Slashdot Mirror
Where Does America's Fear Come From?
An anonymous reader writes "While far from a dictatorship, the United States has employed a number of paranoid tactics that delegitimize its democracy. And the motivation for doing so is — fear. That seems to be a long way from 'So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is...fear itself: nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and of vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. And I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.' Where is the U.S. heading?"
Here is an example of fear mongering propaganda that goes hand-in-hand with the other part of the problem: ignorance.
"Fear the Tea Party because they are racist." "Fear those who are against the ACA for they are waging a war against women." "Those who are against illegal immigration are racist and hate all immigrants."
Can you not even see in your own rantings that which you rail against? Are you so fearful of your opponents position that you must use fear and deception to try and influence others to accept your position? Can you not accept that there may be an intellectually honest reason to limit the power of the federal government to that which was outlined in the U.S. Constitution?
Finally, are you unable to see that it is precisely because of the unfettered power sought by the federal government that it has the power to use fear to do those things many on both the right and left abhor?
Generally speaking, the Tea Party wants limited federal government. Generally speaking, the Democrats and "centrist" Republicans want a larger federal government. The only difference between the Democrats and those Republican "centrists" is the part of the federal government they want to have larger.
Attempting to reduce your political opponents to racist, jingoist mysogynists does nothing to reduce fear or further an intelligent debate.
You poor little baby. You were chased out of LAX? Were you chased out by the kid with the gun, or were you chased out by TSA officials?
As for life-altering experiences where one fears for his life - MY RESPONSE IS TO PICK UP A WEAPON you idiot. Oh, but wait. You're obviously one of the sheep who has permitted himself to be disarmed, so that he might board an airplane.
Stop sniveling. If you choose to be part of the herd, then you have to rely on the sheep herder and his dog. I don't rely on him.
Thanks for playing - come back when you can roar like a lion, instead of mewling like a kitten.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y612uIsQ9HM
"Windows is like the faint smell of piss in a subway: it's there, and there's nothing you can do about it." - Charlie Br
Why is it that self (and loudly) proclaimed atheists seem to bitch and moan about religion more than the actual religious nutjobs do? Why do you feel the need to inject your personal opinion into a discussion about a completely unrelated subject in a way thats clearly intended to turn the discussion into a flame war?
If there is no god for you to believe in, why the fuck do you get so upset and loud about it?
NO ONE GIVES A FUCK THAT YOU DON'T BELIEVE IN A GOD. Not the religious people, not normal atheists ... NO ONE .... yet you still feel the need to bring it up when the discussion is no where near there, and you pick tiny irrelevant excuses to do so.
Do you have any idea how obviously scared of what you don't know you make yourself appear?
No one likes religious nutjobs, which is all you are, you just try to claim anti-relgion as your religion. You just make it clear how transparent you are and how clever you aren't. You're projecting your own self hatred and fear on others. You are exactly the type of person you pretend to be against. Different religion, same ignorance.
Grow up ya douche, no one gives a fuck about your angst ridden religious crusades
Persistent Volume manager for Kubernetes - https://github.com/dwimsey/openshift-pvmanager
FEAR: feeling of anxiety: an unpleasant feeling of anxiety or apprehension caused by the presence or anticipation of danger
The family of the victims of various shootings at the hands of the mentally ill would beg to differ with you as to something perceived to be a danger, and something that kills your family. There are already gun control laws, and the 2nd amendment doesn't guarantee unrestricted access to any weapons a citizen might want. There are already restrictions on automatic weapons, as well as a wide range of military grade weapons, explosives, poisons, WMD's, etc. There are also restrictions on who can gain access to weapons based on criminal history, as well as location. Not one single bill being seriously discussed in congress was taking away anyone's guns, as in every case, currently owned guns were grandfathered in. The vast majority of such legislation was aimed more at sensible background checks. Something even the NRA used to support before they were against it.
Can you cite any sources whatsoever as to the cost of shutting down a park as opposed to keeping it open? Unless you handle the billing for the various public park departments, you are just parroting talking points you read online or heard on the 'news'. You are also suggesting that they just leave these parks open to the public, which would be like opening the door to your home, and going on vacation for a month, and hoping everyone was on their best behavior. The Fed is legally required to shut down any services that are payed for with discretionary funds when they are no longer legally authorized to pay for such parks to remain open. Period, end of statement. The fact that you are more concerned about some park begin shut down, rather than people being denied food, social services, life saving medicines through various studies, etc, speaks volumes about your priorities.
No one is 'ignoring' the debt ceiling, and it has been dropping steadily for the last few years. In fact, it's dropping faster than it has since the 1950's. This is probably something you might be aware of if you weren't solidly wrapped up in your fear based news network.
http://money.cnn.com/2013/04/22/news/economy/deficits/index.html
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-debt-load-falling-at-fastest-pace-since-1950s-2012-06-08
Just as an FYI, Benghazi was a TERRORIST ATTACK, not a 'scandal'.