When I retired, I went on a bender and did a whole ton of drugs. (I've disclosed that before. I'm okay with the world knowing.) During this time, I kind of worried about my sanity. So, I went to a head shrinker. The head shrinker was a learned lady who felt I should attend a group therapy session. Which I did. I kind of liked it. I learned about CBT and stuff. Kind of neat... I went for quite a while, it was helpful.
Anyhow, during this session I too became a learned man and what instructions were given seem accurate. The wisdom passed to me was that you can tell how generally tolerant people are by their willingness to cope with temperature fluctuations. To parse this as a typical/.er - if you can't stand some variable temperatures then you're an intolerable fuck.
As an aside; I am not crazy. See, the difference between batshit insane and eccentric is a matter of wealth. When I sold my business, I retired. I retired because I'd accumulated some wealth. Thus, it stands to reason, I'm no longer crazy - I'm just eccentric. *tada.wav* (Eventually, I left the therapy sessions, it was full of crazy people and I felt I was taking time from them.)
How about a device, sort of like a firewall or a WSUS setup, that collects data from the internet and then allows only a one-way access from your devices to update, get rates (these needn't be completely real-time, say polling every ten minutes or something) for electricity, and whatnot. They could check for signatures, match hash values, and ensure that the updates were legit/signed. Using something like PNP or automated port forwarding, they could automatically configure what they need for information and where to get it. The device would allow access in - to the device itself, and then disseminate updates from there.
It's not perfect but may be close enough and it could be a pretty dumb terminal-type of appliance. I'm not sure if I'm explaining it well but, that's the best I'm going to do at the moment.
I used to live alone. I'm going to be returning home with someone. I can't even imagine how many times I've opened the fridge door after forgetting why I went to the kitchen in the first place. I'm pretty sure that the added person in the house isn't going to help matters much.
I'm also not sure how she's going to react to having my friends meander in and out of the house at random and at odd hours. They don't help either. I don't lock my doors (honest people are honest and criminals will just kick it in - I live in the sticks). So, it's not uncommon to find someone who isn't me in my kitchen, helping themselves to something to eat or drink - in fact, I keep things in their for them.
Thanks. I know that I'm not alone but, at times, it sure feels lonely. Frankly, I'm a patriot. I love my country. I hate it at the same time but I hate it because I love it and I see what it should be or, rather, could be. Many people insist on barking up the wrong tree - we've got all the freedoms one can have, really. What we don't have is rights to use those freedoms. I don't think Sanders is going to restrict those rights, if anything, I think he'll enable us to be more free. I also don't think Congress will let him get away with too much. So, there's that.
Go ahead and tax the hell out of me. I'm okay with that. Just spend the money for something meaningful. I didn't get to where I am on my own. It's my JOB to give back. Well, more my responsibility. Life's short, do what you can with the time you have.
Hmmm... Okay, that was a bit pithy. Ah well, the point stands.
Pretty much... Earlier, I invited a poster to ask an actual Libertarian any question they wanted because it was obvious that they'd no idea what one was and assumed some sort of caricature. Same response...
Look, there goes a tumbleweed now...
Some logged in poster replied. I ignored them - they implied that yes, yes indeed, the free market would resolve this and that it would be done quickly. Heh...
Your accountant sucks. Seriously. I'm inclined to believe you don't actually own a business. See, I did. I sold it, along with all the IP. Because we did traffic modeling, we needed to do a great deal of research - constantly, as it's a rolling target. Every, single, penny... Every one... Was completely written off as an expense. Why? It was an expense.
Hire a better accountant and you might not be stuck running a business for 30 years because you couldn't make it grow enough to quit.
One nit to pick... I've been all around the world. Literally. There's no cultural wasteland in America, watch fewer movies. They're just not as homogeneous but they still have plenty of culture. It's just dissimilar to what you're acclimated to.
I can assure you that I purchased more Apple devices in just this one year than you've purchased in your entire life. (I gifted and outfitted the the local elementary school with iPads - they only have 56 students and I purchased 12 extras for when they have problems.)
