Being that Sanders is an independent, I would certainly consider voting for him; in the hopes of electing a truly impartial non-partisan president beholden to the will of his constituency. The Democrat/ Republican duopoly has succeeded in controlling the corporate sponsored presidential debates, and so restricts any alternative or "third party" presence from the viewership; one that may've garnered a significant opposition to the current two-party system which has become entrenched by K-street lobbyists and the numerous PAC'S. One should always vote their conscience, or bare the consequences of electing the lesser of two evils; thus I refuse to entertain the candidacies of Hillary Clinton, Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz, Biden, or Rubio and would dissuade others from also doing so. The only exception I would pose is Elizabeth Warren, as she's demonstrated a staunch disapproval of the inept economic inter-workings of the Federal Reserve and Wall St. banking firms. As a nation the only way towards progress is if an informed citizenry that refutes political ideological schisms that divide; and instead strives for a greater general structure and oversight in government; which will sufficiently provide for all. Think 2016, and end the duopoly!
Scott Thornton Don't forget about Rocky Anderson...there's a great party that would love to put all the candidates you mentioned under one party banner: the Justice Party...check us out!
"Most of them are COMPLETELY self absorbed and unconcerned with others." Do you think that morality requires being concerned with others? "is actually a 'rationalization of selfishness.'" Do you think selfishness is immoral, then? Why or why not?
"the central question to human ethics is 'am I my brothers keeper?'" 1) Why is that the central question of ethics? 2) I thought that the central questions of ethics are: what are values (what is good or bad) and what should I do? 3) If the central question to ethics is: "am I my brothers keeper?", then does ethics not apply to NON-SOCIAL situations. Say I decide to brush my teeth. That doesn't affect my brother one way or the other, so would that be amoral? Continued...
"It would be nice to know which persons of we the people support this organization." Why? They have their first amendment rights, too. "Democracy gives us sense of input and direction." We don't get that from things other than democracy? Please elaborate. "It gives us the feeling that we have a say on what takes place with our country here and abroad." How do you know? "Do you believe in democracy?" No. I prefer a constitutionally limited representative republic, you know, like the USA.
just rich. thats the perfect tea party amount - enough to ignore any real concerns about life, but not quite enough to hang with the Koch, Adelson crowd.
Continued... 4) "am I my brothers keeper?" refers to the Bible. I am an atheist. How do you convince me that I am/should be my brother's keeper? 5) I encourage you to read: Ayn Rand, particularly her book: The Virtue of Selfishness.
The US is a republic, more specifically, a constitutional federal republic. However, your government is operated as a representative democracy by a congress. The important distinction is that the USA is not operated democratically, but instead by representatives who come to power by a democratic process. You are not a true democracy, but a representative democracy in which your leaders act in your interests.
By casting my vote (locally or nationally) I am a believer of our democratic system. At times I will be in the majority and other I will not, I accept and understand this. With money ruling the outcome, the majority vote becomes irrelevant as the powers that be are no longer representative of their constituents. The fact that a few men have the power to control a nation while so many men acknowledge their corruption yet continue to allow them to do so is a perfect storm for the meek to rise.
"I'd like to know why you support an organization" First mistake there. I never said that I support Citizens United. I only suggested that some of the people in this country support Citizens United, which I simply mean by that that 100% of "we the people" are not dismissive of that organization. "takes democracy out of government" Tell me why you think democracy is good.
It would be nice to know which persons of we the people support this organization. Democracy gives us sense of input and direction. It gives us the feeling that we have a say on what takes place with our country here and abroad. This system of a money controlled gov't takes our "power" away as decisions about direction are predetermined. Do you believe in democracy?
the central question in human ethics is "am I my brothers keeper?". We find looking at history that all major human innovations, and all great non-slavery civilizations (Greece, China, etc) - came from cooperation, not competition. I encourage you to read Smith, Tocqueville, and Jefferson - and note how ALL THREE warn against plutocracies and corporations. Consider the wisdom of having our 45 million poor being disenfranchised and broke and hungry and sick. And completely able to buy guns.
"We are not so much having a discussion as you are editing my comments." I'm quoting excerpts from your comments and responding accordingly. "The rest is self explanatory." Nothing is exempt from explanation in philosophy. Whether the subject is politics, ethics, epistemology or metaphysics. Democracy is a political system in which the majority of voters decides the course of political action. Would you support a democratic majority, even if the majority votes for something you disagree with?
read any psychological texts about the negative emotional effects of selfishness and preoccupation with yourself to the exclusion of others and research reciprocal altruism. Learn the truth about Ayn Rand herself. She was a very disturbed person.
Are you an educator? We are not so much having a discussion as you are editing my comments. I understand it's their right, but i'd still like to know which demographic of our population supports Citizens United without assuming. The rest is self explanatory I believe.
