Where are we going and why are we in a basket?

JGREGORY

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"A democracy cannot survive as a permanent form of government. It can last only until its citizens discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority (who vote) will vote for the candidates promising the greatest benefits from the public purse, with the result that a democracy will always collapse from loose fiscal policies, always followed by a dictatorship.<br /><br />The average age of the world's greatest democratic nations has been 200 years. Each has been through the following sequence:<br /><br />From bondage to spiritual faith.<br /><br />From faith to great courage.<br /><br />From courage to liberty.<br /><br />From liberty to abundance. <br /><br />From abundance to complacency.<br /><br />From complacency to selfishness. <br /><br />From selfishness to apathy.<br /><br />From apathy to dependency.<br /><br />And from dependency back again into bondage. <br /><br />Can we escape this fate?"<br /><br />-Lord Thomas B. Macaulay, 1857<br /><br />--------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Where do you think we are at!!! :confused:
 

NOSLEEP

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Re: Where are we going and why are we in a basket?

selfishness to apathy. :(
 

ob

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Re: Where are we going and why are we in a basket?

We are presently IMO at portions of 2-8 with an occassional side step to disgusted.
 

braindead0

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Re: Where are we going and why are we in a basket?

I think we're firmly in apathy, with the majority moving quickly towards dependancy.
 

TexSkeeter150

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Re: Where are we going and why are we in a basket?

That is why we are not a true democracy. We are a "Represented Republic", the Majority does not always win. Our founding fathers were very aware of the weaknesses of a "true" democracy (education, and extreamist being very prevalent back then, you might say that has changed little to this day ;) ) and put in systems to make our nation stronger and lasting. JMHO
 

JGREGORY

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Re: Where are we going and why are we in a basket?

Tex, I realize we are not a true democracy. However, If you look at the way the elections are going who are the groups that politicians pander to, Unions, Seniors, and other lobbiest. Why, Because they promise them the world. "Vote for me and I'll make sure you have.... (insert whatever, perscription drugs, 40hr work week, stable pension, health care, etc)"<br /><br />Granted this was written in 1857 England but England was not a democracy then either. They are a republic to wich we mirrored our form of Government. (and before I hear howls of disent let me add... With Exceptions).<br /><br />So therefore, this quote has some bearing on our country today. Personally I put US at:<br /><br />From selfishness to apathy.<br />><br />From apathy to dependency.<br /><br />I base that on Voter turnout and Looking at how many groups want something for nothing.<br /><br />JC I heard on the news today that a federal judge has ok'd individual lawsuits against the airlines, Boeing, the Port Authority, et al. connected with the 9/11 tragedy. You Know who suffers; You and Me; You know who gets rich; The trial lawyers assoc. (I refuse to put them in caps) and anyone that didn't have a life insurance policy because they were to short sited to think What-if. :mad: <br /><br />I give the Victims their due and they have my full sympathy ( I saw the Towers burning). But d**n it when does a tragedy turn into the right to become wealthy.<br /><br />I can hear it Now!! :p
 

TexSkeeter150

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Re: Where are we going and why are we in a basket?

jgregory,<br />Hey, no arguments here. I would argue that these things are cicular (sp?).<br /><br />I would the last line on this theory from:<br /><br />"And from dependency back again into bondage."<br /><br />To:<br /><br />"And from dependency to feed up."<br />"from feed up to courage"<br />"from courage to liberty"<br />and so on and so on and so on...........
 

12Footer

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Re: Where are we going and why are we in a basket?

If democracy's average shelf life is 200years as stated , what is your besy estimate on Socialism-based gornments? Better, or worse?<br />As for the 200years figure, you obviously refre us to the Roman Empire, which was more like a loosely-controled monacrchy, with militant checks and ballances. They invented "senate". And for that alone, should be chastized as non-viable.<br /> :D <br /><br />And this new ruling that Boeing and WTC owner's group can be sued for the terrorist attacks of 9/11 is not going to be left unchallenged. This is why they blocked GW's judge appointments. They have to retain the riegns of the money machine, so thier apathy can turn into dependance!<br />Scarey stuff!<br /> :mad:
 

Ralph 123

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Re: Where are we going and why are we in a basket?

12, great point. We won't regain control control over the country until the judiciary is brought back under the checks and balance controls. Right now we have a lot of judges who are far left of center legislating from the bench.<br /><br />
toilet.gif
 

JGREGORY

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Re: Where are we going and why are we in a basket?

12 footer, I didn't write the quote, that souce is at the bottom.<br /><br />And as for Communist or socialist Gov's the jury is still out. Although 50-75 years is probaly a good guess.<br /><br />The ones that are still around are because of strong dictorial leaders when they die?....<br /><br />And as for Rome.. If I remember from my Western Civ classes rome had the same sembalence of Governmet for about 1000 yrs. I think it ran from 200 BCE to 750 AD. Don't quote me on that.
 

braindead0

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Re: Where are we going and why are we in a basket?

This ruling allowing lawsuits re 9/11 against just about anybody..well it's only fair. It started with the tobacco industry.. and now it's moving to the fast food industry, airlines and whomever else.<br /><br />Once juries started ignoring personal responsibility and blamed the inanimate objects that the person used (food, cigs, airplanes) for the problem.. well game over.
 

JGREGORY

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Re: Where are we going and why are we in a basket?

Braindead, You and I are on the same page for a change. :cool:
 

mellowyellow

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Re: Where are we going and why are we in a basket?

the only thing that can break this chain is education!
 

braindead0

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Re: Where are we going and why are we in a basket?

I don't think education will help, it's apathy combined with a dose of 'my handouts are okay, but not yours' attitude.<br /><br />I think the problem is that many people aren't willing (or able) to take time off work and do Jury duty. Consequently the quality of people you get in juries is I think a bit lacking (as evidenced by the myriad of ridiculous verdicts).
 

aspeck

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Re: Where are we going and why are we in a basket?

When are we as individuals going to take responsibility for our own choices and decisions - not look back, blame on past, parents, Great-great-grandparents, or McDonalds?
 

braindead0

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Re: Where are we going and why are we in a basket?

When are we as individuals going to take responsibility for our own choices and decisions - not look back, blame on past, parents, Great-great-grandparents, or McDonalds?
Not until these types of people are forced to. I think you'd find that one of the first signs of mental illness is failure to accept responsibility for your own actions..
 

NOSLEEP

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Re: Where are we going and why are we in a basket?

Yes, Interesting article.
 

Link

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Re: Where are we going and why are we in a basket?

12 & Ralph<br />Good points!<br /><br />Don't bother with a reply. No one is going to<br />change anyone elses mind here.<br /><br />Link
 
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