You can take a look at www.lp.org if you want but there are many other sites. We're a bit inclusive so we do have some nutjobs. Your best bet is to go to a local meeting (or just call or email the local administrators) and ask some questions. My email's always accepting. We're a pretty big tent but, I find, most are similar to myself. It's all about where the lines need to be drawn - where they are now is not working, well. Also, we have our share of zealots like any other party. We're kind of cleaning house. Or, more accurately, making a bit more noise than we used to. I think we stopped smoking pot all the time and decided to look around and see what the fuss was about. Sorry about all the idiots who have been running around saying they're Libertarians - they're Republicans but ashamed to admit it.
I've been in the party for something like 40 years now. We're not very coordinated. We're, as said, inclusive so we do get our share of... umm... Excited, yes, excited people.
Interesting... What if he does it in on the White House lawn or in the press room? Where do we draw the line? I'm mostly just curious but it might be kind of funny to find somewhere that seems to cross the line and go poking the bear.
I don't get much control over medical imaging but I do only watch documentaries (as a general rule - some exceptions). So, there's that. I don't actually *pay* for music any more - I just stream it if I want some of listen to the radio and that's usually NPR.
It's kind of unfortunate but I have a long memory. Sony makes some interesting products but I won't own one. No, I was never bitten by the rootkit crap but I know a lot of people who were and was here for the outrage. I said then, and I repeat, I will not knowingly pay for another Sony product or one of their derivatives and that includes media. I don't usually boycott much of anything but fuck Sony. I'll go without.
That makes me wonder... What do we do when Obama (just 'cause he's the sitting president) endorses a candidate while still accepting his salary? Every other president has gotten away with it, in one form or another. At least I'm pretty sure they have. He's a government official. Government officials, while employed as their sole source of income, often endorse candidates, I'm pretty sure?
A quick Google indicates this is true. How is this any different, really? The president is president 24/7 and a government official (and probably using government property).
I wonder... I've got a few dollars. To troll the nation or not? ACLU? Hmm... That would be the greatest troll ever, it's tempting. I'm not a fan of trolling but I do, grudgingly, admire creative trolls. You can't eat morals, right?
You don't actually understand the market or own any shares, do you? That's okay, lots of people don't. Truth be told, the people who own the shares are probably rooting for the CEO who is making campaign contributions that further their business agendas. I'm not sure why you think the shareholders would intrinsically mind such a thing or why you think that's an actual valid rebuttal or refutation.
I mean, if I were a greedy fuck (and I kind of am) then I'd want the person controlling the company to do everything he legally can to further the business. I own shares in a lot of companies. I'd really rather they were ethical but I don't own controlling stock in anything. I really don't think it's a good idea to suggest that I mind them doing what they can to make more money.
You don't think they donate to these candidates without repayment, in one form or another, do you? Heh... No, son, life doesn't work like that. Maybe it should but it doesn't. The idea that they're spending the shareholder's money (which obviously is not yours or you'd have thought this through more clearly - or maybe shouldn't be investing in the stock market on your own) isn't actually the problem. The problem is bigger than that and an entirely different subject.
That's not how the Constitution is supposed to work. Initially, what the government could do was fairly well spelled out. Somewhere, we began interpreting it as "if it doesn't say we can't do it, we can do it" which is akin to "I'm not touching you."
*snickers* Nah, Tennessee's not bad. Have you ever actually been there? I kind of like it. Some of the areas are a bit odd but the terraced hills (cows walking on the sides of the hills and digging ruts) are kind of neat. It's beautiful country and the people are generally pretty decent. Maryville sucks - don't go to the Midas there and get an oil change. Otherwise, it's not bad.
