Are we becoming Venezuela

[Bay Kid]

In the '60s they were one of the riches countries. What happened?

Statues were torn down.
Citizens turned against each other.
Street names were changed.
Flags were redesigned.
Police were murdered then disbanded.
Churches and businesses were destroyed.
Socialism.

Not a good direction for the USA.

[karostay]

You'll know in 4 months

[anothersteve]

You'll know in 4 months

Yep.

Steve

[Stu from NYC]

In the '60s they were one of the riches countries. What happened?

Statues were torn down.
Citizens turned against each other.
Street names were changed.
Flags were redesigned.
Police were murdered then disbanded.
Churches and businesses were destroyed.
Socialism.

Not a good direction for the USA.

hope this change quickly

[Dana1963]

Venezuela is not Socialism it is a Dictatorship.

[TexaninVA]

Venezuela is not Socialism it is a Dictatorship.

Six of one ... etc


...

[billethkid]

I do not buy into the view what is being shown on television, the news, most social web sites is what is happening across America.

That is what "they" would have us believe.

We must keep remembering that we are being fed what they want us to believe or think is happening across the board.
It is not.

As I have said many time before we are being fed information as viewed through a straw. Hence looking at the side of an elephant the reports would all be focused on the fact the world is turning gray!!!

We never get to see or hear from the other 95% or more of folks outside the camera lens. For obvious reasons.

The unfortunate aspect is that far too many of the 95% majority believe what is being portrayed to them.

Example.....Seattle CHOP 6 square blocks of inner city.....a few hundred participants (polite term!)........in a city that stretches more than 100 square miles with approximately 4,000,000 people.

All we know about is what they want us to know in the 6 block area!!!!!

The silent majority needs to wake up to stand and be counted and not be led astray.

America is better than what we are being shown (brain washed).

[John41]

Young people’s attitudes are more favorable to socialism than in the past. This is due in part to education at all levels and a pablum curriculum that ensures everyone passes.

[Stu from NYC]

Young people’s attitudes are more favorable to socialism than in the past. This is due in part to education at all levels and a pablum curriculum that ensures everyone passes.

Your right and that is so scary

[Paper1]

Don't speak badly about Venezuela, we are going to be asking them for foreign aid the way we are blowing through billions and trillions. Not political just fact.

[Mohawksin]

Young people’s attitudes are more favorable to socialism than in the past. This is due in part to education at all levels and a pablum curriculum that ensures everyone passes.
And the introduction of participation medals.

[camaguey48]

In the '60s they were one of the riches countries. What happened?

Statues were torn down.
Citizens turned against each other.
Street names were changed.
Flags were redesigned.
Police were murdered then disbanded.
Churches and businesses were destroyed.
Socialism.

Not a good direction for the USA.
"A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves."

Edward R. Murrow

[Don5154]

Venezuela is not Socialism it is a Dictatorship.

One in the same

[David Fletcher]

Americans oddly fear the thought of social reform. The question should not be focused on Socialism , Capitalism, Communism ir any other “ism”.

Our culture should be kinder to the marginalized more inclusive and we should not fear social programs that benefit the majority of our nation.

America is not the only smart nation in the world. It is the only industrialized nation without a universal health care system.

Is clean water, ample food and basic health care not a human right.

Far to easy to blame it all on an “ISM”.

Just saying.

Maybe we need to rethink the almighty for profit model.

[allsport]

I do not buy into the view what is being shown on television, the news, most social web sites is what is happening across America.

That is what "they" would have us believe.

We must keep remembering that we are being fed what they want us to believe or think is happening across the board.
It is not.

As I have said many time before we are being fed information as viewed through a straw. Hence looking at the side of an elephant the reports would all be focused on the fact the world is turning gray!!!

We never get to see or hear from the other 95% or more of folks outside the camera lens. For obvious reasons.

The unfortunate aspect is that far too many of the 95% majority believe what is being portrayed to them.

Example.....Seattle CHOP 6 square blocks of inner city.....a few hundred participants (polite term!)........in a city that stretches more than 100 square miles with approximately 4,000,000 people.

All we know about is what they want us to know in the 6 block area!!!!!

The silent majority needs to wake up to stand and be counted and not be led astray.

America is better than what we are being shown (brain washed).



I have a son in his 30s who lives in Seattle. One day someone here who watches, what I never would, came up to me and said is your son ok. I asked her what she was talking about and she told me all about the carnage in Seattle. I called my son and he laughed. Mom, it is a few blocks that have turned into a love fest. It had music, poetry readings, speeches, comedians, and lots of free food and lots of campers. The murders that got attention were the same murders that happen in any big city and never get reported nationally but because this was going on, they were sensationalized. He did not go there himself but some of his friends went to see what was happening. Never believe the nonsense that you see on breaking news because most of it is just not accurate.

