Who is it that is expecting a free ride?
In a recent discussion about patriotism on a post by Abaco here; http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts/2e... khalling linked to this Atlas Society video of Alexander Cohen making the case for patriotism as a virtue that Objectivists could embrace; http://www.atlassociety.org/as/john-galt...
That conversation tended to revolve around the vague definition and how people would apply it (or not) to their lives and Mr. Cohen expressed a definition of patriotism that I would much rather have as the standard. But what caught my attention in the video was Cohen's point that people who enjoy the advantages of the system we were left with by the founding fathers but are not willing to put forth the effort to protect it or improve it are, essentially, expecting a free ride. I personally know several people who are completely willing to pick up a gun and fight but will not lift a finger, nor spare a moment's thought on how to stop it before it comes to that. Not even vote. I would say that they don't even truly understand what it is that they would be laying down their lives for.
We've all heard (possibly even said) the phrase "if you don't vote, you can't complain". Now I'm wondering, is voting even enough? Obviously any idiot can vote.
That conversation tended to revolve around the vague definition and how people would apply it (or not) to their lives and Mr. Cohen expressed a definition of patriotism that I would much rather have as the standard. But what caught my attention in the video was Cohen's point that people who enjoy the advantages of the system we were left with by the founding fathers but are not willing to put forth the effort to protect it or improve it are, essentially, expecting a free ride. I personally know several people who are completely willing to pick up a gun and fight but will not lift a finger, nor spare a moment's thought on how to stop it before it comes to that. Not even vote. I would say that they don't even truly understand what it is that they would be laying down their lives for.
We've all heard (possibly even said) the phrase "if you don't vote, you can't complain". Now I'm wondering, is voting even enough? Obviously any idiot can vote.
to the best of our ability, carrying millions of others
along with us. . and people like BHO think that the
productive power of the nation can be milked of its
profits "to no end." . Rand predicted that they would
have to be taught a lesson. . she is being proved
right, I believe. -- j
.
As far as patriotism is concerned I''m considered an expat but consider myself a current patriot if you are talking ÜSA and Constitution. As far as the present government is concerned I've never changed my allegiance from the Constitution of the USA to the present whatever it is and consider their supporters be neverpats.
government would stay out of the way, in comparison
with Russia they would be able to "do their thing,"
these producers, freely. . in that sense, a "free" ride!
but the others -- the Eddie Willerses -- who would
be granted extraordinary livelihoods working for the
producers, would get a partial "free ride" on their
coattails. . and the poor would be rich enough to
donate to the international poor. -- j
.
Obama's semi-amnesty policy would have changed that by issuing SSNs to those affected, but the courts have stopped it.
and they are non-Galt thinkers -- they don't mind
being slave-like performers for the "riders" on their
backs. . maybe they don't notice the riders.
if they're getting a free ride, it's like the time when
the horse gets a "free ride" to the barn -- they
want to go that way, and don't mind being ridden,
on the way. -- j
.
Filing a tax return and getting an EIC is not 'paying taxes'.
The shortsightedness of our politics and of the vast majority of voters is painful to observe. I cannot decipher if it is partly caused by the electoral cycles, despite most politicians making it a career of it. My first guess would be that it is all rooted in the fact that sheeple do not see farther from their noses.
The need to design the system you mention was behind my comment about who decides what and how.
So what would your thoughts be on someone who, by shear natural ability, produces enough wealth that even with the system working to destroy or enslave him he is able to live comfortably and do his own thing and ignore that system. Is he getting a free ride?
No less than a philosophical revolution. Glad to hear that you're not giving up. I think it is important for people to realize that this part of the battle was never won in the first place.
Every opportunity must be taken to promote the right ideas. IE.. Objectivism
Ayn Rand said it was moral to collect social security as restitution but only if you are against it as a policy and work to end it. It sure would be easier to phase it out if those living off of it could not vote to continue it. (never going to happen anyway)
My new reply to those who say "I paid into it, it's my money" is "it is not your money. They spent Your money. Now they are stealing it from your grandchildren to give it to you.Did you do anything to stop that?"
I'm all for a slow phaseout of social security, even if it means I will still pay into it and have nothing to collect. That would still be better than the total collapse that is coming.
This is a good question, but there is a contradiction there. Is it truly in ones rational self interest to vote for things that benefit him if he has to evade the fact that those benefits must be taken from someone else? It cannot be if A=A
And Thank you for your service.
Of course a proper government would eliminate most of those restrictions, and might make someone think twice about seeking a career in politics too.
by Chick-Fil-A instead of Starbucks. -- j
p.s. buying American has wrinkles -- do a little
homework and buy a Jetta made in Chattanooga?
.
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