Of course, a fundamental tenent of business that almost no Slashdolts understand, is that you can only buy what business wants to sell you. You may think that you have the right to buy songs without buying the album (if you are so musically clueless that you buy music made up of "songs"), and 100 million people may also, but it doesn't mean that anyone will sell it to them..
Why is it that capitalism and the 'free market' are not simply meeting the needs of the patrons? I thought the capitalist economy was based on supply/demand? See below.
Of course, the free market says that if it is possible to supply the consumer with what he wants, the market it eventually will.
If the music industry really was a 'free market' we wouldnt see the present situation. Music would be supplied in singles -and albums- pick-your-own would be widely available at music kiosks (burn your own *.wav CD, $xx per track), available via download on the internet (wav & mp3 & ogg ect), artists would be able to license their copyrights to a 'distributor' for a fixed period (or maybe a production run) and they would be able to license to more than one distributor at a time. After all this is the product of the artist - not the industry. The point is simple: the music industry is not a free market.. Abusive copyright legislation. Blatant collusion (ever hear of the RIAA?). The music industry does not have to 'innovate' and adapt to the market - they are organizing the market, to only their advantage. They are specifying the terms to the market. How is this possible? Oligopoly and collusion, price fixing, predatory business relationships (deals with radio stations/record stores/'PR' Firms), purchased legislation (witha a corrupt government(another bigger problem)). The RIAA controls the whole deal. The barrier to entry is beyond approach - and the industry is talking about more consolidation.
This is a free and 'right' business climate? This is a free market? Puhleeze.
I hope the bastards suffocate under a collapsed pile of their own vile stinking greed. Bullocks to the whole lot.
The problem described here is not the OS but the browser and specifically JVM. The coders should be simply coding more closely to the Java Standard (teehee, atleast what there is of one) - and hard HTML. Simple enough, with a proper browser the OS is truely unimportant.
I use the CIBC secure online banking without a problem with Netscape 4.7(?(current Linux Version..)) on Linux without fail. The service is terrific. You register bills and pay them online (without any trouble - I recently registered "University of Windsor" as the 'bill' and put in "studentnumberhere" as 'account' to register UofW and paid my tuition. Terrific.), you can also post date payment (so you pay your Visa bills on time - about 12 hours before they are due.:)
I would recommend it. Its free - and you never have to a bank again. Mostly.
I agree - and the 'creative way to abuse the TV' is a big deal... When people see the 'Care to download free games?' option - that will be the kicker, how about a $3 game or somesuch.. totally different options compared to Xbox, cube & ps2
Nintendo (and Midway, in this one case) have enough money to weather the bad PR of a game crashing like that. One little bug, and Indrema might be in more trouble than they can handle.
Unlike your N64 cart, Indrema/developer(midway) could issue a patch and update your game... this is an advantage of Indrema - what about 'upgrades' and whatnot - how about: "Would you like to download 20 new levels for XXX-your-favorite-game-hereXXX now for $3.95?" Alot of interesting things can be done here that 'regular' consoles cannot do, like fix your broken Gauntle Legends (BTW: is GL good? I loved the original! Spent tonnes of quarters on that game..)
I dont agree - given that they will act as a MP3 Player, TiVo, game machine, DVD, be able to dload shareware ect will make it very attractive... its a more open (buzzz) platform. PS2, XBOX, Cube are all very specific static consoles, this will probably have a menu 'look for free games to download and play now' option - that will be attractive to people, imagine getting software/games ect on your console - all for free. This is a very interesting idea... Indrema is offering something none of the others are...
Addendum: It seems we should have followed the teachings of Thee Temple ov Thee Lemur, and either used Extreme Coolants or just run the VIC off a bag of spuds. But then again, their projects were hoaxes.
even the unpopular rights of the distributor and facilitator
Isnt the fact that the internet makes this function unnecessary even considered by anyone? What right do the 'distributers' have when we are copying bits? And 'facilitator', is McDonald-izing the arts in America a good thing?
I think the bastards are done - one way or the other, the RIAA is finished, the MPAA is next.*
* This is a note to the RIAA/MPAA weazel who surley reads/. to 'understand' the opposition: Listen up monkey - Im gunning for ya, yes, I am actively GIVING YOUR CRAP AWAY and telling people how to do it, and advocating it, and facilitating it. In 24 months when your revenue is 1/2 what it is now, you'll have to find some honest work, and Ill be enjoying my Arts, and funding ARTISTS not Corporate whores... ph33r m3**.