[Bay Kid]

hope this change quickly

It is changing quickly, too quickly. We are on the slippery hill with no return.

[banjobob]

In the '60s they were one of the riches countries. What happened?

Statues were torn down.
Citizens turned against each other.
Street names were changed.
Flags were redesigned.
Police were murdered then disbanded.
Churches and businesses were destroyed.
Socialism.

Not a good direction for the USA.

Best cure look where all the problems are and who is in charge. nuff said.

[WesMan]

In the '60s they were one of the riches countries. What happened?

Statues were torn down.
Citizens turned against each other.
Street names were changed.
Flags were redesigned.
Police were murdered then disbanded.
Churches and businesses were destroyed.
Socialism.

Not a good direction for the USA.
I have the same concerns, Thanks

[kcrazorbackfan]

Young people’s attitudes are more favorable to socialism than in the past. This is due in part to education at all levels and a pablum curriculum that ensures everyone passes.

Yeah, this era of “everyone gets a trophy so no one’s feelings gets hurt” has brought this on.

[airdale2]

All pension funds will be merged into Social Security so that the government can redistribute it.

[Dahabs]

Six of one ... etc


...

Really? Suggest you review the following:

Capitalism (https://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/engl_258/lecture%20notes/capitalism%20etc%20defined.htm)

There are quite a few democratic socialist countries beginning with Scandinavian countries, France, India, etc. To compare them to Venezuela or any other dictatorship is completely off-base.

You also have a number of socialistic programs in the the USA such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, etc.

We all have a tendency to think of capitalism as the best economic system but if left unchecked it is no better than full blown socialism. In the end the best system is something between the two extremes.

[Dahabs]

Six of one ... etc


...

Americans oddly fear the thought of social reform. The question should not be focused on Socialism , Capitalism, Communism ir any other “ism”.

Our culture should be kinder to the marginalized more inclusive and we should not fear social programs that benefit the majority of our nation.

America is not the only smart nation in the world. It is the only industrialized nation without a universal health care system.

Is clean water, ample food and basic health care not a human right.

Far to easy to blame it all on an “ISM”.

Just saying.

Maybe we need to rethink the almighty for profit model.

Totally agree. At some point we need to decide what kind of society we want.


“The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.”
— Mahatma Gandhi

[jbrown132]

Americans oddly fear the thought of social reform. The question should not be focused on Socialism , Capitalism, Communism ir any other “ism”.

Our culture should be kinder to the marginalized more inclusive and we should not fear social programs that benefit the majority of our nation.

America is not the only smart nation in the world. It is the only industrialized nation without a universal health care system.

Is clean water, ample food and basic health care not a human right.

Far to easy to blame it all on an “ISM”.

Just saying.

Maybe we need to rethink the almighty for profit model.

I’ve traveled pretty much every where in the world and I’ll take capitalism any day of the week. I hear this all the time about the US being the only industrial nation in the world not offering universal health coverage. Take a look at our neighbors to the north. Need to see a specialist 18-20 weeks. So what do people with means do, they jump over the border. England same thing, need a hip replacement 6 months to a year. Many people buy private health insurance and guess what, they can pretty much see a specialist right away. Why do you need to change health care for everyone to help those without. Find a solution for those people. Which today I believe is Medicaid. The fact is a single payer system is nothing more than a fancy way of saying income redistribution.

[ProfessorDave]

In the '60s they were one of the riches countries. What happened?

Statues were torn down.
Citizens turned against each other.
Street names were changed.
Flags were redesigned.
Police were murdered then disbanded.
Churches and businesses were destroyed.
Socialism.

Not a good direction for the USA.


If you are serious - about what happened in Venezuela - I'll share what happened there - and - some other countries including Greece. In the research viewing what is called the GINI index its correlation with societies - we do have reasons to worry.

You are right - Venezuela was the shining light of S. America. If you charted the GINI index - it became the widest in world of democratic countries. What's the GINI index? It's a mathematical formula that measures the difference between the wealthiest in a society versus the middle class. Throughout history - when that index becomes it's most extremes - society snaps. The middle class says "this isn't a fair game anymore." The result is socialism - and/or dictatorships.

Can you guess what country has a GINI index that has become the most extreme in the world - and especially in the past 4 years? USA. For example, if you went back 50 years in the United States, the difference in wealth between the top 1% and the middle class was 7 times. Now it is over 30 times.