Uh huh... If you meant that then you'd have said that. It's nice that you tried the same excuse that the AC used. You couldn't even come up with your own excuse. Pathetic. *snickers*
Here's an amusing thing... As you may know, I sold my business. I modeled traffic. It was pretty lucrative. I had a couple hundred employees in five different offices. I could say, "I've got mine, fuck you." I'm telling you, right now, that I really think you should be supporting Sanders. He's the best chance you've got. Will I pay more? Yup. I'm okay with that. I already pay more than I'm obligated to by way of donations to worthy causes. I pay more than I'm able to use to reduce my tax burden, even. I do it because it's the responsible thing to do. I do it because I'm not a selfish prick who thinks he got here of his own efforts and without the need of anyone else. I've eaten Ramen noodles. Hell, that's more than some had.
I'm sometimes confused for a socialist. No, I don't agree with their authoritarian behavior. I don't agree that they should be able to determine how I think and I don't think they'll be concerned with my rights as an individual. Sanders is not an extreme socialist, not at all. I'm probably further left than he - but for a whole different reason. See, I'm not a socialist because I reasoned my way to the conclusions I have reached. I didn't emote my way here. I want a strong, healthy, educated, safe, and productive society because it's better for everyone and is the best chance we have to actually make use of our rights and preserve our freedoms. Also, I don't want you stealing my shit because you don't have any of your own shit to keep you occupied. It's cheaper and simpler to prevent problems than it is to fix them.
So, much of my ideology actually has a similar outcome to socialism but without the draconian oversight, rights restrictions, and otherwise silly stuff. Sanders is fairly close to an ideal candidate - not an exact match. He's not best for my wallet, bank account, or investments. He's what's best for you. I'm not a selfish prick. I want what's best for you - because that's also best for me. I'm not an altruist, either. Damned right, I want you educated and working. I want you to be able to have something to fall back on. I want you healthy, I support (strongly) single payer health care. I support, strongly, reasonable taxation on wealth (we can argue where those lines should be).
I still employ a few people, domestic type stuff, and I pay a lower tax rate than they do. I know why - I'm taxed on capital gains and this means I'm taxed at a lower rate to encourage investment. True... I'm not going to stop making money just because you take some more of it. Hell, I had no idea that it was this lucrative. I actually have more money now than I had when I sold my business - and trust me, that wasn't easy to do - I made a goodly sum of cash from that. I retired at 50, eight years ago! I don't even *have* to invest. I can spend like a drunken sailor and be okay. I just like poking buttons.
Anyhow, it's maddening, at times, to be told what I believe and what I stand for. This comes from people who don't even understand the differences between rights and freedoms. They'll sit there, and argue, telling me how I think. I explain and the next thread, some of them, repeat the same damned idiocy. They're like Pavlovian dogs. It's like they've been trained to ignore something, perhaps like The Allegory of the Cave (Plato?) or something. I don't get it... I simply don't understand. This is not true in every case, I've reached a number of people and they've since learned the differences between a caricature and the real thing. There are still a bunch that don't get it.
Ah well... I suspect that you understand. You seem to. I just figured I'd elaborate for those who don't as well as vent some steam. Also, for those who do not understand the differences between rights and freedoms... Well... I like to phrase it like this: "I have the freedom to kill you. I do not have the right to do so. I am not at liberty to take your life."
As an interesting aside, I'm actually taking an interest in more VC opportunities. I think it's a better way for me to put my money where my mouth is. I also think it's potentially lucrative. From the folks I've spoken with, I'm not alone. I'd expect to see more VC outside of the, specifically, SV/tech-or-web-centric in the near future. There have also been some recent regulation changes that open VC up a bit more for individuals - sort of like private crowdfunding, I guess, is a way to describe it. I'll have the process vetted and be given instruction before dabbling but I'm looking forward to it. I've been pondering this for a while and talking with a number of people who have also been looking into it.
For those playing the home game, it ties in nicely with the Graybeards Inc. idea which is, obviously, tech related but (of course) that's where my interests would lie. Others don't hold the same interests. There's a lot of interest in the renewables markets, agriculture, and even smaller stuff like cottage industries. I've also noticed more people approaching the credit union for smaller loans for what would normally be considered cottage industries. I don't know what the future holds but it might be interesting. I see more and more people ending up like we once were - small and mid-size businesses akin to the farmer, carpenter, milkman, blacksmith, or seamstress of yore.