Nader is a proponent of the current generation of eco-terrorists. Mistakenly assuming that there is some magical precious thing about the random way that life happens to be scattered about on the earth which must be preserved at all costs.
There is no 'balance', just circumstance.
They're not 'wetlands', they're swamps. Look over the last 200 million years of earths history. 90% of the animals that have ever existed are extinct. New breeds appear. Old ones that aren't effective competitors die out. That's not criminal, it's natural selection.
Man is one of the animals.
If he decides to clearcut a forest to plant crops, good for him
You sound like an un-educated, ill-informed redneck.
And you would suggest abandoning it, because it doesn't fit in with your socialist ways?
not necessarily, not all of it, but the fact is the governance has to be dynamic, and change. Holding the constitution as infallible is ignorant - over time the weaknesses of any system are weakened, and the problems grow large. As has happened in America.
If 'wealth sharing', and 'resource leveling' were really viable, why arent' there any examples of it prospering?
Becuase war has ravaged the only countries that have tried it. Unfortunately America is still very young and wealthy because of it. Over time, as the abundant resources become more sparse, and the population grows, times in America will not be as they are now compared to the rest of the world. Why would America be interested in sharing when it can be greedy? For now...
Why are all the Canadian radio journalists talking about the 'health care crisis'
There is no 'health care crisis' with regards to actual health - its that some morons have thought it is a good idea to emulate your pathetic and failing system - the potential of privatizing the system is 'the healthcare crisis'.
and the problems of many physicians fleeing the country because they didn't like being enslaved (monetarily) to the masses?That is mostly because your dollar is very strong, and that some people are simply immoral and selfish - those are the ones who leave, enjoy the bastards.
The founders of this country were fed up with popularly elected and supposedly divinely selected leaders arbitrarily trodding upon the rights of the citizens.
And you think that for the last 30 years (since JFK) your leaders have been stellar?
Nixon: nuff said. Reagan: Bumbling ex-actor (best acting job was convincing people he was stately) Bush: Non-Event Clinton: Sleeps with interns
And lastly we have the possibility that America will elect a VP or a son of an Ex-Pres. They are all very depressing.
They sought to form a country where individual rights were the primary concern. They crafted the constitution in effort to prevent future leaders from subverting their original intentions.
There are alot of valid ideas in the US Constitution - but the problem is its being walked on. And the country is being drowned by legislation. The 'rights' and 'freedoms' of Americans are the last concern of your government.
Up until the beginning of the 20th century, it was doing a pretty good job of it. Sadly, a number of popular(at the moment), but fundamentally 'unconstitutional' laws and programs have been enacted, mostly because of the current population's ignorance of the principles of the constitution.
I absolutely agree - push back the chains that would oppress you, the major threat to the freedom of Americans is the Corporatist whores. Why not give someone other than a Republicrat a 4 year term - how bad can some 'new ideas' be? Why arent any of the 3rd parties allowed to participate in the debates? Seems like your 'democracy' is being 'fixed'... Allow a different perspective, change is good...!
If by by 'dealing with modern society', you mean 'providing for yourself and your family', then I don't doubt that someone who declares himself incapable would be a fervent supporter of such government dole programs.
Did I say anything about 'welfare'? No. What im saying is the entire system is designed to consume people, the planet, and any display of altruism is punished (if it dosnt maximize profit - it is waste). The rules dont have to be this way - most people would agree, if you took a door to door poll people would say "yes, the system is unfare and biased and corrupt". What i am advocating is changing the system (i feel like a hippie;). Why not change laws? Elect good officials.. cant elect good officials because of the Republicrat domination? Answer: Change the system, change the voting method, repeal Santa Clara County v. Southern Pacific Railroad? and destroy any law thats purpose is to serve anything but the interest of citizens.
How about taking a little responsibility for yourself
I have two degrees, a stable fulfilling relationship and work 50* hours a week. Which is about 25hrs too many.
Let me help and keep the damn government out of it. First I can do it much more efficiently. Second, it's really not the government's role to decide who needs assistance and under what conditions.
That is very interesting - I feel your opinions are pretty much 'right on' except you feel that government should 'stay out of it'. Isnt the government supposed to simply be a body that acts on your best interest to administer and run the shared resources of the country? Why are you afraid of that?
