[Brynnie]

Originally Posted by 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).

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by Dharrisoncmo@gmail.com

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]

Originally Posted by jbrown132

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by jbrown132

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]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

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]

Originally Posted by Two Bills

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]

Originally Posted by Luisa

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

"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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

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.