Not quite on topic but your post made me think of it. There's so much bureaucracy that you're already having issues - in your case. Money, like life, seems to find a way.
As a long-term party member, this guy in the article is a fucking idiot and needs to shut the fuck up.
Simple enough?;-)
Yes, I am a Libertarian. I'm often mistaken for a Socialist for some odd reason. I am not a Socialist. I arrived at my conclusions via reasoning and not emotions. I am also not a zealot and recognize that no one pure political ideology will ever work without totalitarianism being included. There is no pure political ideology that works without force.
How odd... Are you a Libertarian? Why would you speak for one and say what is and isn't a non-libertarian position? Are you aware that Libertarianism is a political ideology and not an economic model? I'm an actual registered Libertarian, running for office in 2016 for an open seat in my home state, and could easily accept a reasoned argument for a basic income. My reasoning is likely different than your own and I'd call you an idiot for doing it for your *likely* reasoning but that doesn't mean I'd not accept the idea. (See, I'm not stupid enough to assume that I know what you think or what your reasoning is.)
No, you moron, I'd accept the idea of a basic income (and we could fund such a thing if we'd stop bombing brown people), because I don't want your poor ass stealing my shit. I like my stuff. I bought it because I like it. I'd rather pay you to go off and amuse yourself otherwise than have to defend my shit against your grubby little dick beaters trying to grab it. No touchy feely stuff - I just like my stuff. In fact, I want you fed, healthy, smart, and productive (fat chance, with you) so that you can grow and actually be in a position to utilize the rights that you're entitled to. I want you to be free and happy because it's safer, cheaper, and smarter than having the opposite and having to fix the mess after it has been made. Mostly, I just want you to have the same rights and freedoms that I have because you, even if you're an idiot, deserve them.
Speculating about what you think someone you hate thinks is pretty damned stupid. It pains me to have to lug around the willfully ignorant but even morons deserve the same rights and opportunities that I had. I'm a Libertarian because I want you to be free. You are probably a member of whatever party you belong to because you feel entitled to tell me how I should exist. I won't assume that, it's just likely - even if you don't admit it.
Man, this thread's tiring. It's straight up full of idiots. Yes, yes you're one of them.
You don't actually know any Libertarians, do you? If you're open minded and are willing to admit you're not actually associated with any then I'm free to answer any questions you may have. I can only represent myself, not the party, though I am running for a state office as an official party candidate in 2016. No, you can't vote for me, probably, as it's for the State Senate in Maine.
So, if you actually want to know what a Libertarian is, what we think, or how we make our decisions then I'm available to answer your questions - as are a number of others. You need only to ask. Seriously, quite a few people here have seen my novellas. Write out a list of questions and I'll answer each and every one of them - I'll take the time to do so, just for you.
Shh! You're ruining his rant with facts. I've begun self-identifying as a "Classic Libertarian." It's easier. I don't have time to clean up after the people who (and we both know they exist) confuse Libertarianism with an economic model and a political ideology. The fact of the matter is, most Libertarians (not the noisy ones who are actually registered Republicans) are pretty damned far to the left. We're left, albeit for different reasons, and yet not typically extremists - at least by my contacts and I've been involved with the party for forty years now.
What's cute is when someone tries to tell us what we believe.
I guess my point was, thanks for you giving an excellent response. We need to do more of this. I do it frequently and have reached some folks. We do need to clean our own house - and we've failed to do so for a long time. We were probably smoking pot and forgot. Libertarian is about increasing your rights, maintaining them at least, and not at all about harming others directly or indirectly. It is not an economic model. Some of us are downright socialists in nature! (Again, different reasoning.)