I dont think you are afraid of 'government' in-so-much-as you are pissed of the current government. If your government was different and had the citizens best interests in mind, if it was a democracy where diverging opinions were heard and respected I believe you would not be so angry with them... government should just be a collection of citizens and administrative employees... what your government has become is a f-ed up monster.. that I agree with you, I wouldnt want those pricks doing anything either... their corruption is no longer in question... the real point is how much longer will Americans allow this to go on?
Will they vote the pricks out of office and change the system? or will they wait another 150 years and have an armed revolution...
I prefer the former option! Tell your friends/neighbours/relatives to:
Our military is hated because the current administration
Exactly - no one likes a bully. Violence is never right. Two wrongs dont make a right. Pretty simple stuff.
Im from Canada. The way I view America is very simple. The people are much the same as most everyone else. America has enjoyed a very unique position in recent history (as Canada has) that no war has ever been fought on our soil, we have never had the misfortune of rebuilding from massive devistion (listen a second-im not a conspiracy nut;).. anyway USA has had a very prosperous 100 years... and they have become arrogant and boisterous... Americans dont want to be part of a developing world, America is on a conquest to push its corporate culture down the throat of the rest of the world. It goes without saying that the extreme capitalism that America advocates is not the most compassionate and desirable future. It lies about advocating democracy - the examples abound in your own country. It lies to its people, Clinton & his intern, Iran Contra, Echelon and Nixon. All heinous acts; quickly forgotten.
Waether it is attainable or not, the world should collectively be striving to make the world a better place - more utopian. But America, which has the good fortune of being in a very powerful position (for the afore mentioned reason(and maybe others) seems to want to act contrary to that. They dont build culture, they build McDonalds, they dont build community they build advertising/marketing agencies... commerce isnt a lifestyle, its a 'tool'. Trade isnt a personality trait.
America is pushing a future that is cold and impersonate. America is Big Business, cold and heartless, bent on one goal - make profit, and (im gonna get flammed) profit is a bad thing. Profit simply means you reap more reward than your expense. If all people are created equal with the same rights why would America feel that they deserve to make 'profit' (or take) from other people? Now, capitalism is a good system when applied properly, when used as tool but always under the control of citizens I think Asimov's Laws of Robotics could wisely be adapted somewhat to corporations. Replace robot with business and human with 'human/environment/culture etc'.
It is a very idealistic view, but being idealistic dosnt mean its wrong. Because 'it will never work' also dosnt make it wrong. The fact is the world is developing a great many wondrous things (technology, health, knowledge, art (!RIAA), ect) and the world has never seen so much growth of possibilities. But again, CorporateAmerica will further entrench IP law to protect big business at the expense of the future, liberty and the freedom of the worlds citizens.
The country that COULD join a group and lead us to a better place is instead seen as a great selfish evil.
To start you could get the corporate whores and dollars out of your politics, revoke the corporate charters of a few hundred major corporations, abandon your army (or relinquish control of your military forces (but much, much fewer) to a world body), change your voting system (learned a lot today!), retract about 75% or your laws (including Santa Clara County v. Southern Pacific Railroad), legalize drugs and prostitution. Ect ect ect.
How would you do this? Start by telling your friends/neighbors/relatives to:
Taxes are paid so you can share the costs of social programs with your neighbours - its basic 'sharing'! Instead of saying 'fuck my neighbour' why dont you consider that possible well-run social programs, funded by everyone is a good thing(TM). Dont you see how selfish your opinion sounds?
Maybe some people are mentally/physically incapable of dealing with the 'modern society' - its not a faultless state, they may be unwilling to participate, but not everyone should be forced to join this cult of ultra-productivity and rat race. I find it tough some times just staying sane, this is what happens when you loose the ability to trust and care for the people in your community. If you let up for one moment - for one second - bam! its all over and you will be hungry and homeless...it dosnt have to be this way! Humans have never been so productive, our needs can be met and everyone dosnt have to be a 'slave to the man'. Its very depressing.
Depends how you define 'powerful'... but in the Western world you have the highest crime rate, no health care, obscene poverty, the idiotic war on drugs, 'American Freedom' is a joke (marijuana, prostitution, 'wont-someone-think-of-the-chillldreen-type censorship and oppression(no nudity/swearing on TV puh-leaze.), America and its military are almost universally hated. You are powerful yes, of course, your citizens have been enslaved - and you dont even see it.
BTW: Communism isnt 'failing' its being forcibly crushed by the American Corporate Machine (TM), and economic imperialism. The propaganda has made you myopic.
