I am 50, sounds old but it's not for a late in life, healthy baby boomer. I expect to work and not have 'retirement'. 30 years ago they told us we would never receive SS. That did not stop them taking SS , Medicaid and Medicair from my check for those 30 years. In fact, that extraction increased, but my salary has not. Inflation steals a good portion. What about ending the wars instead of pretending SS is an 'entitlement' program? Govt has not rep'd my interests EVER Nor anyone I know. Opt out!
@stefbot There is only one certainty in life, i.e., everyone will grow old or die young. Who are the honorable elderly? Maybe they are the pollute-icians that we elect whom fill our young people with the notion that the old are useless and a burden to society. Let's hope we all get to a ripe old age. Do we want a society of well paid slaves that are cast away as soon as they hit the ripe old age? SS is saving lives and dignity. Anything we do for the Old we are in fact doing for ourselves!
@u2me22 You seem a bit confused. SS is not "we". SS is a set of laws and regulations enforced under threat of violence by the government.
Is SS saving lives? Doubtful. SS is a transfer system, the money is never put to productive use. Today's retirees were PREVENTED from putting their earnings to productive use, making them poorer. Much like throwing someone overboard and then claiming you saved their life by throwing them a life preserver. Not something to brag about.
@jeffiek Please get you head outa the sand. Of course SS is saving lives. Am I a "bit" confused, NO. I'm guessing, with some certainty, that you don't have an ounce of compassion in your body. That You got it made and those poo folks that don't, well to bad. So what if they worked their ass to the bone during their life. They got a pay check right!! It's their problem, not mine. Jeffiek, just go look at yourself in the mirror.... and, oh, quit throwing kisses at yourself....
@u2me22 And YOU can quit throwing people overboard.
Not too good at math are you? You only count this years benefit, never subtracting next years cost.
Nor do you subtract the damage done the workers. Those that have a job that is. Seen todays unemployment? Seen the falling wages?
And NO, they did not collect their paycheck, the collected part of it. The rest was taken by force. I said so the first time. YOU chose to ignore the reality of it.
@jeffiek I don't throw people overboard, I rescue them. Since you are so concerned about people stealing your money, i assume you are down at the Occupy Wallstreat demonstrations voicing your concerns. I served in Viet Nam. I see the Gulf Wars. I see the "War" on terrorism. I see "our" men and resources going down the drain. And all Jeffiek can complain about is SS. Someday you will receive your SS check, whether you need it or not. Have a good day .... no need to respond.
@u2me22 Yes, you do throw people overboard. You throw them over every time you support the state. Every time you vote. Every dollar you extract from them through violence.
I don't just bitch about SS. I bitch about ALL the theft and violence committed by government.
I have reality on my side. You have propaganda. I can show you the law that takes the people's money. AND GIVES some to WARREN BUFFET. I can show you what the government to do to anyone that tries to keep their own money.
Sheesh , you always say that the old people here are stealing from the young. First of all, we have no SS opt out option, they just take the money out of your check, all their lives. If the government stole the money and gave ot to the banksters, but that was not the fault of the citizenry any more than the war on Libya. We have zero say in these matters.
@SonjaSmith Some of the honorable elderly have spoken out vociferously against Social Security, much to their credit. The vast majority have lectured the young about how the government reflects the will of the people. I merely take them at their word.
Happy birthday, Stef! You've changed how I understand the world we live in more profoundly than anyone else. It was like waking from an extended dream (or nightmare perhaps). Thank you.
DAMASCUS SYRIA–OLDEST CITY,NEVER BEEN DESTROYED(ISAIAH 17:1)ISRAEL DIVIDED(JOEL 4:1-4)JESUS SAID,HIS 2ND COMING,IF U SEE DMASCUS DSTROYED & SRAEL DVIDED.IF U THINK QUAKES R COMMON THN BELIEVE THESE 2 PROPHECIES,THESE R IN THE NEWS NOW.JOHN 12:25-26 ANYONE WHO LOVES THEIR LIFE WILL LOSE IT,WHLE ANYONE WHO HATES THEIR LIFE N THIS WORLD WILL KEEP IT FOR ETRNAL LIFE.26 WHOEVER SERVS ME MUST FOLLOW ME& WHRE I AM,MY SERVANT ALSO WILL BE.MY FATHER WILL HONOR THE ONE WHO SERVES ME.HELL IS REAL.REPENT!
