I think all the various comments posted on here indicating different philosophies only goes to show you that pipe smoking is conducive to good thinking and great debates. Maybe Washington D.C. needs more pipe smokers! Great video idea Alex.
Well government is in no way liike the forefathers wrote that it should be. They would turn in their graves if they found out how socialists have taken over in office! America will never be the same
Ever since the big boom in the corporate world - often referred to simply as wall street, civil liberties are completely at the mercy of business. Why can't you smoke in public easily? I would chalk that up to corporate pressure - the same thing that influences the types of music that are played at your local department store. Yes we the people elected these officials of government - but politicians have their hands tied by money and special interests. As long as money is all that matters -
you will basically give all your rights away to big business.. and doesn't that fit our society? Afterall, I would say people are often judged by their possessions.. this has nothing to do with the constitution nothing to do with the founding fathers.. but everything to do with the cycle of the economy and what will bring more money to big business.. so to make a short story long.. it does not matter what the size of government is - what matters is where is our money going.
Hi, Alex. I'm really not much into politics, but I would say that I'm in the middle of the road. I like when you do topical vlogs like this, as you did with your "MyTunes" video.
A leader is someone who recognises the needs of the moment and deals with them skillfuly and intelligently, not somebody who dogmatically insists on the same old same old.
Each country has its own administrative traditions. In the English speaking word, "smaller" government has prevailed than in, say, France or Germany, countries that have celebrated civil services and a tradition of central organisation, deriving from a monarchical past. There are good things in both traditions.
A HUGE continental empire like the US needs more organisation and coordination than it has. Things are too chaotic, too wasteful under our present system. We can make a success of a more centralised organisation, IF we retain an absolute priority for individual liberty. If the government tries to use taxation as a form of existential control, it will elicit rebellion and opposition, just as when it has tried to use "values". "Values" are an individual decision, not a government matter.
Taxpayers being the owner of General Motors, etc., certainly was never envisioned by the Founding Fathers. As far as "arrogance" goes, the world could do a lot more to help win the war in Afghanistan. After all, Spain, Great Britain, France and other countries have been hit by terrorism.
And yes, our monetary policy is a real problem. When Clinton left office, it was projected that we'd have a surplus in the foreseeable future. Then came 9/11. We justifiably went after Bin Laden. But who would consider tax cuts simultaneous with the war with Iraq to have been financially responsible? If gov't got bigger under Bush (as the military certainly did), we needed to support it, not push off growing debts onto the future. Now se need to go into debt to survive, and we're in a bind.
We need politicians who address our problems honestly, and a citizenry willing to make necessary sacrifices and cognizant enough to realize the importance of doing so, to ensure a good future. Preserve civil liberties which permit us to do that which harms no one else ( I guess that would include same-sex marriage), spread taxation more equitably, pay public servants (teachers, police, etc) fairly. Give the world no more of our arrogance (thank goodness for Obama on that count!).
I believe that what we need in government (and politicians) is effectiveness. Government needs to be large enough to be effective. Ever since Reagon said that government is the problem, not the solution, we've cut back. Even the conservative think tanks say that lower taxation does not actually benefit the economy, and now we know that too little regulation of financial institutions set the stage for our recent financial meltdown. Our polarization as a people has the potential to ruin us.
... what are you reading? You really think that bush was cutting back government? How bout Clinton? You want regulation and, why don't we look a bit into our monetary policy. I'm with you, lets be effective, but let the government do what it is supposed to do under the constitution.
Thomas Jefferson once said "That government is best which governs the least, because its people discipline themselves." That's my basic philosophy of government. As for the tobacco tax, I know government must collect revenue, but the rate at which the feds raised tobacco taxes seems too high. I don't see taxes on fast food or liquor being raised. As far as smoking laws go, I believe EVERY business owner should have the right to determine what the smoking policy should be at his business.
I would say a good politician is a dead politician but that would be just way too cruel, haha.
I don't like politics honestly, but I greatly appreciate the role of government. Government is necessary to prevent chaos and to unite a people. However, I would also agree that "A government that can give you everything can also take everything away" ~ Ben Franklin (I think).