"Would you be willing to change the present 'plurality' voting system in America? Some voting theorists find that the present 'Pluralist' system has many faults. Would you consider a system such as 'Borda Count' or 'Approval Voting' that many consider to be more fair and democratic?"
After I posted it I realized I should have said "that some consider" so as to be less leading. But the point is this: I feel this is a great question to ask of the Candidates. Rob/Taco: Feel free to change my question as I indicated - as i said, it may be a little biased.;) see.sig
Moderators please go here and mod this question up so it can be asked of the candidates.
Convinced your democracy is being sold to Corporate Interests? I certainly am - do the world a favour America! Tell your friends/neighbours/coworkers:
Would you be willing to change the present 'plurality' voting system in America? Some voting theorists find that the present 'Pluralist' system has many faults. Would you consider a system such as 'Borda Count' or 'Approval Voting' that many consider to be more fair and democratic?
Criminalize the production, sale, distribution or otherwise making available of devices or computer programs who's primary use is to access, intercept or interfere with computer systems or communications;
Outlaw the fraud and forgery of computer data as well as copyright infringement;
Now programs like Nmap, Nessus (and what others) are 'illegal'? IP Loggers, what about traceroute? That is a very popular tool of crackers you know - soon pinging will be crime because "this person was doing something to our machine other than what we specifically say is permissible in our TOS (subject to change at any time)." Forged Email? Custom packets (of any kind)? Who will determine 'what forged data' looks like? Obviously it will look much like 'non-forged' except whoever has the Biggest Lawyer(TM) will be the one with the 'official' data. And Copyright? Don't these people understand IP is a red-herring?
I am in utter amazement that an armed revolution hasn't started yet - are these people serious?
Are citizens and normal people going to possibly/remotely benefit from any of this? It is so goddamned obviously another piece of corporate-purchased law. Except the kiddie-porn stuff - that gets the support of the SoccerMoms(TM) , Religious Nutballs, and the rest of mindless sheeple onside everytime.
Enforcing monopoly in order to reduce supply and extort profits is an artifical construct, I once felt that allowing 'some copyright' and 'patents' were necessary, much like their designers it would give the inventor some due reward - protection from being stole from. But now I believe all IP should be abolished. The bad is far outweighing the good now. Far Far outweighing
So, think this 'treaty' is a good thing? Somehow you think you should NOT vote for someone who will end the corporate domination of the world? Wake up America! Do the world a favour! Tell your friends/neighbours/coworkers/relatives to:
Partial privatization of SS, even as feeble as the proposals from either major party candidate are, is both important considering what is at stake (the likely crash and burn of the SS system, or horrific payroll tax hikes) and interesting in that this has always been a taboo topic."
The fact is that the bastard boomers ran up a massive debt, a huge deficit and are now dumping it on us. The reason it is taboo is because the bastards dont see that they simply did not prepare for their own retirements, instead ran up this massive debt. The system is going bankrupt because they have not been paying the share of taxes that would be necessary to support them. This is not a surprise. Simple accounting can tell us that. Now we see the Republicrats pandering to them "we wont withdraw any SS benefits' ect ect - easy enough to say because WE ARE THE ONES WHO ARE GOING TO HAVE TO PAY FOR IT!.
It would have been nice if someone in their generation would have stood up and said "Are we really going to screw the next generation by forcing them to pay for our retirement while we pay these low taxes and enjoy these expensive social programs?"
Same thing is happening in Canada. Its a damn shame, my tax dollars and social systems and income (my entire financial life) will be straddled with the 'laziness' of the previous generation. Maybe with our prosperity (brought by tech & social advances) we could have done terrific things as a culture (our generation) - maybe we could have put a colony on Mars, made real advances in eliminating poverty and sickness. Instead we're going to be forced to subsidize the highlife of the previous generation. And we have no choice.
Slashdot Mirror
Of course, a fundamental tenent of business that almost no Slashdolts understand, is that you can only buy what business wants to sell you. You may think that you have the right to buy songs without buying the album (if you are so musically clueless that you buy music made up of "songs"), and 100 million people may also, but it doesn't mean that anyone will sell it to them. .
Why is it that capitalism and the 'free market' are not simply meeting the needs of the patrons? I thought the capitalist economy was based on supply/demand? See below.
Of course, the free market says that if it is possible to supply the consumer with what he wants, the market it eventually will.