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When I retired, I went on a bender and did a whole ton of drugs. (I've disclosed that before. I'm okay with the world knowing.) During this time, I kind of worried about my sanity. So, I went to a head shrinker. The head shrinker was a learned lady who felt I should attend a group therapy session. Which I did. I kind of liked it. I learned about CBT and stuff. Kind of neat... I went for quite a while, it was helpful.
Anyhow, during this session I too became a learned man and what instructions were given seem accurate. The wisdom passed to me was that you can tell how generally tolerant people are by their willingness to cope with temperature fluctuations. To parse this as a typical /.er - if you can't stand some variable temperatures then you're an intolerable fuck.
As an aside; I am not crazy. See, the difference between batshit insane and eccentric is a matter of wealth. When I sold my business, I retired. I retired because I'd accumulated some wealth. Thus, it stands to reason, I'm no longer crazy - I'm just eccentric. *tada.wav* (Eventually, I left the therapy sessions, it was full of crazy people and I felt I was taking time from them.)
How about a device, sort of like a firewall or a WSUS setup, that collects data from the internet and then allows only a one-way access from your devices to update, get rates (these needn't be completely real-time, say polling every ten minutes or something) for electricity, and whatnot. They could check for signatures, match hash values, and ensure that the updates were legit/signed. Using something like PNP or automated port forwarding, they could automatically configure what they need for information and where to get it. The device would allow access in - to the device itself, and then disseminate updates from there.
It's not perfect but may be close enough and it could be a pretty dumb terminal-type of appliance. I'm not sure if I'm explaining it well but, that's the best I'm going to do at the moment.
I used to live alone. I'm going to be returning home with someone. I can't even imagine how many times I've opened the fridge door after forgetting why I went to the kitchen in the first place. I'm pretty sure that the added person in the house isn't going to help matters much.
I'm also not sure how she's going to react to having my friends meander in and out of the house at random and at odd hours. They don't help either. I don't lock my doors (honest people are honest and criminals will just kick it in - I live in the sticks). So, it's not uncommon to find someone who isn't me in my kitchen, helping themselves to something to eat or drink - in fact, I keep things in their for them.
Thanks. I know that I'm not alone but, at times, it sure feels lonely. Frankly, I'm a patriot. I love my country. I hate it at the same time but I hate it because I love it and I see what it should be or, rather, could be. Many people insist on barking up the wrong tree - we've got all the freedoms one can have, really. What we don't have is rights to use those freedoms. I don't think Sanders is going to restrict those rights, if anything, I think he'll enable us to be more free. I also don't think Congress will let him get away with too much. So, there's that.
Go ahead and tax the hell out of me. I'm okay with that. Just spend the money for something meaningful. I didn't get to where I am on my own. It's my JOB to give back. Well, more my responsibility. Life's short, do what you can with the time you have.
Hmmm... Okay, that was a bit pithy. Ah well, the point stands.
Pretty much... Earlier, I invited a poster to ask an actual Libertarian any question they wanted because it was obvious that they'd no idea what one was and assumed some sort of caricature. Same response...
Look, there goes a tumbleweed now...
Some logged in poster replied. I ignored them - they implied that yes, yes indeed, the free market would resolve this and that it would be done quickly. Heh...
Your accountant sucks. Seriously. I'm inclined to believe you don't actually own a business. See, I did. I sold it, along with all the IP. Because we did traffic modeling, we needed to do a great deal of research - constantly, as it's a rolling target. Every, single, penny... Every one... Was completely written off as an expense. Why? It was an expense.
Hire a better accountant and you might not be stuck running a business for 30 years because you couldn't make it grow enough to quit.
One nit to pick... I've been all around the world. Literally. There's no cultural wasteland in America, watch fewer movies. They're just not as homogeneous but they still have plenty of culture. It's just dissimilar to what you're acclimated to.
I can assure you that I purchased more Apple devices in just this one year than you've purchased in your entire life. (I gifted and outfitted the the local elementary school with iPads - they only have 56 students and I purchased 12 extras for when they have problems.)