Here's a question to ask. Let's say you LOVE the game MONOPOLY. And - they change one rule. If you win - you get to keep all the money you made going into the next game. You didn't win the first game. What's the chance you'll win the second game. And- five games later, do you still want to play.

Please understand - I'm an ADAM SMITH capitalist (the father of the philosophy). The system has been GREAT for me and my family. While I worked hard - I also know that luck did come into pay - much like most that did well financially. However, I worry for my grandchildren that the pain of what is becoming the majority of our society is going to snap - and - we'll become another Venezuela.

[Lindsyburnsy]

This is not socialism. Payouts to farmers who have nobody to buy their products because of self-induced tarrifs is socialism. Symbols of slavery and statues of confederate soldiers, who by the way lost, is a continuation of racism.
Citizens against one another is partisanship
Stoking hatred, fear and division from high office is what has lead to violence to and from law officers. Please check the actual news outlets (not opinion cable) and you will see that much of the destruction of churches and businesses was coordinated via FaceBook by white supremacists. Not wearing a mask is a partisan issue when we should be protecting one another. All of these things are not good and it is disheartening.

In the '60s they were one of the riches countries. What happened?

Statues were torn down.
Citizens turned against each other.
Street names were changed.
Flags were redesigned.
Police were murdered then disbanded.
Churches and businesses were destroyed.
Socialism.

Not a good direction for the USA.

[rlcooper70]

The farm subsidy went mostly to the big combines ... bit business ... not the little guy. Don't get confused.

[airstreamingypsy]

Venezuela is not Socialism it is a Dictatorship.

Don't confuse them with facts, they aren't used to them.

[KayKay100]

It should be:
A nation "a sleep" will beget a government of wolves.
K

[Two Bills]

I’ve traveled pretty much every where in the world and I’ll take capitalism any day of the week. I hear this all the time about the US being the only industrial nation in the world not offering universal health coverage. Take a look at our neighbors to the north. Need to see a specialist 18-20 weeks. So what do people with means do, they jump over the border. England same thing, need a hip replacement 6 months to a year. Many people buy private health insurance and guess what, they can pretty much see a specialist right away. Why do you need to change health care for everyone to help those without. Find a solution for those people. Which today I believe is Medicaid. The fact is a single payer system is nothing more than a fancy way of saying income redistribution.

How long in US. if you have no money, or medical insurance?

[Daddymac]

Venezuela is not Socialism it is a Dictatorship.

Just the way Socialism Starts, Then leads to Dictatorship.
:ohdear::faint:

[Brynnie]

I do not buy into the view what is being shown on television, the news, most social web sites is what is happening across America.

That is what "they" would have us believe.

We must keep remembering that we are being fed what they want us to believe or think is happening across the board.
It is not.

As I have said many time before we are being fed information as viewed through a straw. Hence looking at the side of an elephant the reports would all be focused on the fact the world is turning gray!!!

We never get to see or hear from the other 95% or more of folks outside the camera lens. For obvious reasons.

The unfortunate aspect is that far too many of the 95% majority believe what is being portrayed to them.

Example.....Seattle CHOP 6 square blocks of inner city.....a few hundred participants (polite term!)........in a city that stretches more than 100 square miles with approximately 4,000,000 people.

All we know about is what they want us to know in the 6 block area!!!!!

The silent majority needs to wake up to stand and be counted and not be led astray.

America is better than what we are being shown (brain washed).

If we don’t stand up soon, it will be too late! If not us, then who?

[Danz654]

Sure sounds it to me. You just described what is happening here.

[newgirl]

So, you think men who murdered and enslaved millions of people deserve to be honored by statues etc? Then you would not mind having a Hitler and his boys having a statue on your county building? After all, as we clearly see that many Americans bow to him still , and many many Americans made their wealth from his actions . I am sure we can find a whole bunch of people who did very evil things but still have folks that believe in them that we can create statues of and to hell with anyone that is hurt by the reminders right?
Or is it only things that need changed are things that affect your wallet or your beliefs and only those that agree with you deserve to have a say in what is on the properties that everyone pays / has the names only acceptable to you ?
Communism is ok as long as you agree with the rules, socialism is evil if it benefits anyone but you correct? Curious, did you cash that government check or get any help from the government ( loans, your favorite places, banks, employers get free help etc) during this coronavirus? So, socialism is ok when YOU need it but not ok for others who need it to survive ?
BTW.....Do you call yourself Christian ?
Do you really believe you are Christ-like ? Does any Christian really believe Jesus would choose the options that so many that believe themselves to be Christian, are proud of ? We must read different bibles and know different Jesus’s . My Jesus was all in for equality for all ( Mary was a prostitute no?) and sharing all he had( feed the crowd fish and bread) without expectation of a return ? Did he not die so all of Gods children could be free ?
Sorry for the rant, just so tired of the unjustifiable beliefs people keep spouting , only said to bring separation and hate and using Jesus as a back up.