If the music industry really was a 'free market' we wouldnt see the present situation. Music would be supplied in singles -and albums- pick-your-own would be widely available at music kiosks (burn your own *.wav CD, $xx per track), available via download on the internet (wav & mp3 & ogg ect), artists would be able to license their copyrights to a 'distributor' for a fixed period (or maybe a production run) and they would be able to license to more than one distributor at a time. After all this is the product of the artist - not the industry. The point is simple: the music industry is not a free market.. Abusive copyright legislation. Blatant collusion (ever hear of the RIAA?). The music industry does not have to 'innovate' and adapt to the market - they are organizing the market, to only their advantage. They are specifying the terms to the market. How is this possible? Oligopoly and collusion, price fixing, predatory business relationships (deals with radio stations/record stores/'PR' Firms), purchased legislation (witha a corrupt government(another bigger problem)). The RIAA controls the whole deal. The barrier to entry is beyond approach - and the industry is talking about more consolidation.
This is a free and 'right' business climate? This is a free market? Puhleeze.
I hope the bastards suffocate under a collapsed pile of their own vile stinking greed. Bullocks to the whole lot.
Sorry - just saw this: a demo of CIBC PC Banking will let you use the system without having an account.
The problem described here is not the OS but the browser and specifically JVM. The coders should be simply coding more closely to the Java Standard (teehee, atleast what there is of one) - and hard HTML. Simple enough, with a proper browser the OS is truely unimportant.
I use the CIBC secure online banking without a problem with Netscape 4.7(?(current Linux Version..)) on Linux without fail. The service is terrific. You register bills and pay them online (without any trouble - I recently registered "University of Windsor" as the 'bill' and put in "studentnumberhere" as 'account' to register UofW and paid my tuition. Terrific.), you can also post date payment (so you pay your Visa bills on time - about 12 hours before they are due. :)
I would recommend it. Its free - and you never have to a bank again. Mostly.
I agree - and the 'creative way to abuse the TV' is a big deal... When people see the 'Care to download free games?' option - that will be the kicker, how about a $3 game or somesuch.. totally different options compared to Xbox, cube & ps2
I got a C=64 just dying to get fired up...
But all I see are the same 3 being asked over and over again.
I think our faithful editors should take better care next time - I agree it was a little silly.
Nintendo (and Midway, in this one case) have enough money to weather the bad PR of a game crashing like that. One little bug, and Indrema might be in more trouble than they can handle.
Unlike your N64 cart, Indrema/developer(midway) could issue a patch and update your game... this is an advantage of Indrema - what about 'upgrades' and whatnot - how about: "Would you like to download 20 new levels for XXX-your-favorite-game-hereXXX now for $3.95?" Alot of interesting things can be done here that 'regular' consoles cannot do, like fix your broken Gauntle Legends (BTW: is GL good? I loved the original! Spent tonnes of quarters on that game..)
I dont agree - given that they will act as a MP3 Player, TiVo, game machine, DVD, be able to dload shareware ect will make it very attractive... its a more open (buzzz) platform. PS2, XBOX, Cube are all very specific static consoles, this will probably have a menu 'look for free games to download and play now' option - that will be attractive to people, imagine getting software/games ect on your console - all for free. This is a very interesting idea... Indrema is offering something none of the others are...
Addendum: It seems we should have followed the teachings of Thee Temple ov Thee Lemur, and either used Extreme Coolants or just run the VIC off a bag of spuds. But then again, their projects were hoaxes.
Who wants to bet their last C64 that this is too?
19967 bytes to play with
;)
Jesus - I almost forgot about that...
even the unpopular rights of the distributor and facilitator
/. to 'understand' the opposition: Listen up monkey - Im gunning for ya, yes, I am actively GIVING YOUR CRAP AWAY and telling people how to do it, and advocating it, and facilitating it. In 24 months when your revenue is 1/2 what it is now, you'll have to find some honest work, and Ill be enjoying my Arts, and funding ARTISTS not Corporate whores... ph33r m3**.
/. - look it up prick.
Isnt the fact that the internet makes this function unnecessary even considered by anyone? What right do the 'distributers' have when we are copying bits? And 'facilitator', is McDonald-izing the arts in America a good thing?