You can take a look at www.lp.org if you want but there are many other sites. We're a bit inclusive so we do have some nutjobs. Your best bet is to go to a local meeting (or just call or email the local administrators) and ask some questions. My email's always accepting. We're a pretty big tent but, I find, most are similar to myself. It's all about where the lines need to be drawn - where they are now is not working, well. Also, we have our share of zealots like any other party. We're kind of cleaning house. Or, more accurately, making a bit more noise than we used to. I think we stopped smoking pot all the time and decided to look around and see what the fuss was about. Sorry about all the idiots who have been running around saying they're Libertarians - they're Republicans but ashamed to admit it.
I've been in the party for something like 40 years now. We're not very coordinated. We're, as said, inclusive so we do get our share of... umm... Excited, yes, excited people.
Interesting... What if he does it in on the White House lawn or in the press room? Where do we draw the line? I'm mostly just curious but it might be kind of funny to find somewhere that seems to cross the line and go poking the bear.
I don't get much control over medical imaging but I do only watch documentaries (as a general rule - some exceptions). So, there's that. I don't actually *pay* for music any more - I just stream it if I want some of listen to the radio and that's usually NPR.
It's kind of unfortunate but I have a long memory. Sony makes some interesting products but I won't own one. No, I was never bitten by the rootkit crap but I know a lot of people who were and was here for the outrage. I said then, and I repeat, I will not knowingly pay for another Sony product or one of their derivatives and that includes media. I don't usually boycott much of anything but fuck Sony. I'll go without.
That makes me wonder... What do we do when Obama (just 'cause he's the sitting president) endorses a candidate while still accepting his salary? Every other president has gotten away with it, in one form or another. At least I'm pretty sure they have. He's a government official. Government officials, while employed as their sole source of income, often endorse candidates, I'm pretty sure?
A quick Google indicates this is true. How is this any different, really? The president is president 24/7 and a government official (and probably using government property).
I wonder... I've got a few dollars. To troll the nation or not? ACLU? Hmm... That would be the greatest troll ever, it's tempting. I'm not a fan of trolling but I do, grudgingly, admire creative trolls. You can't eat morals, right?
You don't actually understand the market or own any shares, do you? That's okay, lots of people don't. Truth be told, the people who own the shares are probably rooting for the CEO who is making campaign contributions that further their business agendas. I'm not sure why you think the shareholders would intrinsically mind such a thing or why you think that's an actual valid rebuttal or refutation.
I mean, if I were a greedy fuck (and I kind of am) then I'd want the person controlling the company to do everything he legally can to further the business. I own shares in a lot of companies. I'd really rather they were ethical but I don't own controlling stock in anything. I really don't think it's a good idea to suggest that I mind them doing what they can to make more money.
You don't think they donate to these candidates without repayment, in one form or another, do you? Heh... No, son, life doesn't work like that. Maybe it should but it doesn't. The idea that they're spending the shareholder's money (which obviously is not yours or you'd have thought this through more clearly - or maybe shouldn't be investing in the stock market on your own) isn't actually the problem. The problem is bigger than that and an entirely different subject.
That's not how the Constitution is supposed to work. Initially, what the government could do was fairly well spelled out. Somewhere, we began interpreting it as "if it doesn't say we can't do it, we can do it" which is akin to "I'm not touching you."
You're part of the problem.
*snickers* Nah, Tennessee's not bad. Have you ever actually been there? I kind of like it. Some of the areas are a bit odd but the terraced hills (cows walking on the sides of the hills and digging ruts) are kind of neat. It's beautiful country and the people are generally pretty decent. Maryville sucks - don't go to the Midas there and get an oil change. Otherwise, it's not bad.
So you're willing to waste a few generations of children to wait for the free hand to take its effect?
Tell me that you don't identify as a Libertarian, please?