@TheENTERRAPTURE17 Trying to entice people to hear your case won't work too well if the basis for your rant is your own fear of hell, rather than a belief of and desire for heaven. Does the volume of your voice or the size of the letters you type add weight to the worth of your message, or does it simply mark you as an instant "ignore" for anyone who sees it? I think the latter. If you believe in the truth of your message, take measures to ensure you don't play to prejudices against you. Eh?
You guys are all so cognitive dissonant it's hilarious! You don't support personal property rights. You don't support volunteerism. You don't support freedom. You're just a bunch of assholes. Greedy, selfish, whining assholes. You need only think about what you believe for two seconds for the cognitive dissonance to surface. And you're all comfortable with that until someone shoves it in your face. Stefbot lives on someone else's land, and he bitches about rent. Amazing!
The other problem is that the boomers, for all their wealth, behave so entitled. They like their personal assets, they like the current old age benefits, taking responsibility for public debt? Not so much.
I'm always happy to see you still motivated Stef. Your philosophy has made me examine my entire moral foundation, and i believe, has really made a deep impression in me. I've experienced alot of anti "State" media in my life, but i hadn't experienced anything articulated skillfully enough to make me realize how despicably influenced i was by government propaganda till i explored your podcasts
@SleepDirtyJazzySet I had a great learning experience too. After listening to Stefan's youtube videos, I had the opportunity to practise my critical thinking skills, look at opposing views, and understand the difference between idealism and realism. I understand now why people often refer to anarchy as a teenage phase that nearly all people grow out of, and why no serious academic philosophers take anarchy seriously (indeed why Stefan wasn't accepted himself for a phd, leading him to youtube).
@radscorpion8 You should check out dissenting views. Don't just believe everything Stefan says. Look at the forum "liberating minds", for one. Check out the posts of people who have been banned from his website freedomainradio. Examine the arguments from philosophy students who have, point by point, refuted his ideas. Question why it is, that no academics take anarchy seriously (how likely is it that its a conspiracy among every professor? Similar to 9/11 conspiracy theories) Good luck!
Is it any different in Canada, where I live ... as do you?
Congratulations on your birthday ... I have learned lots, and I would have probably learned more if your videos were shorter. But I am a working lout, and not much given to thinking in philosophical terms ... I even thought philosophy was over in the 19th century, reduced to an academic waste of time, like theology.
Happy belated birthday stef. you've given me some fantastic ideas and theories to think about and have really helped when people fire a barrage of questions at me upon the notion i'd be so crazy as to dismiss the state. nice product placement at the end there btw ;)
Great desciption of SS. I tried explaining this in a similair way to my inlaws and they just wanted to blame Clinton for the problems. They struggle to see the bigger villian in the room through their red, white, and blue glasses.
Stef - subscribe to Scooby (the body-building channel) and you'll maybe glean some insights on why he has millions of views on some of his videos - and all he is doing is talking in the camera as well.
Well, if you want your videos to do better, learn how to write better (in line with mainstream news or popular events) titles and MUCH longer descriptions under the video. That is how people find the videos. Also "befriend" as many people with high subscriber numbers as you can and maybe some of the viewer-ship will subscribe to you too. I am not active on Youtube as my business is offline, but watch what others with high views do and emulate. As it is, you are preaching to the quire.
Holy crap. I never realized that yours and my birthday are the same. However, I am 9 years younger, but that doesn't matter. I've been following you for several years now and you are doing a great job. Oh, Happy Birthday as well.
reaching the half way point through life can be an altering way ,knowing now that we all should have payed more attention early in life ,i live each day trying to do my best to make a better life for my son and his future children and for all children to follow us . WE CAN WIN.