Holy shit, Has this guy ever read a history book? 8:32 "Democracy is a pretty new concept" No it's fucking not, The Athenians came up with it like 3000 years ago. Do you mean not a whole long time on a geological scale? in the whole existance of humanity? Maybe. I'm mean, I like this guy, but damn thats an ignorant statement.
DaScribbler He means "democracy is a pretty new concept" in the context of its practice in the past few centuries. It's flavor didn't catch on until after the Enlightenment, especially in the form we see today and its practice has been stifled in most countries until decolonization and the Cold War's end. It arguably is still stifled. The Athenians may have come up with democracy but it got lost in history and well..you know the rest of the story.
Edward Thach good post + good luck 'splainin' that to all those Job-Killing Tax Mitch’s in clean-coal Kaintuck America... . The rest of the story (but not the “Citizens United” Koch money trail): Ayn Rand “trickle down mantra” (updated and rehashed by Murdock, Fox & Co for the 21st Century faithful); Reagan Voo Doo Economics for benefit of the 1%; GHWB/Lee Atwater "liberals, liberals" -- sound bites -- "No New Taxes" (dedicated to Leona Helmslay and the Trump class;) "Ty-D-Bol flush-government down-the-drain" Grover Norquist/Dick Armey past-over TEA GOP hijackers/king-maker Karl Rove and our great Decider “W” (two wars off the Books, Rummy) lead the free-world into the greatest depression since 1929. i am thankful for the FDR social safety net that keep most of us above water when the 1% trickle-down finally flooded the little people - with gargantuan debt
First off, America is not a democracy! Its a constitutional republic. I think the amendment to overturn citizens united is futile. Worst off, this reduces the freedom for people to associate and campaign for a common cause. The real problem is career politicians, corporate welfare and government regulations. Change this and companies wont try to get into bed with the government; make politicians think about whats best for the people rather than their affiliated party.
Thank you Sen. Sanders for putting this out there…. constitutional amendment next stop.
Being that Sanders is an independent, I would certainly consider voting for him; in the hopes of electing a truly impartial non-partisan president beholden to the will of his constituency. The Democrat/ Republican duopoly has succeeded in controlling the corporate sponsored presidential debates, and so restricts any alternative or "third party" presence from the viewership; one that may've garnered a significant opposition to the current two-party system which has become entrenched by K-street lobbyists and the numerous PAC'S. One should always vote their conscience, or bare the consequences of electing the lesser of two evils; thus I refuse to entertain the candidacies of Hillary Clinton, Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz, Biden, or Rubio and would dissuade others from also doing so. The only exception I would pose is Elizabeth Warren, as she's demonstrated a staunch disapproval of the inept economic inter-workings of the Federal Reserve and Wall St. banking firms. As a nation the only way towards progress is if an informed citizenry that refutes political ideological schisms that divide; and instead strives for a greater general structure and oversight in government; which will sufficiently provide for all. Think 2016, and end the duopoly!
Sanders, Ventura, Johnson or Stein...
I, too, am done with the two corporate parties.
Scott Thornton
Don't forget about Rocky Anderson...there's a great party that would love to put all the candidates you mentioned under one party banner: the Justice Party...check us out!
Cool. Got some time, but 2016 has to be the year that the two party stranglehold on American democracy is broken.
We are now a Oligarchy.
A poor child ideas is more common sense ideas than Koch bros ideas their in a world to themselves,thanks bernie 2016!!
Reform the 14th amendment ! Then get the corporations greedy hands out of politics!
"Most of them are COMPLETELY self absorbed and unconcerned with others." Do you think that morality requires being concerned with others?
"is actually a 'rationalization of selfishness.'" Do you think selfishness is immoral, then? Why or why not?
We need to vote against big money! !!
Political Revolution will continue on and on!!! #feelthebern
"the central question to human ethics is 'am I my brothers keeper?'"
1) Why is that the central question of ethics?
2) I thought that the central questions of ethics are: what are values (what is good or bad) and what should I do?
3) If the central question to ethics is: "am I my brothers keeper?", then does ethics not apply to NON-SOCIAL situations. Say I decide to brush my teeth. That doesn't affect my brother one way or the other, so would that be amoral?
Continued...
"It would be nice to know which persons of we the people support this organization." Why? They have their first amendment rights, too.
"Democracy gives us sense of input and direction." We don't get that from things other than democracy? Please elaborate.
"It gives us the feeling that we have a say on what takes place with our country here and abroad." How do you know?
"Do you believe in democracy?" No. I prefer a constitutionally limited representative republic, you know, like the USA.
just rich. thats the perfect tea party amount - enough to ignore any real concerns about life, but not quite enough to hang with the Koch, Adelson crowd.
Continued...
4) "am I my brothers keeper?" refers to the Bible. I am an atheist. How do you convince me that I am/should be my brother's keeper?
5) I encourage you to read: Ayn Rand, particularly her book: The Virtue of Selfishness.
The US is a republic, more specifically, a constitutional federal republic. However, your government is operated as a representative democracy by a congress. The important distinction is that the USA is not operated democratically, but instead by representatives who come to power by a democratic process. You are not a true democracy, but a representative democracy in which your leaders act in your interests.
