I like PJ O'Rourke, but this is such b.s. Notice how when he reads the actual language of the 10th commandment he uses the word "covet", but when he explains why it is consistent with conservative economics it suddenly morphs the word "whine". He says that if you "want" something your neighbor has don't "whine" about it, "get your own". Sorry, but coveting is the wanting part, not the whining. Coveting goods is the basis of a capitalist system. It's why people want to "get their own".
@davijeph It means "THOU" shalt love," NOT "the government shall love for Thee." Charity ceases to be a virtue, if your money is extorted, rather than freely given. Plus, thoughtful people know that the welfare state is the bane of both charity and the poor.
Finally: "Every one [shall give] as he hath determined in his heart, not begrudgingly, or under compulsion: for God loveth a cheerful giver."
Socialism fails in love and good cheer. Justice is too subtle for pithy Bible quotations!
@PaterAugustinus Thoughtful people know that the welfare state can produce if allowed to overspending by Governments. Thoughtful people also know that a state that relies on charity giving to cure the sick and to help the poor and needy will never raise the funds voluntarily be able to give anything other than a third world medical and social service.You live in a Free Capitalist, Liberal, Socialist, Democratic Nation by choice, not force. You freely choose to except the rules of that Nation.
@PaterAugustinus Thoughtful people do not engage in building strawmen and prejudicial untruths about those with whom they disagree. As a moderate socialist, I find it your statement that thoughtful people "know" the welfare state is inherently bad for charity and the poor to be an ignorant remark.
I will never understand why opponents of moderate socialism insist we must collectively buy tanks and bombs but not healthcare, or ignoring Jesus who said of taxes, "Render to Caesar... etc"
LOVE iT!
27noclue 4 months ago
I like PJ O'Rourke, but this is such b.s. Notice how when he reads the actual language of the 10th commandment he uses the word "covet", but when he explains why it is consistent with conservative economics it suddenly morphs the word "whine". He says that if you "want" something your neighbor has don't "whine" about it, "get your own". Sorry, but coveting is the wanting part, not the whining. Coveting goods is the basis of a capitalist system. It's why people want to "get their own".
EricTerman 7 months ago
If people genuinely obeyed the 10th commandment, would we have capitalism? I'm just channeling George Carlin. ;)
jessc1979 1 year ago
Amen PJ, loonmaniac is aptly named.
vince33x 1 year ago
"Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself " means?
davijeph 1 year ago
@davijeph It means "THOU" shalt love," NOT "the government shall love for Thee." Charity ceases to be a virtue, if your money is extorted, rather than freely given. Plus, thoughtful people know that the welfare state is the bane of both charity and the poor.
Finally: "Every one [shall give] as he hath determined in his heart, not begrudgingly, or under compulsion: for God loveth a cheerful giver."
Socialism fails in love and good cheer. Justice is too subtle for pithy Bible quotations!
PaterAugustinus 1 year ago
@PaterAugustinus Thoughtful people know that the welfare state can produce if allowed to overspending by Governments. Thoughtful people also know that a state that relies on charity giving to cure the sick and to help the poor and needy will never raise the funds voluntarily be able to give anything other than a third world medical and social service.You live in a Free Capitalist, Liberal, Socialist, Democratic Nation by choice, not force. You freely choose to except the rules of that Nation.
davijeph 1 year ago
@PaterAugustinus Thoughtful people do not engage in building strawmen and prejudicial untruths about those with whom they disagree. As a moderate socialist, I find it your statement that thoughtful people "know" the welfare state is inherently bad for charity and the poor to be an ignorant remark.
I will never understand why opponents of moderate socialism insist we must collectively buy tanks and bombs but not healthcare, or ignoring Jesus who said of taxes, "Render to Caesar... etc"
jlandles 1 year ago
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Hunter Thompson is dead and this faggot is still around. There is no God.
loonmaniac 1 year ago
The most quotable man alive.
CountArtha 1 year ago 4