Uh huh... If you meant that then you'd have said that. It's nice that you tried the same excuse that the AC used. You couldn't even come up with your own excuse. Pathetic. *snickers*
Here's an amusing thing... As you may know, I sold my business. I modeled traffic. It was pretty lucrative. I had a couple hundred employees in five different offices. I could say, "I've got mine, fuck you." I'm telling you, right now, that I really think you should be supporting Sanders. He's the best chance you've got. Will I pay more? Yup. I'm okay with that. I already pay more than I'm obligated to by way of donations to worthy causes. I pay more than I'm able to use to reduce my tax burden, even. I do it because it's the responsible thing to do. I do it because I'm not a selfish prick who thinks he got here of his own efforts and without the need of anyone else. I've eaten Ramen noodles. Hell, that's more than some had.
I'm sometimes confused for a socialist. No, I don't agree with their authoritarian behavior. I don't agree that they should be able to determine how I think and I don't think they'll be concerned with my rights as an individual. Sanders is not an extreme socialist, not at all. I'm probably further left than he - but for a whole different reason. See, I'm not a socialist because I reasoned my way to the conclusions I have reached. I didn't emote my way here. I want a strong, healthy, educated, safe, and productive society because it's better for everyone and is the best chance we have to actually make use of our rights and preserve our freedoms. Also, I don't want you stealing my shit because you don't have any of your own shit to keep you occupied. It's cheaper and simpler to prevent problems than it is to fix them.
So, much of my ideology actually has a similar outcome to socialism but without the draconian oversight, rights restrictions, and otherwise silly stuff. Sanders is fairly close to an ideal candidate - not an exact match. He's not best for my wallet, bank account, or investments. He's what's best for you. I'm not a selfish prick. I want what's best for you - because that's also best for me. I'm not an altruist, either. Damned right, I want you educated and working. I want you to be able to have something to fall back on. I want you healthy, I support (strongly) single payer health care. I support, strongly, reasonable taxation on wealth (we can argue where those lines should be).
I still employ a few people, domestic type stuff, and I pay a lower tax rate than they do. I know why - I'm taxed on capital gains and this means I'm taxed at a lower rate to encourage investment. True... I'm not going to stop making money just because you take some more of it. Hell, I had no idea that it was this lucrative. I actually have more money now than I had when I sold my business - and trust me, that wasn't easy to do - I made a goodly sum of cash from that. I retired at 50, eight years ago! I don't even *have* to invest. I can spend like a drunken sailor and be okay. I just like poking buttons.
Anyhow, it's maddening, at times, to be told what I believe and what I stand for. This comes from people who don't even understand the differences between rights and freedoms. They'll sit there, and argue, telling me how I think. I explain and the next thread, some of them, repeat the same damned idiocy. They're like Pavlovian dogs. It's like they've been trained to ignore something, perhaps like The Allegory of the Cave (Plato?) or something. I don't get it... I simply don't understand. This is not true in every case, I've reached a number of people and they've since learned the differences between a caricature and the real thing. There are still a bunch that don't get it.
Ah well... I suspect that you understand. You seem to. I just figured I'd elaborate for those who don't as well as vent some steam. Also, for those who do not understand the differences between rights and freedoms... Well... I like to phrase it like this: "I have the freedom to kill you. I do not have the right to do so. I am not at liberty to take your life."
As an interesting aside, I'm actually taking an interest in more VC opportunities. I think it's a better way for me to put my money where my mouth is. I also think it's potentially lucrative. From the folks I've spoken with, I'm not alone. I'd expect to see more VC outside of the, specifically, SV/tech-or-web-centric in the near future. There have also been some recent regulation changes that open VC up a bit more for individuals - sort of like private crowdfunding, I guess, is a way to describe it. I'll have the process vetted and be given instruction before dabbling but I'm looking forward to it. I've been pondering this for a while and talking with a number of people who have also been looking into it.
For those playing the home game, it ties in nicely with the Graybeards Inc. idea which is, obviously, tech related but (of course) that's where my interests would lie. Others don't hold the same interests. There's a lot of interest in the renewables markets, agriculture, and even smaller stuff like cottage industries. I've also noticed more people approaching the credit union for smaller loans for what would normally be considered cottage industries. I don't know what the future holds but it might be interesting. I see more and more people ending up like we once were - small and mid-size businesses akin to the farmer, carpenter, milkman, blacksmith, or seamstress of yore.
