[Moshineko]

Originally Posted by Longknife

Barbar is actually the German word for barbarian. :V

Oh. Doesn't it have roots in a barking sound though? I do remember that it had something to do with there being a very rude idea that barbarian languages were stupid or something like that.

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."

Well, there is none. Evil is based on point of view, so there will be no logical explanation. Personally, I don't think it's a terrible philosophy, it's just too idealistic, like so many other philosophies. It starts out fine at first, then people take a little bit of advantage, then more, then *ta da*, it's all out of control.

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.

Actually, a more republican method would be to do either, by your own choice.

Democratic method (big D Democratic) would be to have companies regulated to taking a certain amount out for certain reasons, and having the government look in to your bank account every once in a while to see what's happening.

For most of us Republican/Libertarian/Constitutional types, a little Democratic ideal is fine, as you say, it has its place. What we fear is that power being extended. The oft overused "slippery slope" phrase. Gah. Hate that phrase.

What it's really like is trying to find out when grey turns into white or black. We can see all three and say, "yup, that's it", but it's impossible to see a shaded bar of the three, and pinpoint exactly where the transition is. As well it should be.

In a big D Democratic society, it's too easy to take it from the black "pedophiles should be registered with the state" to the grey "people who view lolicon should be registered" to the white "people who have these 'pedophilic markers' (read this book, watch that show, hang around kids too much, etc.) should be registered".

Or from "you need a license to drive" to "you need a license to prove your identity in businesses" to "you need to have an I.D. at all times, and be prepared to show it to any government agent".

Basically, we worry that the more people get used to the government "helping out", the more they grow dependent on it, and the less they protest when rights are taken away. Witness the Patriot Act, and ensuing "anti-terrorist legislation". Most of it is, on its surface, fairly reasonable. But, when you put it all together, it's a big step towards the Executive branch doing whatever the hell it wants. Which is a step towards totalitarianism. Which is bad. No matter how you slice it, one person with all the power is bad.

Now, that's not to say that the Constitution is the end-all, be-all of world government. It's a good basis, but it's slightly faulty, just like every other government foundation. They all will be, because humans can't really deal with being human. They're apes, and ape rules are: big ape wins, sneaky ape wins, other apes get fucked in the ass and like it.
It would be like asking dogs to rule via committe. It doesn't work because we're fighting against it inside.

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.

Careful with the self-fulfilling prophecy there. There is some truth, but there's some fiction as well. There will be some truth as there's ambiguity enough on both ends for there to be all types of people in there. I'm Libertarian, and I think war is almost always a waste of time, I'm as secular as they come, and I don't own a gun. Used to, just don't see the need right now.

So, yeah, you'll see your stereotype because you're looking for it. What you're doing in the beginning there is like picking out a lazy black man and screaming "SEE?! TOLD YA!" When in reality, what you've found is one lazy black man, most likely drinking with a lazy white man. White shading to black again. We can see the ends, but it's hard to tell when the switch happens.

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).

Mmmm. Well, lets just say I'm terribly unhappy with my choices this November, and was ever since Ron Paul dropped out.

Again, my view is that we have one big party now, with two different flavors. Both sides are basically identical in policy, Obama keeps drifting towards keeping troops in Iraq, McCain keeps drifting toward more social welfare. Fine, each has its merits, I suppose, but what America is missing right now is a cantakerous asshole who will question everything that the government does. That's what we're set up for, that's what's healthy for America. When the whole process runs smooth, get worried.


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!!"

?

Liberal
Gay
Islam/Muslim
Creationist
Fundamentalist
New-Ager/Hippy/Tree-hugger

The list goes on, really. Pick a name, you have it. Hell, at this point, pick a word. Doesn't even have to be a noun. Or a verb. Pick an article, be like Clinton. "What's the defenition of 'is' again?"