[newgirl]

Wish this was shareable, more need to know the truth.

[jimjamuser]

Americans oddly fear the thought of social reform. The question should not be focused on Socialism , Capitalism, Communism ir any other “ism”.

Our culture should be kinder to the marginalized more inclusive and we should not fear social programs that benefit the majority of our nation.

America is not the only smart nation in the world. It is the only industrialized nation without a universal health care system.

Is clean water, ample food and basic health care not a human right.

Far to easy to blame it all on an “ISM”.

Just saying.

Maybe we need to rethink the almighty for profit model.
Venezuela is toast. Finland and Norway are the world's top countries. The US is in the middle-----mediocre. Forget Venezuela, if you desire to learn about health care, top education, upward mobility and real individualism, then study the Scandinavian countries. Please.

[jimjamuser]

If you are serious - about what happened in Venezuela - I'll share what happened there - and - some other countries including Greece. In the research viewing what is called the GINI index its correlation with societies - we do have reasons to worry.

You are right - Venezuela was the shining light of S. America. If you charted the GINI index - it became the widest in world of democratic countries. What's the GINI index? It's a mathematical formula that measures the difference between the wealthiest in a society versus the middle class. Throughout history - when that index becomes it's most extremes - society snaps. The middle class says "this isn't a fair game anymore." The result is socialism - and/or dictatorships.

Can you guess what country has a GINI index that has become the most extreme in the world - and especially in the past 4 years? USA. For example, if you went back 50 years in the United States, the difference in wealth between the top 1% and the middle class was 7 times. Now it is over 30 times.

Here's a question to ask. Let's say you LOVE the game MONOPOLY. And - they change one rule. If you win - you get to keep all the money you made going into the next game. You didn't win the first game. What's the chance you'll win the second game. And- five games later, do you still want to play.

Please understand - I'm an ADAM SMITH capitalist (the father of the philosophy). The system has been GREAT for me and my family. While I worked hard - I also know that luck did come into pay - much like most that did well financially. However, I worry for my grandchildren that the pain of what is becoming the majority of our society is going to snap - and - we'll become another Venezuela.
Good analysis about the US wealth disparity. We were a # 1 country after WW2 - not now. Due to that disparity and other factors. We also have a propaganda machine led by a ex bouncer paid by the upper end of the disparity that HAS convinced many people (that we know) and are on the lower end of the disparity gulf - to vote and believe what the uber, alpha plus want them to believe.

[jimjamuser]

I’ve traveled pretty much every where in the world and I’ll take capitalism any day of the week. I hear this all the time about the US being the only industrial nation in the world not offering universal health coverage. Take a look at our neighbors to the north. Need to see a specialist 18-20 weeks. So what do people with means do, they jump over the border. England same thing, need a hip replacement 6 months to a year. Many people buy private health insurance and guess what, they can pretty much see a specialist right away. Why do you need to change health care for everyone to help those without. Find a solution for those people. Which today I believe is Medicaid. The fact is a single payer system is nothing more than a fancy way of saying income redistribution.
Medicare is a socialist program that WORKS. All you pure capitalists can just refuse Medicare. Don't participate in that socialism!

[jimjamuser]

So, you think men who murdered and enslaved millions of people deserve to be honored by statues etc? Then you would not mind having a Hitler and his boys having a statue on your county building? After all, as we clearly see that many Americans bow to him still , and many many Americans made their wealth from his actions . I am sure we can find a whole bunch of people who did very evil things but still have folks that believe in them that we can create statues of and to hell with anyone that is hurt by the reminders right?
Or is it only things that need changed are things that affect your wallet or your beliefs and only those that agree with you deserve to have a say in what is on the properties that everyone pays / has the names only acceptable to you ?
Communism is ok as long as you agree with the rules, socialism is evil if it benefits anyone but you correct? Curious, did you cash that government check or get any help from the government ( loans, your favorite places, banks, employers get free help etc) during this coronavirus? So, socialism is ok when YOU need it but not ok for others who need it to survive ?
BTW.....Do you call yourself Christian ?
Do you really believe you are Christ-like ? Does any Christian really believe Jesus would choose the options that so many that believe themselves to be Christian, are proud of ? We must read different bibles and know different Jesus’s . My Jesus was all in for equality for all ( Mary was a prostitute no?) and sharing all he had( feed the crowd fish and bread) without expectation of a return ? Did he not die so all of Gods children could be free ?
Sorry for the rant, just so tired of the unjustifiable beliefs people keep spouting , only said to bring separation and hate and using Jesus as a back up.
Well New, that was a book. But a REALLY good book. Just like the religious ones you alluded to. You did OK by finishing with a "what would Jesus do?" I am a devout agnostic, yet I was moved by your book post, well written. And you may be right and myself wrong about religiosity?