Stef - you are bang on - It is a Ponzi scheme that is finished. The final nail will be the 10% inflation after 2013. Your 700 dollar cheque will buy you a loaf of bread and milk. The government will tell you that there is no inflation - just look at the "core inflation numbers folks" - more of the same. Central planning has NEVER worked in history over several generations - I would like someone to point to just one example of it working over 4 generations... one. There isn't any in my research
Social security is theft period. It is sold as a savings for our old age. Are we all so irresponsible that we cannot save money without being forced to? As with everything, some will be responsible and some will not. Why must those of us who are responsible continually be made to bail out those who are not? Why can't I ever opt out of these social programs?
Democracy is two wolves and a sheep deciding what is for dinner. Sadly we the people are nothing more than the sheep.
The cool thing about the large headphones is the isolation - you can have your audio up nice and loud/clear without the mic picking it up. Stef, please consider the large headphones "blessed" by me, and feel free to keep using them :)
@mistara31415 I'm just an old peacefreak from the sixties, liberal democrat hippie type. I thought that ss was a moral thing. That our society thoughtfully provided a safety net. I don't see a humane way around it. Especially in this dog eat dog world, the outright greed will ruin, not nurture civilization.
@drummerboy54100 You say you thought it was a moral thing. Let me ask you, did you ever hear of Milton Friedman's statement that it took money from the poor and gave it to the middle class? But this is to be expected when you confuse "society" with "government". If society wanted to help the poor it would not need government guns to achieve it. The idea that it's a dog eat dog world is ridiculous, people help and give all the time.
@newperve Does society want to help the poor ? Do you ? What if you were poor, no family, suddenly disabled from whatever and a hundred grand in debt? Should society care , or put you in the gutter to die?
@drummerboy54100 You're as much "society" as I am, you tell me. Do you want to help the poor? It's not hard if you do. So why are you asking questions that don't really matter? If you want to help the poor, help the poor. If you want me to help the poor, ask me. I note that you've pretty much ignored everything I had to say to ask about whether people should die in the gutter. Why? Are you afraid your concern for the poor can't stand up to rational examination?
@newperve I haven't ignored what you said.You didn't say much of anything . I believe my concern for the poor will stand up to rational exam. Society does want to help, and can do so better through organization than individually.
@drummerboy54100 I didn't say much of anything? So the distinction between "society" and "government" isn't much of anything? Really? The fact that people give all the time is not " much of anything"? How about the point about Friedman and SS being regressive (and incidentally racist)? That's "not much of anything"? Where is your evidence that they can help better through organisation than individually and how does that imply it should be through government?
@newperve You quoted Friedman. Not much of anything. Distinction between society and gov. So I guess society doesn't want to help the poor. Only the government does. People giving willingly all the time. Must not be enough. SS has been helping a lot of people for a long time. It works for people who need it. You may never need it. Then again , you might. Bet you take it.
@drummerboy54100 I quoted no one. You don't think it's much of anything that a program takes money from the poor and gives it to the rich? And yet you're presenting yourself as caring for the poor. You claim that people giving willngly "must not be enough" but isn't the existance of government welfare the very reason for that? If people didn't have more than 1/7th of their income to SS and medicare might they not contribute more? At 1/7th of your income I should hope it helps someone.
@newperve My understanding, from church members, is that10 percent or more is what churches suggest one give. Don't believe that it was intended to take from poor, give to rich. Most people would not save 1/7 of their income throughout their working life. I believe it is a good system, not perfect. Without it many more would live, and die in suffering poverty. We can and should make this system work. Look elsewhere to cut waste , corruption, fraud and theft.
@drummerboy54100 Some churchs suggest that, it has no basis in the NT. You don't believe that it was "Intended" to take form the poor and give to the rich. Does that mean that you don't dispute or don't care if it actually does this? You say you believe in a good system but when I tell you it is regressive you don't even blink. You just make claims that people wouldn't save if there wasn't SS, which you don't back up at all. Of course they don't save if they are told SS will pay.
