Who are the atheists in here? Name them.

Trade ya. I'll define define "point whore" if you define "God".

I agree that there are tough questions (all the ones you state) with a simple concept of "people should help the poor". I do not expect human efforts to end poverty to be perfect.

Regarding the stuff about getting to live an more peaceful and just world, I'm saying that if someone reduces poverty, everyone benefits from living in a society without poverty. It similar to how everyone benefits from policing, whether or not they want to pay for it. My understand of the counter-argument (correct me if this is a straw man), is "I don't get any benefit from other people not being poor. If there are children down the road who can't afford basic food, medicine, and housing, I can just keep my family away from them and optionally choose to help those who I do have contact with. My freely-given gifts will be more effective because I'll make sure they're well-spent better than a gov't program." That sounds similar to people saying they don't want to pay for policing because they can protect themselves with their own locks and weapons. Other people do feel the need for policing, and they think everyone benefits from it. They'll use those police to make everyone pay.

If you are not stoic, you are not here.

Good post Wonky! I'd give you a point, but I'm you :(

All the above plus laughs! Me too.

Whenever you watch the movies...you will get max enjoyment if you have read AS first. At least Parts 1 and 2. Glad you are here.

Well that settles that. If your premise is correct, then I am stoic, for I am definitely here.

:)

If you are not stoic....you aren't here.

Living the super simple life? Getting by on the bare necessities? Living on love? Just having fun not making money? Sounds like 2 really different boats.

I'm not stoic yet, but I'm getting there.

Hey...I'm from the midwest... if you're not stoic, you're not much. I stand by "stoic"...because being stoic is....stoic. :) This country needs more of it not less.

good point sep

A movement has to start somewhere Right?

Intelligent conversation regarding the above topics. I must admit I do feel, hmm, happy? among those who are of like minds.

AOTA, plus some high quality humor. oh, and knowing people I want to know better. That's right, humor and knowing good people, and.....
Can I vote for 8 twice?

and not a point whore...

Sorry, this will stray into politics, some. I'll try not to let it get overpowering.
OK, "people should set up means of support and help for the poor."
My first philosophy teacher [Rand} said, define your terms so that we both know what we are talking about. "People" are who? It's a collective noun, so I'm assuming a group. How are they chosen? What are their qualifications? Do they do the work of setting up the group along with whatever they do to make a living? Are they paid? By whom?
"support and help" has a zillion meanings. Let's let that one float for a while.
"the poor" are who? Who decides when someone is actually poor, or just wants more than they can pay for right now? As an aside, I also refer to myself as a member of the working rich. Does it matter why they are poor? How much support and help do they get? For how long? Who decides?
philosophical question: on what grounds?

I've discovered that the word "but" is a useful waypoint. In general, it negates whatever has come before it.

gov't does indeed have a unique role "because it can use force". I promise that this one will bite you later.
then I get lost - "getting to live in a more peaceful and just world but not profiting from it" who is it that gets to live in this world? I think your brain was faster than your fingers and a clause is missing. or it's faster than my brain. detail, please.
peaceful, I understand. Just? I don't know what you mean by that one.
I'm going to leave the last sentence for a bit later. Gotta go eat. Thanks!

yep.

I loved AS. That test said I'm Centrist, but I thought I would be Liberal or Libertarian.

I believe people should set up some means of support and help for the poor. Private organizations can do it, but gov't has a unique role since it can use force and guns to keep people from getting a free ride-- getting to live in a more peaceful and just world but not profiting from it. We should not try to hide the fact that taxes mean people with guns will take your stuff if you don't hand it over, and as such we should be cautious about excessive taxation and spending.

It seems too common that upper-middle-class people feel they need a handout. I'm not sure what OWS is talking about WRT to 99%, but my understanding is they're saying 99% of the population either deserves a handout or at least shouldn't have to pay for the handouts. That's crazy. The people with top 1% networth do not have enough wealth to solve all the problems of the world. Maybe it never could be enough b/c the real problem is people failing to take initiative. I love how the AS protagonists go out and DO something and don't spend any thought on what OTHER people think of it.

this is a GOOD newsletter day. trust me, most are ughs

Thanks nutter.