[Luisa]

I’ve traveled pretty much every where in the world and I’ll take capitalism any day of the week. I hear this all the time about the US being the only industrial nation in the world not offering universal health coverage. Take a look at our neighbors to the north. Need to see a specialist 18-20 weeks. So what do people with means do, they jump over the border. England same thing, need a hip replacement 6 months to a year. Many people buy private health insurance and guess what, they can pretty much see a specialist right away. Why do you need to change health care for everyone to help those without. Find a solution for those people. Which today I believe is Medicaid. The fact is a single payer system is nothing more than a fancy way of saying income redistribution.
The problem with universal health care in the US is it is just that, free health care for the universe. Anyone coming here legally or illegally will be entitled to it. Other countries are much stricter about who comes into their country, how long they can stay, and what benefits they are entitled. The US already has millions coming here every year and 22 million already here illegally along with their descendants. Universal health care is just another economic incentive to come here. A vial of insulin costs 9 times more here than Canada. It makes no sense to give economic incentives to come here and then pay 9 times more for their health care.

[Luisa]

Venezuela is toast. Finland and Norway are the world's top countries. The US is in the middle-----mediocre. Forget Venezuela, if you desire to learn about health care, top education, upward mobility and real individualism, then study the Scandinavian countries. Please.
And they have the population of one small state in the US. Try immigrating there.

[jbrown132]

How long in US. if you have no money, or medical insurance?

If you have no money no hospital will refuse to see you. Also if you have no money now you can get free health care As the government will pay for it. What your saying is a myth.

[jimjamuser]

The problem with universal health care in the US is it is just that, free health care for the universe. Anyone coming here legally or illegally will be entitled to it. Other countries are much stricter about who comes into their country, how long they can stay, and what benefits they are entitled. The US already has millions coming here every year and 22 million already here illegally along with their descendants. Universal health care is just another economic incentive to come here. A vial of insulin costs 9 times more here than Canada. It makes no sense to give economic incentives to come here and then pay 9 times more for their health care.
There are 2 SEPERATE problems here. One is illegal immigration and too much legal also. I would agree with that. Universap Health Care is the 2nd issue. It fixes the problem of health care and keeps prices down. That's what Medicate and the V.A. health system do. It should be made universal. The other post incorrectly blended the 2 problems. Yes, there COULD be blending of the 2 problems. But, it does NOT have to be that way. It WORKS in Europe. The US is a magnet for illegals because rich people and corporations (like in Las Vegas) desire slave-like workers at very low wages. That is a problem that drags all aspects of America downward-toward Venezuela like 3rd world status.

[Byte1]

So, you think men who murdered and enslaved millions of people deserve to be honored by statues etc? Then you would not mind having a Hitler and his boys having a statue on your county building? After all, as we clearly see that many Americans bow to him still , and many many Americans made their wealth from his actions . I am sure we can find a whole bunch of people who did very evil things but still have folks that believe in them that we can create statues of and to hell with anyone that is hurt by the reminders right?
Or is it only things that need changed are things that affect your wallet or your beliefs and only those that agree with you deserve to have a say in what is on the properties that everyone pays / has the names only acceptable to you ?
Communism is ok as long as you agree with the rules, socialism is evil if it benefits anyone but you correct? Curious, did you cash that government check or get any help from the government ( loans, your favorite places, banks, employers get free help etc) during this coronavirus? So, socialism is ok when YOU need it but not ok for others who need it to survive ?
BTW.....Do you call yourself Christian ?
Do you really believe you are Christ-like ? Does any Christian really believe Jesus would choose the options that so many that believe themselves to be Christian, are proud of ? We must read different bibles and know different Jesus’s . My Jesus was all in for equality for all ( Mary was a prostitute no?) and sharing all he had( feed the crowd fish and bread) without expectation of a return ? Did he not die so all of Gods children could be free ?
Sorry for the rant, just so tired of the unjustifiable beliefs people keep spouting , only said to bring separation and hate and using Jesus as a back up.