@newperve I do care if it actually does that. Didn't know that it did. Maybe some fixing is in order there.I am not particularly well educated and don't know what you mean by regressive, I admit.When I was young, I wasn't thinking about ss in my old age, but expecting to do great things, and "make it" .Quite sure that many approach life with high hopes and aspirations . Just doesn't usually work out for most of us.
@drummerboy54100 If you cared if it actually does take from the poor to give to the middle class why didn't you ask about it? In fact you claimed I said "nothing much at all" in the message where I included that information. The problems you have aren't due to high hopes bad planning or planning based on knowing SS would look after you. You claim to care about the poor, what have you done that suggests that's true? Because your word is not good enough.
@newperve How does one save anything , or buy health insurance when living on minimum wage or even twice minimum wage. You are probably against the minimum wage, too. Right? Certainly the notion of a " living wage" is way out there. I don't think you relate to the masses. Must be pretty well off, or have a false sense of confidence in yourself. Never know what can happen in life.
@drummerboy54100 I quoted no one. You don't think it's much of anything that a program takes money from the poor and gives it to the rich? And yet you're presenting yourself as caring for the poor. You claim that people giving willngly "must not be enough" but isn't the existance of government welfare the very reason for that? If people didn't have more than 1/7th of their income to SS and medicare might they not contribute more? At 1/7th of your income I should hope it helps someone.
Don't sweat the Lady Gaga stuff. 1) She doesn't move people intellectually, so she really doesn't matter in all buy a superficial way, and 2) there are teenage girls and boys who watch her videos 30 times a day taking the view count into the stratosphere.
Thanks for helping me to decide man- I've been delaying this decision for weeks now, but you've helped me to make this last step. I'm fed up with 'stealing' from good people like you because disability precludes me from work. I feel so much guilt & anguish it's unbearable, but now thankfully my mind is made up. A bottle of pills is going to be the last thing I ever steal from you. I apologize for my existence, I wish I'd been born more useful. Goodbye.
@mistara31415 Are you saying that collecting ss disability is robbing people ? I can find no position in teaching auto mechanics. I specialized in automatic transmissions, and one school that I contacted had cancelled their a.t. course. I know one shouldn't rob people to live, but you are likely to see a lot of that if ss gets cut. Ever been hungry? Really, really hungry? You'd probably eat your own mother, and not in a nice way.
@drummerboy54100 Of course it is theft. People lose sight of this because the government is the intermediary for the theft. The state doesn't usually have to draw guns to get the money. The mere threat of force is sufficient. Everyone is aware that all laws have the threat of government force behind them.
You should never have had money taken from you to pay for unemployment benefits to begin with.
You could always move in with family, beg, or rely on churches and charities.
@joepeeler34 No family, begging is illegal where I live and I do not nor have I ever belonged to a church. Fact is, I worked for years, and did pay into that system. I, and certainly, most others would never have saved the few dollars deducted from their pay. Don't be too surprised if all your plans and dreams don't come true and you really need help.bad someday. If it is still there, and I hope it is, you will take yours too.
@joepeeler34 No family, begging is illegal where I live and I do not nor have I ever belonged to a church. Fact is, I worked for years, and did pay into that system. I, and certainly, most others would never have saved the few dollars deducted from their pay. Don't be too surprised if all your plans and dreams don't come true and you really need help.bad someday. If it is still there, and I hope it is, you will take yours too.
@drummerboy54100 Ah, yes, "payed into the system." You mean "had money confiscated by the state to be transferred to another."
The system shouldn't exist. Some people never go on unemployment. Many go on it numerous times. It would be far better if you simply saved for your own rainy day. It would be far easier to do if you were taxed less to support the force of the welfare state.
It's not "mine." It used to be a voluntary welfare society existed. It would again.
