I do however, consider actively trying to change the state of the state treacherous.

Which brings us back to those the right wing claims to idolize but in fact despises, the nation’s founders. How is it a Good Thing to overthrow one government, but treachery to want to change, without violence and using existing electoral procedures, another government?

So it seems to me pointless in trying to change a democracy into a (let’s face it…) communistic regime. To hell with your socialism…

“My”? I consider socialism of any flavor to be without worth, although unlike knee jerk reactionaries I’ve read the original writings, including some recommended by our host here, and am able to examine the actions of real world governments and see how the principles of socialism have been employed and how they’ve been affected by other political philosophies. Some aspects of socialism are good, but overall I don’t approve of it. So I guess rather than trying to insult me, you’ll have to defend your stated position, which seems to be that the US has such a weak government that anyone who thinks there’s room for improvement should be deported.

Oh, and I think our ForeFather’s philosophy is standing up rather well… notice the change of leaderships in the European theatre? Center-Right…

Your point in unclear. Do you approve of the rise in jingoistic violence and nationalism that seems to be trying to establish itself not just in the US and Europe, but pretty much everywhere?

What’s more, I understand Mr.Brust’s reason for Socialism…

If you want to insult a gentleman, have the courage to do so under your own name and to him directly. I’m only concerned with the infantile reactions you people have to criticism of the government.

The right wing committed suicide, didn’t you get the memo?

I don’t consider criticism of the state to be non-conforming. Other than that you sound like another blow-hole stealing philosophical quotes/ideas you just learned in high school.

I do however, consider actively trying to change the state of the state treacherous. Therefore; you’d best be about disarming us first.
That ain’t gonna happen anytime soon.
So it seems to me pointless in trying to change a democracy into a (let’s face it…) communistic regime. To hell with your socialism, that’s now code word for: “let’s not scare’ em at first… then we’ll implement our ‘Misery-for-All’ doctrine!”

Oh, and I think our ForeFather’s philosophy is standing up rather well… notice the change of leaderships in the European theatre?
Center-Right…

I was suggesting he leave, so he can have a bit of happiness, since that obviously is impossible for him to do here. See, I only care about his well being…

What’s more, I understand Mr.Brust’s reason for Socialism. I mean it must be really hard for him to digest the likes of a Dan Brown, Grisham, or even Danielle Steele… actually making millions of dollars for every gawd-awful book he/she writes and Mr.Brust doing so-so. I assume with an ego like Mr.Brusts’ (I’m always reminded of an earlier post of his where he talks about playing music with some really really really really smart people!!! Himself included! lol) it is hard to swallow being forced to compete for a living,
we should all be astounded by his genius!!! Better we should redistribute the wealth of Mr.Brown’s overwhelming success in order to balance Mr.Brust’s lack thereof…
That way he doesn’t have to actually compete on the open market and can simply write, write, write… all day, because it’s what he loves to do and government should never hinder this, but encourage it… even to the extent of extortion! And that’s the point, eliminate competition or control it.
But why should we then redistribute Stephen King’s wealth? I mean, I’m all for taking bad writer’s money away(…lol), but what happens to S.King’s money? Damn good writer. Deserves it. What then?
Purrtty sad.

People who disagree with how the nation is run don’t leave for the same reason that Jefferson, Washington and Franklin chose not to leave, and people who suggest that non-conformists leave do so for the same reason that all dictators demand there should be no dissent. If your philosophy is so weak it can’t survive criticism, then it doesn’t deserve to survive at all.

As for have oodles of money for travel, I believe you’ll find most conventions pay the way for guests of honor.

If you disagree with aspects of what is said here, I challenge you can have an objective discussion instead of a long winded empty calorie “go jump” statement?

Should one hold their breath?

I’m just curious; since you hate capitalism, democracy and freedom…
And I think you have enough money to travel, Mr. Brust…
Why don’t you leave this country, since it obviously causes you so much disgust, angst, and ire? Why would you want to live the rest of your life so miserable and unhappy? I guarantee you could get into Cuba! Maybe write for a proletariat newspaper? With all the Socialist countries and Communist countries in the world waiting to get a-hold of talent like you, why would you waste your time in trying to turn this Country into a socialist state and not just go elsewhere to live out your remaining years in bliss and peace in a country like Albania?

If you are claiming that this particular economic arrangement (goods produced for exchange, social production but individual ownership, profit-based decision-making, &c &c) is the pinnacle of human economic development, then, uh, let’s just say we disagree.

He’s an inventor and patent holder on a bunch tech, he writes papers on physics and society and everything in between. Some of which have been printed. Some of which he mails me for me to enjoy.

He farms all his own meat, all his own vegetables, he lives almost totally self sufficiently. Solar power for most things. Geo-thermal for others.

He’s been doing this for 20 years or more.

I dunno… but seems like that’s kinda like what some of the folks here are talking about. Where you work not to progress the economy or something, but simply to create what you need on a day to day basis.

And the older I get and more and more disenfranchised I become with things… the more appealing that lifestyle becomes to me.

I’m starting to believe that the next step in evolution of society might be downsizing rather than upsizing things.

Right now it’s all about bread and circuses. And I’m tired of it.

Hmm, I thought you said you were avoiding reaching for the easy, snappy, catchy answers.

Capitalism is the most contemporary and logical form for a society made up of members that, in the end, look out for themselves. That’s not to say we don’t look out for others, but if you don’t take care of yourself then you can’t take care of others. Where the “enough is enough” line is drawn depends on the individual.

Calling capitalism a problem seems to infer that people should care more about others than themselves: it’s not an individual survival trait and therefore lessens the species’ survival. As my college PoliSci prof described in his doctoral thesis, as the average per capita income reaches level [x] (x depends on inflation, so the magic level raises slightly each year) governments tend to move towards some form of modified capitalism. Why?

Well, because it makes sense. If you work, you want to get the fruits of your labor. If you want more fruit, you work more. If you don’t want more fruit, you work less. Those of you who have less fruit in general are disadvantaged in fruit-power for those who have more. It’s not to say everyone can work harder and have as much fruit; of course there is chance in the mix. Capitalism in theory provides an equality of opportunity, not an equality of outcome. That’s where the USSR failed. People who aren’t rewarded with more fruit quit working harder.

I don’t have a cell phone, and self-absorption and commercialism does bother me in many cases. But if our species were made up of individuals who quit working when they had “enough” fruit, we would likely either be extinct or still tapping on rocks in caves.

After all, who really needs fire? The problem isn’t how to fix fire, the problem IS fire.

etc.

Rick

P.S. Huge fan. Have ALL your books; Every. One. Enjoyed: Every. One. :)