"Millions" of slaves? Sorry, but 388,000 is closer to reality.
Not going to argue what Jesus would or would not do, because I everyone has their own beliefs. And I won't convince someone of my beliefs that is not a believer by arguing.
What is it about Socialism that some folks seem to think that it is the cure all for everyone, when the fact is that it only helps the lazy or unable. There are programs that handle that aspect of society very well. There is no need to bring down the middle class and the wealthy just to coddle a small group.
One thing is for sure, we have a gov that is way too large and powerful. And we have a growing mass of citizens that are becoming more and more dependent on a gov nanny to take care of them and make decisions for them.

[graciegirl]

So, you think men who murdered and enslaved millions of people deserve to be honored by statues etc? Then you would not mind having a Hitler and his boys having a statue on your county building? After all, as we clearly see that many Americans bow to him still , and many many Americans made their wealth from his actions . I am sure we can find a whole bunch of people who did very evil things but still have folks that believe in them that we can create statues of and to hell with anyone that is hurt by the reminders right?
Or is it only things that need changed are things that affect your wallet or your beliefs and only those that agree with you deserve to have a say in what is on the properties that everyone pays / has the names only acceptable to you ?
Communism is ok as long as you agree with the rules, socialism is evil if it benefits anyone but you correct? Curious, did you cash that government check or get any help from the government ( loans, your favorite places, banks, employers get free help etc) during this coronavirus? So, socialism is ok when YOU need it but not ok for others who need it to survive ?
BTW.....Do you call yourself Christian ?
Do you really believe you are Christ-like ? Does any Christian really believe Jesus would choose the options that so many that believe themselves to be Christian, are proud of ? We must read different bibles and know different Jesus’s . My Jesus was all in for equality for all ( Mary was a prostitute no?) and sharing all he had( feed the crowd fish and bread) without expectation of a return ? Did he not die so all of Gods children could be free ?
Sorry for the rant, just so tired of the unjustifiable beliefs people keep spouting , only said to bring separation and hate and using Jesus as a back up.

I really didn't like to read this. I try very hard not to hurt anyone because of their beliefs or lack of them. For many of us our faith is a valid living thing and for many of us it is a gentle tradition with good memories of family times. (By the way, there are two Marys, one was the mother of Christ and one was a prostitute, and most of us feel defensive of them both) One of the things I do like about Christianity is the thought that we should try to be kind to each other. It doesn't feel like the poster is "sorry for the rant".

It really wounded me to read this. In my whole life no one has ever said anything like this in my hearing. I am not a church goer but I respect religion and know that it is precious to many.

[Bucco]

I really didn't like to read this. I try very hard not to hurt anyone because of their beliefs or lack of them. For many of us our faith is a valid living thing and for many of us it is a gentle tradition with good memories of family times. (By the way, there are two Marys, one was the mother of Christ and one was a prostitute, and most of us feel defensive of them both) One of the things I do like about Christianity is the thought that we should try to be kind to each other. It doesn't feel like the poster is "sorry for the rant".

It really wounded me to read this. In my whole life no one has ever said anything like this in my hearing. I am not a church goer but I respect religion and know that it is precious to many.

I tend to understand what NEWGIRL is saying.

I get very frustrated as well with folks proclaiming their Christian beliefs, and follow with their hate for people of another skin color; those who proclaim their patriotism, then slander any real hero's who do not believe in their "side of the aisle"; those who condemn certain groups as hateful, and then proclaim their support for groups who are more hateful, but on the "other side".

I don't like to hear a lot of what is happening in my country, but it appears that hearing it, and saying it loud enough to be heard is necessary.

And to complicate it even further, I am frustrated as I hear people who live where I have been for 20 years, embrace untruth as their dogma, again, for one reason only.

We are becoming a very hateful nation, and of course, we explain...not me is always our response. I was told by someone I respect that our country was going into what is called in INVESTING a Black Swan event, and the importance is that those events can have very serious consequences.

I hate to hear it also, Gracie.....but I also hate to hear and read those things I have mentioned.

[Dahabs]

"Millions" of slaves? Sorry, but 388,000 is closer to reality.
Not going to argue what Jesus would or would not do, because I everyone has their own beliefs. And I won't convince someone of my beliefs that is not a believer by arguing.
What is it about Socialism that some folks seem to think that it is the cure all for everyone, when the fact is that it only helps the lazy or unable. There are programs that handle that aspect of society very well. There is no need to bring down the middle class and the wealthy just to coddle a small group.
One thing is for sure, we have a gov that is way too large and powerful. And we have a growing mass of citizens that are becoming more and more dependent on a gov nanny to take care of them and make decisions for them.

