Quote:
Originally Posted by Moshineko
Communism = living in a communal manner, with resources shared among all. As opposed to capitalism, where resources are not shared out, but left to those who earn them.
Democratic ("little d")= a system of power in which a referendum is taken for major decisions. One of the worst ideas known to man.
Republic = chosen representatives (chosen by different means, voting, oligarchy, chosen by council, etc.) make decisions on behalf of the people.
Republicans used to believe in what we now think of as "Constitutionalism", following the Constitution to the closest possible extent, having a small federal government, with few services and benefits. Democratic folks ("big D") believe in a more socialist government, with more federal government, more benefits, what Hazel and I would probably derisively call a "nanny state".
Republicans should be economic conservatives, but not social conservatives. I.E., they should believe in "lower taxes, less government", but not "right to life, gays are bad". True Republicans could give a shit less if you screw your gay partner with an aborted fetus that came from a group marriage, as long as the marriage and abortion weren't payed for by the state.
Democrats tend to want to paint Republicans as social conservatives, and thus the Republican party gets stuck with the support of fundamentalist groups, but, much like the Democrats, 99% of Republicans aren't as crazy as we think they are.
In reality, these days? Not much difference between the parties (notice I don't say between the philosophies, both are still quite different), as the democratic side of the U.S. has taken over to an unhealthy degree, and "The People" are kowtowed to, instead of being called out for numerous poor decisions.
U.S. is a democratic republic, not a democracy. Representatives are chosen by popular vote, and make decisions on behalf of the people.
So, yeah, nothing ever gets called what it really is, and never probably has. Ever since the word "Barbarian" (from "bar bar", or the sound that dogs made, as the Romans thought that germanic and celtic speech sounded like dogs barking), and probably long beofre that, terms have been subverted for use as emotional and political tools.
So that now, "Republican" brings up images of grumpy, church-going old mens and womens lynching black folks, and "Democrat" brings up images of gay, pot-smoking hippies living on welfare. Neither one is true, neither one is fair, but try telling that to anyone.
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Barbar is actually the German word for barbarian. :V
Anyways, it pisses me off. Point is we have a sample of both partys throwing the word communism out there just because they know it has negative connotation; not because there's any logical connection between taxes and communism, universal healthcare and communism, or anything else for that matter.
And I mean it scares me wtf. Technically, I knew the definition of communism, but I've heard it used falsely SOOOOO much, that I began to doubt if I did know it and made this thread. And honestly, I still haven't heard an logical explanation as to why communism is "evil."
Plus it's like...when you look at the definition of democratic and republican...I dunno about everyone else, but I'm fine with both, and see a reason to fight for both. Republicans don't want the government having power, simply because yes, that can lead to problems. Democrats don't see the need to worry so much about it and throw trust to the government, and instead try to form the government in such a way that helps make the country run more comfortable/efficiently. That's how I see it.
Germany for instance...some of the things here would scare the shit out of people, and they're probably more on the democratic side. For one, a national ID card. Well...so what? I've got one (technically. I don't have an actual one since this office told me there's no need for an ID card AND a passport, and the passport is basically the same as the ID card). I don't have fear that Germany's gonna use that against me. Why would they? It simply helps the government identify me as some average joe quicker so that I can enter the country/go inside a club/help police realize "nah he di'in't dew eet" and let me continue on my way FASTER. The US would be more republican in this manner, and they still argue against the idea. They don't want the government having a profile on them instantly, cause it makes them feel uncomfortable. Still, this can make some processes longer.
Germany is also trying to take a step against climate change with, yes, government involvement. Dunno the details (haven't heard enough), but from what I understand, Germany has a couple years to find an alternative energy source and start using it, or...too bad: lights go out. No more fossil fuels for Germany. Definitely democratic, as the republican view wouldn't like the government telling them they can't use electricity cause they haven't found a cleaner energy source. (btw, don't worry. Germany's doing pretty good with it. We got wind power out the ass)
Second, another example can be seen in bank accounts. On a more democratic system, all transactions are via bank accounts, you simply give a business permission to take out their monthly payment annually, and trust them not to be stupid and try to rob you. Besides, if they do, I've got the transaction records, and it's only a matter of time til I'll have my money back. More comfortable for the more laid back, but could give some people worries. On a republican system, let's just go ahead and fill out a check every month, rather than just giving a business permission to fiddle with my bank account. More annoying for some, but for others it'll calm some nerves.
But how is it today? Democrats are hippie pussys who hug trees, republicans are crazy christians who are quick to the trigger. The sad thing is, it's not out of slander...there's some truth to these. I know tons of crazy Christian republicans, and yes, I, a Democrat, don't believe in resorting to war, and I do believe in Global Climate Change; yes it's a theory, but I'd much rather take precautions than daunter and think "meh but it isn't
one hundred percent..." I mean c'mon, the last few times when war WAS neccesary, was because Germany had one of their episodes, and they didn't quite understand that bombs don't make for very good gifts, especially when dropped. It seems we've taught Germany to calm down a bit since then. North Korea also seems to be taking his meds lately, and the Middle East....well wtf let them just fight each other and let's just make sure they stay away from us.
Really sad but, all these things are losing their meanings. What should be "more comfortable" (democratic) and "more safe" (republican) in my mind has become "Pls don't be telling lies like everyone else...just pls..." (democrats and Obama) and "what...the...Hhhheell are these guys doing?! Dx" (vast majority of the republican party).
And as said:
-Communism
-Taxes
(both of which, btw, have nothing to do with the definition of democratic and republican...)
Any other good words you can just throw out there as if to say "I'm losing the debate. LOOK THE OTHER WAY!!"
?