to take me away. I was only explaining welfare programs offered in the US not replicated in former communist governments. You can continue to defend those policies with red herrings involving tin foil hats all you'd like.
I'd be happy to make note that I've gotten paid under the table on many occassions and would never dream of reporting this information. I also don't pay capital gains on gold I sell through private party. If I was truly paranoid, do you think I would even think of mentioning this on any internet forum while not wearing my "tin foil hat"?
We are BIG and visible, that is all. Each to his own experience and each to his own conclusions. Our spending on national defense is bigger in direct proportion to the threat of being attacked. No one would bother to attack Sri Lanka.
I thought we were talking about freedoms on this thread. Why don't we ask the legal immigrants how the US compares to freedoms in the countries they left?
Many come to this country to siphon money from a quasi-capitalist system that offers lucrative entitlement programs, then proceed to leave when they feel they've sucked out all they could.
Those coming from 3rd world countries don't count and it's laughable people would use them as comparisons.
Uh, I haven't said anything about the government coming to take me away. I was only explaining welfare programs offered in the US not replicated in former communist governments. You can continue to defend those policies with red herrings involving tin foil hats all you'd like.
I'd be happy to make note that I've gotten paid under the table on many occassions and would never dream of reporting this information. I also don't pay capital gains on gold I sell through private party. If I was truly paranoid, do you think I would even think of mentioning this on any internet forum while not wearing my "tin foil hat"?
Sorry. I can be kinda snarky and sarcastic at times. I just get a little irritated at times when I detect conspiracy theories. Honestly, messed up as our government is, I'm happy. I have the ability to live my life however I want. All of these supposed limitations on my freedoms have had absolutely no effect on my life. I'm not complacent about this either, but I just don't see it.
I've tried in NUMEROUS posts to get an answer to just the question you pose...just exactly WHAT are the standards we SHOULD be judged by?
We could start within the ones that we ourselves continuously proclaim. If we were able to live up to our own standards, the country would be much more widely envied and admired -- by Americans and foreigners alike -- than what it is today.
Quote:
Originally Posted by macmeal
Give me a comparable multi-ethnic, multi-racial, no-citizenship-required, no religion or civic duty required, nation of 300 million people, and I'll be wiling to be "compared" to them.
Yes, and if we change the 300 million to 310 million, India wins. Nothing like restricting the possible comparisons to exactly two other countries.
Quote:
Originally Posted by macmeal
Meanwhile, I promise not to compare us with Bangladesh, Pakistan, or Haiti---If YOU will promise not to compare us with Iceland, Holland, or Belgium.
Other than as examples of alternative ideas, I'll leave other countries out if it entirely and compare what the US actually is doing with what it could and should be doing. This will prompt counter-arguments that consist primarily of cries of "Communism!!!" or perhaps "Socialisticalitiness!!!". Soon after that, the thread will be Closed as there are plenty out there who simply aren't prepared to hear it...
Many come to this country to siphon money from a quasi-capitalist system that offers lucrative entitlement programs, then proceed to leave when they feel they've sucked out all they could.
Those coming from 3rd world countries don't count and it's laughable people would use them as comparisons.
And you sir/madam bite the hand that feeds you! BTW, there are a lot of legal immigrants here that don't come from 3rd world countries who probably contribute a heck of a lot more economically than the likes of you and do not feed off the entitlements you so summarily describe.
D I am not anti-America I just hate governments who measure with 2 different measuring rods.
:?
Boy, do I agree with THAT !!.....
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Since I'm not American, nor have I ever been in America I'll assume that you mean me being one of those 2 people.
Anywayz should I refrain from condemning a rapist simply because I’ve never been raped or have never raped anyone?