As far as tobacco taxes, I think that if people put their mind to it they'll still get their tobacco, taxes or no taxes.
I'm not a fan of either major party & could be considered a libertarian since they are the only party that stays out of your wallet & out of your bedroom. Google "The Political Compass" a good test thats better than the libertarian since it is not only left/right but also authoratarian/anarchist.
I'm pro freedom/speech/liberty/limited government & conservative on economics/defense & foreign policy.
That's why I'm a Republican! We are losing our cival liberties under Obama and the Democrats! I don't agree with all the Republican views, but they are the lesser of the two evils! I've smoked cigarettes since I was 16. I feel it's my personal choice if I want to smoke. I recently got into pipe smoking, I have my grandfathers' old Boswell pipe (made here in PA)! I enjoy a pipe and also cigarettes. The government is wrong for taxing the hell out of tobacco! The same goes for alcohol!
Yes we are!! I agree. If anyone can't see that then they are blind. Also, people need to remember that we are a Republic, not a Democracy. The states have rights too. The Federal Government has too much power, they are corrupt to boot. I am sickened by the rise of socialism n this country. Communism happens when socialism has bankrupted everybody. If y'all want freedom, then you better get ready to fight for it. I sure as hell am.
The pursuit of happiness cannot and should not be guaranteed by our Government, but by our freedom and our civil liberties.
I'm a moderate democrat and I believe in limited government, but this wont happen until we restore our faith in one another and believe in our capacity to pursuit our own happiness.
As long as we continue to fear one another (because of our differences) and the rest of the world, we wont stay true to our fathers' promise.
I think all the various comments posted on here indicating different philosophies only goes to show you that pipe smoking is conducive to good thinking and great debates. Maybe Washington D.C. needs more pipe smokers! Great video idea Alex.
pipemannow 2 years ago
Well government is in no way liike the forefathers wrote that it should be. They would turn in their graves if they found out how socialists have taken over in office! America will never be the same
travisdear 2 years ago
Ever since the big boom in the corporate world - often referred to simply as wall street, civil liberties are completely at the mercy of business. Why can't you smoke in public easily? I would chalk that up to corporate pressure - the same thing that influences the types of music that are played at your local department store. Yes we the people elected these officials of government - but politicians have their hands tied by money and special interests. As long as money is all that matters -
mcdevster 2 years ago
you will basically give all your rights away to big business.. and doesn't that fit our society? Afterall, I would say people are often judged by their possessions.. this has nothing to do with the constitution nothing to do with the founding fathers.. but everything to do with the cycle of the economy and what will bring more money to big business.. so to make a short story long.. it does not matter what the size of government is - what matters is where is our money going.
mcdevster 2 years ago
Hi, Alex. I'm really not much into politics, but I would say that I'm in the middle of the road. I like when you do topical vlogs like this, as you did with your "MyTunes" video.
SpunkyMunkyMike 2 years ago
A leader is someone who recognises the needs of the moment and deals with them skillfuly and intelligently, not somebody who dogmatically insists on the same old same old.
Each country has its own administrative traditions. In the English speaking word, "smaller" government has prevailed than in, say, France or Germany, countries that have celebrated civil services and a tradition of central organisation, deriving from a monarchical past. There are good things in both traditions.
AulicExclusiva 2 years ago
A HUGE continental empire like the US needs more organisation and coordination than it has. Things are too chaotic, too wasteful under our present system. We can make a success of a more centralised organisation, IF we retain an absolute priority for individual liberty. If the government tries to use taxation as a form of existential control, it will elicit rebellion and opposition, just as when it has tried to use "values". "Values" are an individual decision, not a government matter.