Only 388,000 you say. Here on some facts for you re: total number of enslaved blacks:

From - U.S. Slavery: Timeline, Figures & Abolition - HISTORY (https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/slavery)

"Though it is impossible to give accurate figures, some historians have estimated that 6 to 7 million enslaved people were imported to the New World during the 18th century alone, depriving the African continent of some of its healthiest and ablest men and women."

From - • United States: black and slave population 1790-1880 | Statista (https://www.statista.com/statistics/1010169/black-and-slave-population-us-1790-1880/)

Black and slave population in the United States 1790-1880
Published by Aaron O'Neill, Feb 12, 2020
There were almost 700 thousand slaves in the US in 1790, which equated to approximately 18 percent of the total population, or roughly one in every six people. By 1860, the final census taken before the American Civil War, there were four million slaves in the South, compared with less than 0.5 million free African Americans in all of the US. Of the 4.4 million African Americans in the US before the war, almost four million of these people were held as slaves; meaning that for all African Americans living in the US in 1860, there was an 89 percent* chance that they lived in slavery.

[Dahabs]

I really didn't like to read this. I try very hard not to hurt anyone because of their beliefs or lack of them. For many of us our faith is a valid living thing and for many of us it is a gentle tradition with good memories of family times. (By the way, there are two Marys, one was the mother of Christ and one was a prostitute, and most of us feel defensive of them both) One of the things I do like about Christianity is the thought that we should try to be kind to each other. It doesn't feel like the poster is "sorry for the rant".

It really wounded me to read this. In my whole life no one has ever said anything like this in my hearing. I am not a church goer but I respect religion and know that it is precious to many.

I did not think that the post questioned Christian beliefs but rather posed the question as to how do people reconcile their Christian beliefs with their opinions and actions. My observation, very often seems to be a disconnect between the two.

[Dahabs]

If you have no money no hospital will refuse to see you. Also if you have no money now you can get free health care As the government will pay for it. What your saying is a myth.

Try getting an expensive procedure without coverage.

[graciegirl]

Try getting an expensive procedure without coverage.

Allow me to say what I firmly believe. Do without to save money for something that you may crucially need in the future. SAVE MONEY even if you don't get a haircut, or nails done, or a better car or steak, ever. Try very hard to plan for things that are awful. Many people lived their lives that way in this country before we were born.

And if you are not doing it now... well, you may be in a mess.

[ffresh]

If you are serious - about what happened in Venezuela - I'll share what happened there - and - some other countries including Greece. In the research viewing what is called the GINI index its correlation with societies - we do have reasons to worry.

You are right - Venezuela was the shining light of S. America. If you charted the GINI index - it became the widest in world of democratic countries. What's the GINI index? It's a mathematical formula that measures the difference between the wealthiest in a society versus the middle class. Throughout history - when that index becomes it's most extremes - society snaps. The middle class says "this isn't a fair game anymore." The result is socialism - and/or dictatorships.

Can you guess what country has a GINI index that has become the most extreme in the world - and especially in the past 4 years? USA. For example, if you went back 50 years in the United States, the difference in wealth between the top 1% and the middle class was 7 times. Now it is over 30 times.

Here's a question to ask. Let's say you LOVE the game MONOPOLY. And - they change one rule. If you win - you get to keep all the money you made going into the next game. You didn't win the first game. What's the chance you'll win the second game. And- five games later, do you still want to play.

Please understand - I'm an ADAM SMITH capitalist (the father of the philosophy). The system has been GREAT for me and my family. While I worked hard - I also know that luck did come into pay - much like most that did well financially. However, I worry for my grandchildren that the pain of what is becoming the majority of our society is going to snap - and - we'll become another Venezuela.

Although you are entirely correct in your assessment, one has to realize that we have not had "capitalism" for a VERY long time in the USA. Even when I came through middle school in the 50's, the civics books spoke of our "mixed" economy, i.e. capitalism with myriad government controls. Today, we have an economy better termed "crony capitalism" or "corporate fascism", whereby the large corporations are in bed with the government. This does NOT bode well for the middle class, as is patently obvious. The millennials are the first generation who have not done better than their parents and it is not their fault. All of these ills that have been attributed to capitalism are way off the mark and a distraction from the real causes.

