More like treachery. The Socialists who KONTROL NJ are all about keeping in power. They have absolutely NO trust in the people of NJ. NJ *IS* a gun-free zone UNLESS you are a criminal or a politician - but I repeat myself.

Won't be the first, not likely to be the last. :-)

LAUGHS, that is aged too. But I love to make jokes at my own expense. Obviously, I would not be here in Galt's Gulch if I didn't want to learn and share. I is truly nice to meet you and other like-minded INDIVIDUALS. :-)

You are the BEST. I cannot think of a better use of time. :-) I wish I had the choice. Unfortunately, their parents do not agree with my philosophy of life. They are anti-gun and rather pro-conformity.

I don't want to hijack your post, but you did ask. I'll start with the bottom first. History shows that the stronger a patent system is, the more invention, the more disruptive industries, the furthering of technology. The more new technologies developed the more wealth created and the increase in net new jobs (including skilled, highly paid jobs).
You said something I find very interesting earlier in your comment.
"Capitalism is built on the concept of competition in a "free" marketplace." I think this is a common misconception that equates competition with freedom/liberty. (Dbhalling will be in a debate over this concept at Freedom Fest this summer). Capitalism is based on natural rights, the most important of which are property rights. There can be competition between thieves which does not promote growth or capitalism. All property rights restrict competition in its broadest meaning. Competition, per se, is NOT what increases our standard of living. It is the increase in technology which then increases our standard of living. But, within that system of property rights, certainly competition is allowed. To focus on competition opens up this idea economists like to talk about: pure or perfect competition. Some even go so far to say that is the definition of capitalism. Which takes man's mind out of the equation, It reduces us to mindless robots and results in negative economic growth rates. It's the justification for anti-trust laws, security laws, it has done untold damage to inventions and needs to be pushed into the ash heap part of History. there, I bet that was more than you thought you'd get :)

jail time for carrying a weapon (constitutional right even) that is of no threat to anyone, unless and until someone threatens you. So, criminals have free reign... everywhere is a gun free zone.. idiocy.

LOL.... if this is like musical chairs...I'm knockin' you over.

I'm not a vulture....and it's not your "parts" we're interested in...it's your mind. :)

Agreed.
Montessori schools...I've heard different things... on the face I agree with it, but I'm sure the instructors are well vetted or totally understand the purpose of a free range learning (for lack of a better term). Some reports I've heard weren't good experiences. Plus there's a religious component in there somewhere.
I'm all for homeschooling...networking, for activities, field trips etc.
(I just removed myself from working in an elementary school for 10 years in Kindergarten...not only could I just not be a part of that process any longer, I couldn't stand being around teachers who won't think outside their conditioned boxes...or able to carry on a conversation about important matters of current events etc...these are supposed to be smart educated people, no? )
I will be home schooling my grandson in a couple of years.. I CAN'T WAIT! :)

Agreed. Frankly, they can't REALLY prevent you from doing so here in NJ, it is just that the three branches of NJ government conspire against you to declare you a Second Degree Felon and send you to prison for up to *10* years, making it a VERY difficult choice. :-)

No thanks... I won't live where I can't carry. No ONE gets to determine that my life isn't worth protecting.

EXCELLENT! Thank you very much for the recommendation. I am hungry already. :-)

You have to "live" in NJ to fully appreciate how deadly these people are. We are PROHIBITED from carrying a firearm to protect and defend our lives and families once we leave our doorstep. :-(

"Great minds run in the same circles"???

Likewise. Pick away. Most of my parts are aged and not worth much on the open market - but hey. :-)

I'm a newbie in Tarpon (only 20 years). This 150+ year old village is worth a side trip if you are on the west coast of the east coast. When it comes to bakeries, I need to close my eyes and hold my nose or I'd be up an additional 50 pounds. Also, within a block of the Sponge Docks are many turn of the (20th) century homes, some of which are open to the public. If you decide to have lunch or dinner at any of the Greek restaurants at the docks, I heartily recommend the spanakopita. MMMgood.

I believe that is the concept behind the Montessori Schools. Unfortunately, I don't have any direct experience with their methods, but the concept of teaching to the students interests and abilities intrigues me. Certainly, dumbing down the curriculum so that it teaches to the Lowest Common Denominator benefits no one. The cure for things like "Common Core", "Agenda 21", Gun Control" and so on is involvement by "we the people". For way too long we have abdicated OUR responsibility to our "representatives". That has been proven not to work well in a Constitutional Republic. *IF* we truly want our Nation back (I am of course referring to the USA here), we must be prepared to participate in a government *OF*, *BY* and *FOR* the people.

Death worshipers....good one :)

Omg I typed out something similar last night then erased it... lol
"I don't live my life for infinity either."

Patents are intended to protect intellectual property. Theft of intellectual property is still theft. On the other hand, Capitalism is built on the concept of competition in a "free" marketplace. I am willing to compete with another producer when I create a product or service that people hold as a value. Consumers will choose my P or S over a competitor's *IF* they perceive it to be a better value (whatever THEIR perception of value is). Now the question becomes HOW did my competitor "create" the P or S to compete with *MY* P or S? If they merely STOLE the process from me, they have created nothing of value and are not entitled to profit from the product of my mind. So, the short answer is *IF* a patent system can be devised that is effective in preventing THEFT, it would be a good thing. If on the other hand it does not prevent theft, but rather merely stifles creativity, that would not fit the Objectivist viewpoint. What do YOU think?

I know..I was just picking on you. :)
Welcome to the gulch...!!! I'm enjoying your comments.

Yep.

If gives the sheep a warm fuzzy because it implies fair and equal and the same across the board and they're conditioned to think those are good things....and WHO conditioned this in them... public ed! (And some parents who were also conditioned by public ed so it's piled on in layers.) We need an UNcommon, individualized approach to learning...not large classroom group think where you're taught to just follow the person in front of you. gah

" When you come to St. Pete, come up to Tarpon Springs the sponge fishing capitol and Greek enclave. "
We walked around that area on New Year's eve this year. The museum was closed for the holiday. We walked north from downtown, one block east of the main road, and we found this great bakery. In some ways walking on that side road reminded me of the east side of Madison. We went to the sponge store. The kids watched a video on sponges, and we bought them a bunch of sponges and books.That random day was our favorite part of our trip to the Tampa Bay area.

ok then. how do you feel about patents? lol