By casting my vote (locally or nationally) I am a believer of our democratic system. At times I will be in the majority and other I will not, I accept and understand this. With money ruling the outcome, the majority vote becomes irrelevant as the powers that be are no longer representative of their constituents.
The fact that a few men have the power to control a nation while so many men acknowledge their corruption yet continue to allow them to do so is a perfect storm for the meek to rise.
Are more people really wising up? The hour is getting late.
"I'd like to know why you support an organization" First mistake there. I never said that I support Citizens United. I only suggested that some of the people in this country support Citizens United, which I simply mean by that that 100% of "we the people" are not dismissive of that organization.
"takes democracy out of government"
Tell me why you think democracy is good.
"We the People" What do you say about the fact that some of "we the people" support Citizens United?
sharing this!
It would be nice to know which persons of we the people support this organization. Democracy gives us sense of input and direction. It gives us the feeling that we have a say on what takes place with our country here and abroad. This system of a money controlled gov't takes our "power" away as decisions about direction are predetermined. Do you believe in democracy?
the central question in human ethics is "am I my brothers keeper?". We find looking at history that all major human innovations, and all great non-slavery civilizations (Greece, China, etc) - came from cooperation, not competition. I encourage you to read Smith, Tocqueville, and Jefferson - and note how ALL THREE warn against plutocracies and corporations. Consider the wisdom of having our 45 million poor being disenfranchised and broke and hungry and sick. And completely able to buy guns.
"Libertarians are the hand maidens of the very rich." Who exactly are the "very rich?" How do they differ from the ordinary "rich?"
What a stupid question
oh wow... really slow connection here. i think i will move on til you get your act together.
How about if I own $25 Million, would that make me very rich or just plain rich?
Libertarians are the hand maidens of the very rich.
"just rich." Says who? How do you know?
"We are not so much having a discussion as you are editing my comments." I'm quoting excerpts from your comments and responding accordingly.
"The rest is self explanatory." Nothing is exempt from explanation in philosophy. Whether the subject is politics, ethics, epistemology or metaphysics.
Democracy is a political system in which the majority of voters decides the course of political action. Would you support a democratic majority, even if the majority votes for something you disagree with?
BERNIE FOR PRESIDENT OF ISRAEL 2016!!
read any psychological texts about the negative emotional effects of selfishness and preoccupation with yourself to the exclusion of others and research reciprocal altruism. Learn the truth about Ayn Rand herself. She was a very disturbed person.
forbes 400
Are you an educator? We are not so much having a discussion as you are editing my comments.
I understand it's their right, but i'd still like to know which demographic of our population supports Citizens United without assuming.
The rest is self explanatory I believe.
Holy shit, Has this guy ever read a history book?
8:32 "Democracy is a pretty new concept" No it's fucking not, The Athenians came up with it like 3000 years ago. Do you mean not a whole long time on a geological scale? in the whole existance of humanity? Maybe.
I'm mean, I like this guy, but damn thats an ignorant statement.
May explain why the Greek Economy is in the tank, eh? 3,000 years of democracy with no "oligarch Koch" in control of the economy!
Lol, 3000 years of democracy. ahahAHAHAHAHA.
Democracy in the form of what the U.S. uses IS new. That's what he's referring to.
DaScribbler He means "democracy is a pretty new concept" in the context of its practice in the past few centuries. It's flavor didn't catch on until after the Enlightenment, especially in the form we see today and its practice has been stifled in most countries until decolonization and the Cold War's end. It arguably is still stifled. The Athenians may have come up with democracy but it got lost in history and well..you know the rest of the story.
Edward Thach good post + good luck 'splainin' that to all those Job-Killing Tax Mitch’s in clean-coal Kaintuck America... .
The rest of the story (but not the “Citizens United” Koch money trail): Ayn Rand “trickle down mantra” (updated and rehashed by Murdock, Fox & Co for the 21st Century faithful); Reagan Voo Doo Economics for benefit of the 1%; GHWB/Lee Atwater "liberals, liberals" -- sound bites -- "No New Taxes" (dedicated to Leona Helmslay and the Trump class;) "Ty-D-Bol flush-government down-the-drain" Grover Norquist/Dick Armey past-over TEA GOP hijackers/king-maker Karl Rove and our great Decider “W” (two wars off the Books, Rummy) lead the free-world into the greatest depression since 1929. i am thankful for the FDR social safety net that keep most of us above water when the 1% trickle-down finally flooded the little people - with gargantuan debt
First off, America is not a democracy! Its a constitutional republic.
I think the amendment to overturn citizens united is futile. Worst off, this reduces the freedom for people to associate and campaign for a common cause.
The real problem is career politicians, corporate welfare and government regulations. Change this and companies wont try to get into bed with the government; make politicians think about whats best for the people rather than their affiliated party.
*****
let's play make believe, shall we?