I think the bastards are done - one way or the other, the RIAA is finished, the MPAA is next.*
* This is a note to the RIAA/MPAA weazel who surley reads
**Thats a joke for
In this case, it might be that the Republicans think the record industry can be shaken down
Im not disagreeing with you, but notice the following:
Rick Boucher (D-VA), Richard Burr (R-NC), Fred Upton (R-MI), Ray LaHood (R-IL)
if this were the case - i guess the Republicrats were working together on their shakedowns now!
Wouldnt surprise me a bit.
You sound like a hippie.
Nader is a proponent of the current generation of eco-terrorists. Mistakenly assuming that there is some magical precious thing about the random way that life happens to be scattered about on the earth which must be preserved at all costs.
There is no 'balance', just circumstance.
They're not 'wetlands', they're swamps. Look over the last 200 million years of earths history. 90% of the animals that have ever existed are extinct. New breeds appear. Old ones that aren't effective competitors die out. That's not criminal, it's natural selection.
Man is one of the animals. If he decides to clearcut a forest to plant crops, good for him
You sound like an un-educated, ill-informed redneck.
And you would suggest abandoning it, because it doesn't fit in with your socialist ways?
not necessarily, not all of it, but the fact is the governance has to be dynamic, and change. Holding the constitution as infallible is ignorant - over time the weaknesses of any system are weakened, and the problems grow large. As has happened in America.
If 'wealth sharing', and 'resource leveling' were really viable, why arent' there any examples of it prospering?
Becuase war has ravaged the only countries that have tried it. Unfortunately America is still very young and wealthy because of it. Over time, as the abundant resources become more sparse, and the population grows, times in America will not be as they are now compared to the rest of the world. Why would America be interested in sharing when it can be greedy? For now...
Why are all the Canadian radio journalists talking about the 'health care crisis'
There is no 'health care crisis' with regards to actual health - its that some morons have thought it is a good idea to emulate your pathetic and failing system - the potential of privatizing the system is 'the healthcare crisis'.
and the problems of many physicians fleeing the country because they didn't like being enslaved (monetarily) to the masses?That is mostly because your dollar is very strong, and that some people are simply immoral and selfish - those are the ones who leave, enjoy the bastards.
The founders of this country were fed up with popularly elected and supposedly divinely selected leaders arbitrarily trodding upon the rights of the citizens.
And you think that for the last 30 years (since JFK) your leaders have been stellar?
Nixon: nuff said.
Reagan: Bumbling ex-actor (best acting job was convincing people he was stately)
Bush: Non-Event
Clinton: Sleeps with interns
And lastly we have the possibility that America will elect a VP or a son of an Ex-Pres. They are all very depressing.
They sought to form a country where individual rights were the primary concern. They crafted the constitution in effort to prevent future leaders from subverting their original intentions.
There are alot of valid ideas in the US Constitution - but the problem is its being walked on. And the country is being drowned by legislation. The 'rights' and 'freedoms' of Americans are the last concern of your government.
Up until the beginning of the 20th century, it was doing a pretty good job of it. Sadly, a number of popular(at the moment), but fundamentally 'unconstitutional' laws and programs have been enacted, mostly because of the current population's ignorance of the principles of the constitution.
I absolutely agree - push back the chains that would oppress you, the major threat to the freedom of Americans is the Corporatist whores. Why not give someone other than a Republicrat a 4 year term - how bad can some 'new ideas' be? Why arent any of the 3rd parties allowed to participate in the debates? Seems like your 'democracy' is being 'fixed'... Allow a different perspective, change is good...!
Do you really think a document written 250 (whatever) years ago is the only way to run your country? (I am Canadian)
If by by 'dealing with modern society', you mean 'providing for yourself and your family', then I don't doubt that someone who declares himself incapable would be a fervent supporter of such government dole programs.
;). Why not change laws? Elect good officials.. cant elect good officials because of the Republicrat domination? Answer: Change the system, change the voting method, repeal Santa Clara County v. Southern Pacific Railroad? and destroy any law thats purpose is to serve anything but the interest of citizens.
Did I say anything about 'welfare'? No. What im saying is the entire system is designed to consume people, the planet, and any display of altruism is punished (if it dosnt maximize profit - it is waste). The rules dont have to be this way - most people would agree, if you took a door to door poll people would say "yes, the system is unfare and biased and corrupt". What i am advocating is changing the system (i feel like a hippie
How about taking a little responsibility for yourself
I have two degrees, a stable fulfilling relationship and work 50* hours a week. Which is about 25hrs too many.
Let me help and keep the damn government out of it. First I can do it much more efficiently. Second, it's really not the government's role to decide who needs assistance and under what conditions.