Fred

[NotGolfer]

I'm listening (this morning) to a podcast conversation with Curtis Bowers who made 2 dvd movies called Adjenda and Adjenda 2: Masters of Deceit. I googled him and it brought up the Amazon site to purchase these. I read some of the reviews and it's NOT about a conspiracy theory at all. I suggest maybe checking these out. They refer to what's going on around us.

[wilkinson]

Where is the conservative & patriotic outcry to physically demonstrate against the mayors of the cities where anarchists rule? Remember Russia 1918, Cuba 1959, etc.? They too advocated for "distribution of the wealth"and defunding police (they wanted to be the police themselves - how did that work out???) Is the country moving from civil unrest towards civil war? The silent majority must wake up and be much more demonstrative or hand over the Constitution to the loud minority reveling in chaos. I am afraid that many Americans younger than 40 were never taught real history in the public school system and worse in the liberal arts colleges.

[sipops]

One big block party that happened to burn down a Police Station, break windows, loot and set fire to businesses and prevent Police from entering the zone. Your son has a totally different meaning of Block Party than I have.

[Luisa]

There are 2 SEPERATE problems here. One is illegal immigration and too much legal also. I would agree with that. Universap Health Care is the 2nd issue. It fixes the problem of health care and keeps prices down. That's what Medicate and the V.A. health system do. It should be made universal. The other post incorrectly blended the 2 problems. Yes, there COULD be blending of the 2 problems. But, it does NOT have to be that way. It WORKS in Europe. The US is a magnet for illegals because rich people and corporations (like in Las Vegas) desire slave-like workers at very low wages. That is a problem that drags all aspects of America downward-toward Venezuela like 3rd world status.
Half of our leaders have already made it very clear that they will give free medical care to illegals. California already gives free medical care to illegals under the age of 25. I heard they they want to extend it to senior illegals and surely the next step will be all illegals. Universal health care was sold to the American people as a way to keep people from losing their home if they had a cancer diagnosis. Instead, it is Americans paying for the universes health care.
I have a family member whose rates tripled, and doctors visits, labs, and Rx were not covered.

[ffresh]

Allow me to say what I firmly believe. Do without to save money for something that you may crucially need in the future. SAVE MONEY even if you don't get a haircut, or nails done, or a better car or steak, ever. Try very hard to plan for things that are awful. Many people lived their lives that way in this country before we were born.

And if you are not doing it now... well, you may be in a mess.

Good advice! But, it seems, more and more, that many are able to live off the fruits of others' labors and would like MUCH MORE of the same … socialism. And this creates a massive incentive to immigration (both legal and illegal) :ohdear:

Fred

[ffresh]

I'm listening (this morning) to a podcast conversation with Curtis Bowers who made 2 dvd movies called Adjenda and Adjenda 2: Masters of Deceit. I googled him and it brought up the Amazon site to purchase these. I read some of the reviews and it's NOT about a conspiracy theory at all. I suggest maybe checking these out. They refer to what's going on around us.

And they are EXCELLENT! :)

Fred

[Lindsyburnsy]

All good until unemployment reaches double digits, people lose their healthcare benefits and a pandemic is out of control. Universal healthcare anybody? I'm in. My family lives in Canada and they have all said we are brainwashed into thinking their healthcare system isn't good. Here in the US, you can wait until you die, if you don't have a healthcare benefit. This isn't good for anybody.

[Two Bills]

If you have no money no hospital will refuse to see you. Also if you have no money now you can get free health care As the government will pay for it. What your saying is a myth.

Myth?

All I asked was how long to get surgery compared to UK. if you have no money or insurance.

[Bay Kid]

A Richmond, VA councilwoman had protesters in front of her home this week. These 'peaceful' protesters had bats, guns, etc. and yelled out to burn the house. She called 911. She was told they had eyes the gathering but no visual police at all.

The city is turning into a 3rd world country. The Richmond council people are reaping the rewards of the sides they picked.

[Lindsyburnsy]

So, let's not give healthcare to millions of Americans because you don't want to give any of it to immigrants, who by the way, work their fingers to the bone in the hot sun to bring food to our table, and actually contribute to our society, but don't have legal standing? WWJD?

The problem with universal health care in the US is it is just that, free health care for the universe. Anyone coming here legally or illegally will be entitled to it. Other countries are much stricter about who comes into their country, how long they can stay, and what benefits they are entitled. The US already has millions coming here every year and 22 million already here illegally along with their descendants. Universal health care is just another economic incentive to come here. A vial of insulin costs 9 times more here than Canada. It makes no sense to give economic incentives to come here and then pay 9 times more for their health care.

[SacDQ]

I fail to see the difference 😳

[chas39]

What’s the Difference