@joepeeler34 ...simply save for your own rainy day. Tell that to the masses that barely scrape by. You must not be among us to say that. Glad you are doing so well.
@joepeeler34 You think that is the question? You think it is "their" fault? Churches, some anyway, expect a larger percent of your pay than the gov. took out for ss. Do they provide substantial ongoing assistance? Don't think so. The ss safety net would be a good system if not stolen from. Not the fault of ss. Will the church pay for an expensive medical procedure? Doubt it.
@drummerboy54100 Churched can't FORCE you to do anything. It's government that compels by threat of force.
It's not just churches though. Do a little reading of what occurred before the force, fraud, and waste of the welfare state.
Start with de Tocqueville's "Democracy in America" (should be called Republic in America). He detailed all of the mutual-aid societies, fraternal org.'s, lodges, cooperatives, etc. that composed a voluntary welfare society. No force was used.
@drummerboy54100 Government has attempted to replace the natural functions of civil society with the force of the state. It is bankrupting us. It is full of fraud. It has spawned a corrupt political patronage system. It has created suspcion, resentment, and enmity. It has atomized society.
People resent the force. They can't control to whom their money goes and when. They know that fraud and waste are endemic.
It doesn't have to be this way. Our ancestors had great communities.
@joepeeler34 Lot of fraud, theft and waste. The military budget is completely out of control. All bad, sure. Social safety net is not a bad thing for our society. Seems hard to compare our modern world to that of our ancestors.Which great communities do you speak of? I don't think that society would be as civil as it is without government, foreign policy notwithstanding.
@joepeeler34 Look, I like the philosophy of non-aggression and I hear Stef saying that it starts with the raising of our children. That ship has sailed. If we colonize Mars or somewhere else that a truly fresh start could occur, such a system could be tried. Maybe my life experience of 56 years has lowered my opinion of my fellow man. I'm sure that I was more idealistic in my teens.I understand the safety net means you listed, just don't think that was enough in the hardest of times,
@drummerboy54100 Ok so you like the philosophy of non-aggression, but everything you've said is an excuse for aggression. You are not at all interested in whether the results of that aggression actually help the poor but you are keen for it to help you. You don't think the noncoercive means described would be enough in bad times, but give no indication you've given it the least thought or research. Then you pull out 54 years of life experience, as though it were a substiute for them.
@newperve You got it . Non aggression-nice philosophy, nice dream. Not realistic outside a classroom. I am the poor. I get a little help from friends, non-coercively. Not enough on its own to sustain me. No health care. My 56 years of life experience is a history of US from my perspective . I rely on that evidence heavily and reasonably.
@drummerboy54100 So now you're claiming that it's "Not realistic outside the classroom" but you are admitting you're not very educated, so how would you know? Oh yeah, your "56 years of experience" every one of those years in the welfare state. So you have over 5 decades of irrelevant experience. It's just a collection of anecdotes without the slightest bit of analysis of what they mean. You claim knowledge without thought and surprise, surprise that knowledge justifies you taking stuff.
@newperve You claiming it is realistic possibility? Ridiculous Not is this lifetime.Not in a hundred years.Why is my experience irrelevant? You are claiming knowledge of a better plan based on a philosophy. Your life experience is what.? What justifies me collecting ss disability is having paid in as required, and being legitimately disabled. It's not "taking stuff". .You're kind of a jerk and I am tired of people like you. Bet you take your ss benefits when time comes .
@drummerboy54100 I just explained why it's irrelevant, it's experience of entirely different situation. Naturally there is going to be a hell of a lot less charity recieving money from charity means you don't get money from the government. Your experience is irrelevant because you're an idiot who has absolutely no curiousity at all so you don't know what it means. I am basing my knowledge on historical fact. As for being a jerk you're the one who doesn't give a damn about anyone but yourself.
@drummerboy54100 I know you don't give a damn about the poor, the only group of people you claimed to care about. I know this because when I mentioned that SS was regressive (that is it transfers money from the poor to the rich) you didn't care. You didn't ask me about it and claimed I didn't say much of anything. You make no effort to find out what would help the poor yet you claim that you know what will and won't based on nothing your "experience" in your unthinking, uncompassionate life.