That is very interesting - I feel your opinions are pretty much 'right on' except you feel that government should 'stay out of it'. Isnt the government supposed to simply be a body that acts on your best interest to administer and run the shared resources of the country? Why are you afraid of that?
I dont think you are afraid of 'government' in-so-much-as you are pissed of the current government. If your government was different and had the citizens best interests in mind, if it was a democracy where diverging opinions were heard and respected I believe you would not be so angry with them... government should just be a collection of citizens and administrative employees... what your government has become is a f-ed up monster.. that I agree with you, I wouldnt want those pricks doing anything either... their corruption is no longer in question... the real point is how much longer will Americans allow this to go on?
Will they vote the pricks out of office and change the system? or will they wait another 150 years and have an armed revolution...
I prefer the former option! Tell your friends/neighbours/relatives to:
Our military is hated because the current administration
;).. anyway USA has had a very prosperous 100 years... and they have become arrogant and boisterous ... Americans dont want to be part of a developing world, America is on a conquest to push its corporate culture down the throat of the rest of the world. It goes without saying that the extreme capitalism that America advocates is not the most compassionate and desirable future. It lies about advocating democracy - the examples abound in your own country. It lies to its people, Clinton & his intern, Iran Contra, Echelon and Nixon. All heinous acts; quickly forgotten.
Exactly - no one likes a bully. Violence is never right. Two wrongs dont make a right. Pretty simple stuff.
Im from Canada. The way I view America is very simple. The people are much the same as most everyone else. America has enjoyed a very unique position in recent history (as Canada has) that no war has ever been fought on our soil, we have never had the misfortune of rebuilding from massive devistion (listen a second-im not a conspiracy nut
Waether it is attainable or not, the world should collectively be striving to make the world a better place - more utopian. But America, which has the good fortune of being in a very powerful position (for the afore mentioned reason(and maybe others) seems to want to act contrary to that. They dont build culture, they build McDonalds, they dont build community they build advertising/marketing agencies... commerce isnt a lifestyle, its a 'tool'. Trade isnt a personality trait.
America is pushing a future that is cold and impersonate. America is Big Business, cold and heartless, bent on one goal - make profit, and (im gonna get flammed) profit is a bad thing. Profit simply means you reap more reward than your expense. If all people are created equal with the same rights why would America feel that they deserve to make 'profit' (or take) from other people? Now, capitalism is a good system when applied properly, when used as tool but always under the control of citizens I think Asimov's Laws of Robotics could wisely be adapted somewhat to corporations. Replace robot with business and human with 'human/environment/culture etc'.
It is a very idealistic view, but being idealistic dosnt mean its wrong. Because 'it will never work' also dosnt make it wrong. The fact is the world is developing a great many wondrous things (technology, health, knowledge, art (!RIAA), ect) and the world has never seen so much growth of possibilities. But again, CorporateAmerica will further entrench IP law to protect big business at the expense of the future, liberty and the freedom of the worlds citizens.
The country that COULD join a group and lead us to a better place is instead seen as a great selfish evil.
To start you could get the corporate whores and dollars out of your politics, revoke the corporate charters of a few hundred major corporations, abandon your army (or relinquish control of your military forces (but much, much fewer) to a world body), change your voting system (learned a lot today!), retract about 75% or your laws (including Santa Clara County v. Southern Pacific Railroad), legalize drugs and prostitution. Ect ect ect.
How would you do this? Start by telling your friends/neighbors/relatives to:
Taxes are paid so you can share the costs of social programs with your neighbours - its basic 'sharing'! Instead of saying 'fuck my neighbour' why dont you consider that possible well-run social programs, funded by everyone is a good thing(TM). Dont you see how selfish your opinion sounds?
Maybe some people are mentally/physically incapable of dealing with the 'modern society' - its not a faultless state, they may be unwilling to participate, but not everyone should be forced to join this cult of ultra-productivity and rat race. I find it tough some times just staying sane, this is what happens when you loose the ability to trust and care for the people in your community. If you let up for one moment - for one second - bam! its all over and you will be hungry and homeless...it dosnt have to be this way! Humans have never been so productive, our needs can be met and everyone dosnt have to be a 'slave to the man'. Its very depressing.
the most powerful country
Depends how you define 'powerful'... but in the Western world you have the highest crime rate, no health care, obscene poverty, the idiotic war on drugs, 'American Freedom' is a joke (marijuana, prostitution, 'wont-someone-think-of-the-chillldreen-type censorship and oppression(no nudity/swearing on TV puh-leaze.), America and its military are almost universally hated. You are powerful yes, of course, your citizens have been enslaved - and you dont even see it.