Not quite on topic but your post made me think of it. There's so much bureaucracy that you're already having issues - in your case. Money, like life, seems to find a way.
As a long-term party member, this guy in the article is a fucking idiot and needs to shut the fuck up.
Simple enough? ;-)
Yes, I am a Libertarian. I'm often mistaken for a Socialist for some odd reason. I am not a Socialist. I arrived at my conclusions via reasoning and not emotions. I am also not a zealot and recognize that no one pure political ideology will ever work without totalitarianism being included. There is no pure political ideology that works without force.
Also, Rand was an idiot.
I'm willing to pay extra in taxes to make sure you get the mental help you need. You're a fine example of why we need single payer health care.
How odd... Are you a Libertarian? Why would you speak for one and say what is and isn't a non-libertarian position? Are you aware that Libertarianism is a political ideology and not an economic model? I'm an actual registered Libertarian, running for office in 2016 for an open seat in my home state, and could easily accept a reasoned argument for a basic income. My reasoning is likely different than your own and I'd call you an idiot for doing it for your *likely* reasoning but that doesn't mean I'd not accept the idea. (See, I'm not stupid enough to assume that I know what you think or what your reasoning is.)
No, you moron, I'd accept the idea of a basic income (and we could fund such a thing if we'd stop bombing brown people), because I don't want your poor ass stealing my shit. I like my stuff. I bought it because I like it. I'd rather pay you to go off and amuse yourself otherwise than have to defend my shit against your grubby little dick beaters trying to grab it. No touchy feely stuff - I just like my stuff. In fact, I want you fed, healthy, smart, and productive (fat chance, with you) so that you can grow and actually be in a position to utilize the rights that you're entitled to. I want you to be free and happy because it's safer, cheaper, and smarter than having the opposite and having to fix the mess after it has been made. Mostly, I just want you to have the same rights and freedoms that I have because you, even if you're an idiot, deserve them.
Speculating about what you think someone you hate thinks is pretty damned stupid. It pains me to have to lug around the willfully ignorant but even morons deserve the same rights and opportunities that I had. I'm a Libertarian because I want you to be free. You are probably a member of whatever party you belong to because you feel entitled to tell me how I should exist. I won't assume that, it's just likely - even if you don't admit it.
Man, this thread's tiring. It's straight up full of idiots. Yes, yes you're one of them.
You don't actually know any Libertarians, do you? If you're open minded and are willing to admit you're not actually associated with any then I'm free to answer any questions you may have. I can only represent myself, not the party, though I am running for a state office as an official party candidate in 2016. No, you can't vote for me, probably, as it's for the State Senate in Maine.
So, if you actually want to know what a Libertarian is, what we think, or how we make our decisions then I'm available to answer your questions - as are a number of others. You need only to ask. Seriously, quite a few people here have seen my novellas. Write out a list of questions and I'll answer each and every one of them - I'll take the time to do so, just for you.
Shh! You're ruining his rant with facts. I've begun self-identifying as a "Classic Libertarian." It's easier. I don't have time to clean up after the people who (and we both know they exist) confuse Libertarianism with an economic model and a political ideology. The fact of the matter is, most Libertarians (not the noisy ones who are actually registered Republicans) are pretty damned far to the left. We're left, albeit for different reasons, and yet not typically extremists - at least by my contacts and I've been involved with the party for forty years now.
What's cute is when someone tries to tell us what we believe.
I guess my point was, thanks for you giving an excellent response. We need to do more of this. I do it frequently and have reached some folks. We do need to clean our own house - and we've failed to do so for a long time. We were probably smoking pot and forgot. Libertarian is about increasing your rights, maintaining them at least, and not at all about harming others directly or indirectly. It is not an economic model. Some of us are downright socialists in nature! (Again, different reasoning.)