@newperve Wasn't familiar with term,regressive, and skipped over it. Then I admitted not knowing. Thanks for definition. I can't take your word on that, though. Doesn't mean I don't care about the poor. I am not going to list for you the deeds I've done and the people that I have helped. As for historical fact, ss has been serving people, helping people for longer than I have been alive. It has worked. You are still a jerk.
@drummerboy54100 Were you confused when I said it "took money from the poor and gave it to the middle class"? You didn't give a damn about it. You specifically said I "didn't say much of anything ." when I said it. You had absolutely no interest in whether or not what you supported helped or hurt the poor. You claimed it helped some but don't care who it hurt What you care about is that it can now serve you. You're the one justifying aggression while pretending not to and I'm the jerk?
@newperve I'm not pretending anything. How does ss hurt the poor? Or anyone ? Poor people and old people are helped by ss. How can you not see that? Non aggression principle sounds nice. Show me where it has worked.What country? Don't think we need any enforcement or regulation? Keep on dreaming.
@drummerboy54100 Wow, you're finally interested in that after what, half a dozen posts? It hurts poor people because they have to pay 1/8th of their income (1/7 if you add in medicare). They start paying this when they first get a job which they tend to do well before middle class people do and they stop when they die, generally well before middle class people. watch?v=uwG-5xCTGyI Anarcho-capitalism worked in Somalia, Saga Period Iceland, Medieval Ireland, colonial Pennsylvania.
@newperve I have undertaken the task of educating myself further. Thanks for the guidance. Have begun de Tocquervillss' Democracy in America. Have also taken an initial look at the Anarcho-capitalist systems you named.They appear to be short-lived, at first glance. I would like to get back to you in the future, and discuss my thoughts on these matters.As promising as some of what I've read already, since last night, it still seems an unfathomable prospect to implement in our country,
This is a great example how linguistics are used to distort the truth. A safety net ( known primarily from circus ) is a device to prevent harm IF the performer fails. The presumption is that the performer will succeed and that the safety net WILL NOT be needed. It is there "just in case".
@jeffiek I fully comprehend that, and never thought that I would need it. I fell into that just in case predicament. Had I not , I would have been happy to pay, as I always have, into the system that helps others in need.
@jeffiek The presumption that people can't succeed on their own forever is not unreasonable. We can't all be millionaires.Many will get sick or injured in their lifetime. Hell, it looks like most of us may die of cancer these days.Just because we live longer , but reasonably can't be expected to work till we die, at least people that do real labor as work, is justification for the provision of a safety net. Perfect? Of course not.
@drummerboy54100 Ok, good to see that, you're learning more. Quite frankly the way our back and forth was going I didn't see it becoming productive but I guess I was wrong. If you have more questions feel free to ask. And Saga Period iceland lasted 290 years, which is longer than the limited power state lasted in the USA so I don't think it's fair to say it didn't last long, speaking relatively.
@newperve I was referring to Somalia. Since the early 90s, correct.? We have three hundred million people, many like me, used to or brainwashed into thinking we've got a workable system. I'm not convinced that it is hopeless although the idea of non-violence is appealing to probably most everyone. Transformation seems like a daunting task. Not that that is any reason not to try. So what happened after 290 yrs? How, with the concentration of power, does the change occur?
@newperve I was referring to Somalia. Since the early 90s, correct.? We have three hundred million people, many like me, used to or brainwashed into thinking we've got a workable system. I'm not convinced that it is hopeless although the idea of non-violence is appealing to probably most everyone. Transformation seems like a daunting task. Not that that is any reason not to try. So what happened after 290 yrs? How, with the concentration of power, does the change occur?