BTW: Communism isnt 'failing' its being forcibly crushed by the American Corporate Machine (TM), and economic imperialism. The propaganda has made you myopic.
Time to free yourselves!
Attention Moderators:
;) see .sig
I have just posted the following question in the Ask the Presidential Candidates post from a few days ago.:
"Would you be willing to change the present 'plurality' voting system in America? Some voting theorists find that the present 'Pluralist' system has many faults. Would you consider a system such as 'Borda Count' or 'Approval Voting' that many consider to be more fair and democratic?"
After I posted it I realized I should have said "that some consider" so as to be less leading. But the point is this: I feel this is a great question to ask of the Candidates. Rob/Taco: Feel free to change my question as I indicated - as i said, it may be a little biased.
Moderators please go here and mod this question up so it can be asked of the candidates.
Convinced your democracy is being sold to Corporate Interests? I certainly am - do the world a favour America! Tell your friends/neighbours/coworkers:
Would you be willing to change the present 'plurality' voting system in America? Some voting theorists find that the present 'Pluralist' system has many faults. Would you consider a system such as 'Borda Count' or 'Approval Voting' that many consider to be more fair and democratic?
Criminalize the production, sale, distribution or otherwise making available of devices or computer programs who's primary use is to access, intercept or interfere with computer systems or communications;
Outlaw the fraud and forgery of computer data as well as copyright infringement;
Now programs like Nmap, Nessus (and what others) are 'illegal'? IP Loggers, what about traceroute? That is a very popular tool of crackers you know - soon pinging will be crime because "this person was doing something to our machine other than what we specifically say is permissible in our TOS (subject to change at any time)." Forged Email? Custom packets (of any kind)? Who will determine 'what forged data' looks like? Obviously it will look much like 'non-forged' except whoever has the Biggest Lawyer(TM) will be the one with the 'official' data. And Copyright? Don't these people understand IP is a red-herring?
I am in utter amazement that an armed revolution hasn't started yet - are these people serious?
Are citizens and normal people going to possibly/remotely benefit from any of this? It is so goddamned obviously another piece of corporate-purchased law. Except the kiddie-porn stuff - that gets the support of the SoccerMoms(TM) , Religious Nutballs, and the rest of mindless sheeple onside everytime.
Enforcing monopoly in order to reduce supply and extort profits is an artifical construct, I once felt that allowing 'some copyright' and 'patents' were necessary, much like their designers it would give the inventor some due reward - protection from being stole from. But now I believe all IP should be abolished. The bad is far outweighing the good now. Far Far outweighing
So, think this 'treaty' is a good thing? Somehow you think you should NOT vote for someone who will end the corporate domination of the world? Wake up America! Do the world a favour! Tell your friends/neighbours/coworkers/relatives to:
Partial privatization of SS, even as feeble as the proposals from either major party candidate are, is both important considering what is at stake (the likely crash and burn of the SS system, or horrific payroll tax hikes) and interesting in that this has always been a taboo topic."
The fact is that the bastard boomers ran up a massive debt, a huge deficit and are now dumping it on us. The reason it is taboo is because the bastards dont see that they simply did not prepare for their own retirements, instead ran up this massive debt. The system is going bankrupt because they have not been paying the share of taxes that would be necessary to support them. This is not a surprise. Simple accounting can tell us that. Now we see the Republicrats pandering to them "we wont withdraw any SS benefits' ect ect - easy enough to say because WE ARE THE ONES WHO ARE GOING TO HAVE TO PAY FOR IT! .
It would have been nice if someone in their generation would have stood up and said "Are we really going to screw the next generation by forcing them to pay for our retirement while we pay these low taxes and enjoy these expensive social programs?"
Same thing is happening in Canada. Its a damn shame, my tax dollars and social systems and income (my entire financial life) will be straddled with the 'laziness' of the previous generation. Maybe with our prosperity (brought by tech & social advances) we could have done terrific things as a culture (our generation) - maybe we could have put a colony on Mars, made real advances in eliminating poverty and sickness. Instead we're going to be forced to subsidize the highlife of the previous generation. And we have no choice.
Its shamefull - and Im mad.