AulicExclusiva 2 years ago
Taxpayers being the owner of General Motors, etc., certainly was never envisioned by the Founding Fathers. As far as "arrogance" goes, the world could do a lot more to help win the war in Afghanistan. After all, Spain, Great Britain, France and other countries have been hit by terrorism.
pipemannow 2 years ago
And yes, our monetary policy is a real problem. When Clinton left office, it was projected that we'd have a surplus in the foreseeable future. Then came 9/11. We justifiably went after Bin Laden. But who would consider tax cuts simultaneous with the war with Iraq to have been financially responsible? If gov't got bigger under Bush (as the military certainly did), we needed to support it, not push off growing debts onto the future. Now se need to go into debt to survive, and we're in a bind.
gerrypipe 2 years ago
We need politicians who address our problems honestly, and a citizenry willing to make necessary sacrifices and cognizant enough to realize the importance of doing so, to ensure a good future. Preserve civil liberties which permit us to do that which harms no one else ( I guess that would include same-sex marriage), spread taxation more equitably, pay public servants (teachers, police, etc) fairly. Give the world no more of our arrogance (thank goodness for Obama on that count!).
gerrypipe 2 years ago
I believe that what we need in government (and politicians) is effectiveness. Government needs to be large enough to be effective. Ever since Reagon said that government is the problem, not the solution, we've cut back. Even the conservative think tanks say that lower taxation does not actually benefit the economy, and now we know that too little regulation of financial institutions set the stage for our recent financial meltdown. Our polarization as a people has the potential to ruin us.
gerrypipe 2 years ago
... what are you reading? You really think that bush was cutting back government? How bout Clinton? You want regulation and, why don't we look a bit into our monetary policy. I'm with you, lets be effective, but let the government do what it is supposed to do under the constitution.
pipe34101 2 years ago
Thomas Jefferson once said "That government is best which governs the least, because its people discipline themselves." That's my basic philosophy of government. As for the tobacco tax, I know government must collect revenue, but the rate at which the feds raised tobacco taxes seems too high. I don't see taxes on fast food or liquor being raised. As far as smoking laws go, I believe EVERY business owner should have the right to determine what the smoking policy should be at his business.
pipemannow 2 years ago
Agreed Mannow!
spellbiff 2 years ago
I would say a good politician is a dead politician but that would be just way too cruel, haha.
I don't like politics honestly, but I greatly appreciate the role of government. Government is necessary to prevent chaos and to unite a people. However, I would also agree that "A government that can give you everything can also take everything away" ~ Ben Franklin (I think).
As far as tobacco taxes, I think that if people put their mind to it they'll still get their tobacco, taxes or no taxes.
theschmidy 2 years ago
I feel that voting is overrated. I tried it once and it didn't work. I wouldn't vote for any candidate arrogant enough to run for office.
Best,
Bill
PipeDreamsInc 2 years ago
I'm not a fan of either major party & could be considered a libertarian since they are the only party that stays out of your wallet & out of your bedroom. Google "The Political Compass" a good test thats better than the libertarian since it is not only left/right but also authoratarian/anarchist.
I'm pro freedom/speech/liberty/limited government & conservative on economics/defense & foreign policy.
Cheers
Brian
SRPenzanceLaphroaig 2 years ago
That's why I'm a Republican! We are losing our cival liberties under Obama and the Democrats! I don't agree with all the Republican views, but they are the lesser of the two evils! I've smoked cigarettes since I was 16. I feel it's my personal choice if I want to smoke. I recently got into pipe smoking, I have my grandfathers' old Boswell pipe (made here in PA)! I enjoy a pipe and also cigarettes. The government is wrong for taxing the hell out of tobacco! The same goes for alcohol!
wunc65 2 years ago
Yes we are!! I agree. If anyone can't see that then they are blind. Also, people need to remember that we are a Republic, not a Democracy. The states have rights too. The Federal Government has too much power, they are corrupt to boot. I am sickened by the rise of socialism n this country. Communism happens when socialism has bankrupted everybody. If y'all want freedom, then you better get ready to fight for it. I sure as hell am.
spellbiff 2 years ago
A man's happiness is another man's misery.
The pursuit of happiness cannot and should not be guaranteed by our Government, but by our freedom and our civil liberties.
I'm a moderate democrat and I believe in limited government, but this wont happen until we restore our faith in one another and believe in our capacity to pursuit our own happiness.
As long as we continue to fear one another (because of our differences) and the rest of the world, we wont stay true to our fathers' promise.
malgacho 2 years ago