@newperve I was referring to Somalia. Since the early 90s, correct.? We have three hundred million people, many like me, used to or brainwashed into thinking we've got a workable system. I'm not convinced that it is hopeless although the idea of non-violence is appealing to probably most everyone. Transformation seems like a daunting task. Not that that is any reason not to try. So what happened after 290 yrs? How, with the concentration of power, does the change occur?
@newperve I suppose that the total meltdown of the economy and social upheaval might pave the way. Time will tell. Can't really elect any anarchists to office, now can we? In the mean time, mustn't we work within the system, stop all other sources of waste and fraud, theft and corruption ? There is certainly plenty of that. A huge reduction in military spending and other nonsense would also aid in us realizing our true wealth and providing for the people. I welcome the day when real change come.
@newperve I suppose that the total meltdown of the economy and social upheaval might pave the way. Time will tell. Can't really elect any anarchists to office, now can we? In the mean time, mustn't we work within the system, stop all other sources of waste and fraud, theft and corruption ? There is certainly plenty of that. A huge reduction in military spending and other nonsense would also aid in us realizing our true wealth and providing for the people. I welcome the day when real change come.
@drummerboy54100 Read through Alexis de Tocqueville's "Democracy in America." That's a start. He details how civil society handled many of the things that the French government tried to plan in America. He explained how a welfare society works. No force had to be used.
The government is bankrupt partly because of the welfare state. It's an even bigger factor than the warfare state. Poverty is on the rise. Individuals and the government have more debt than they can ever repay. It's failing.
@drummerboy54100 The government's "social safety net" is a cliff with jagged rocks at the bottom. It is bankrupting us. It has resulted in too many social pathologies to count. It has atomized society. Why won't you acknowledge the force, waste, fraud, and unintended bad consequences of it?
A govt. should only respond the the initiation of force. I prefer to think of it as a Protectorate. One in which the codification and enforcement of natural law are its primary functions.
@drummerboy54100 Check out de Tocqueville's book "Democracy in America." Should have been called "Republic in America." In it he details how free markets and civil society function when a government primarily concerns itself with codifying and enforcing natural rights and common law.
Look up cooperatives, mutual-aid societies, fraternal organizations, etc. on the internet. There is a lot of material to access. You are older so you have become inured to a corrupt system.
@drummerboy54100 in a free society you wouldnt ever need to just scrape by. you would be as rich or poor as everybody else. you would have your own cow and chickens for eggs meat and milk, you would have your fruit and vegetables growing in your garden (if you were smart) there would be no need for me to pay for you to live out of my tax money. if cripples can jump out of planes and sail round the world then im sure that YOU can pick up an egg and rip the odd carrot out of the ground.
@DanReborn Where are all the apartment dwellers going to keep their cows and chickens? Sure I could pick up an egg and pluck a carrot. Where might I sleep? If I catch pneumonia, who might provide medication? So , if it is a workable system, how would a transition from our current system occur? Stef says the child rearing is paramount. How do we accomplish that universally? A single non-aggressive state seems to have small chance of survival in this world. An unrealistic dream, seems to me. Sad.
@DanReborn As a cripple, I could scavenge for the carrot still. Many are worse of than I. What about them? I'd like to see a free society in action. Know of any?
@drummerboy54100 and what about them? there will still be people in the community, friends or family that will help them. people are not heartless in a free society, people are still people. Id like to see free society in action also. The time is near, mark those words, the time is near
@DanReborn It is definitely time for a new experiment. Just don't see a way to implement that plan in this unsterile environment. Lots of people are heartless. You guys are dreaming like we did in the sixties. We thought world peace wasn't a ridiculous idea.
@drummerboy54100 IT is a difficult plan, i dont think it is even something that can be planned, i think its gonna just havee a case of try it and see. We have been brainwashed for so long, and have become so dependant on a wrong way of living and thinking, it will take generations to undo the damage. the whole infrastructure of our life has to be changed in order for this to work. things like supply of electricity will become a problem, but that doesnt matter, what matters isthat we are set free
@drummerboy54100 Of course it is theft. People lose sight of this because the government is the intermediary for the theft. The state doesn't usually have to draw guns to get the money. The mere threat of force is sufficient. Everyone is aware that all laws have the threat of government force behind them.
You should never have had money taken from you to pay for unemployment benefits to begin with.
You could always move in with family, beg, or rely on churches and charities.
@drummerboy54100 Technically, you would not be robbing anyone. The government is doing that.
You would be receiving stolen goods. Feel better?
It's a significant problem, even for those that don't need it. Keep stolen goods? That's not moral. Return them? To who? The thief? However you consider keeping the money, allowing the government (the thief) to keep it is certainly worse.
My suggestion is - take it. What you don't need to survive, donate to charity.
Happy belated birthday Stef. My Mum thinks you are a brain washing cult leader whereas I think you are one of the best people to come into my life : ) Where do I send the proceeds from the sale of my house and life savings?
At drummer boy.. Its survival of the fittest my friend, thats nature, nomatter how cruel it may seem. The social and economic freedom of the world is more important than the welfare of the odd cripple. Sorry to blunt mate.
@DanReborn So let's just let everyone who is sick, disabled, old and feeble die . Let's not care for our parents anymore. Just look out for # 1, right ? Birth defects? In the dumpster. Not worth the time. Right? I can only hope that you find yourself in the unexpected position of complete helplessness . See if you die with dignity then.
Your thoughts and ideas have helped spark an inevitable revolution in the minds of the rational and loving future generations. The future is in good hands because of your work. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
I watch and listen to your stuff all the time.That doesn't mean I agree with everything you say. I just had my 56th birthday Thursday. I am a disabled, single auto mechanic, who never got rich. I have no other skills and can barely walk anymore. Should I just kill myself now ? Or starve to death?
Good remark on the lack of sleep, I know the feeling.
theawesomebeliever 1 week ago
I am 50, sounds old but it's not for a late in life, healthy baby boomer. I expect to work and not have 'retirement'. 30 years ago they told us we would never receive SS. That did not stop them taking SS , Medicaid and Medicair from my check for those 30 years. In fact, that extraction increased, but my salary has not. Inflation steals a good portion. What about ending the wars instead of pretending SS is an 'entitlement' program? Govt has not rep'd my interests EVER Nor anyone I know. Opt out!
SonjaSmith 4 months ago
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qwerty94376 5 months ago
@stefbot There is only one certainty in life, i.e., everyone will grow old or die young. Who are the honorable elderly? Maybe they are the pollute-icians that we elect whom fill our young people with the notion that the old are useless and a burden to society. Let's hope we all get to a ripe old age. Do we want a society of well paid slaves that are cast away as soon as they hit the ripe old age? SS is saving lives and dignity. Anything we do for the Old we are in fact doing for ourselves!
u2me22 5 months ago
@u2me22 You seem a bit confused. SS is not "we". SS is a set of laws and regulations enforced under threat of violence by the government.
Is SS saving lives? Doubtful. SS is a transfer system, the money is never put to productive use. Today's retirees were PREVENTED from putting their earnings to productive use, making them poorer. Much like throwing someone overboard and then claiming you saved their life by throwing them a life preserver. Not something to brag about.
jeffiek 4 months ago in playlist More videos from stefbot
@jeffiek Please get you head outa the sand. Of course SS is saving lives. Am I a "bit" confused, NO. I'm guessing, with some certainty, that you don't have an ounce of compassion in your body. That You got it made and those poo folks that don't, well to bad. So what if they worked their ass to the bone during their life. They got a pay check right!! It's their problem, not mine. Jeffiek, just go look at yourself in the mirror.... and, oh, quit throwing kisses at yourself....
u2me22 4 months ago
@u2me22 And YOU can quit throwing people overboard.
Not too good at math are you? You only count this years benefit, never subtracting next years cost.
Nor do you subtract the damage done the workers. Those that have a job that is. Seen todays unemployment? Seen the falling wages?
And NO, they did not collect their paycheck, the collected part of it. The rest was taken by force. I said so the first time. YOU chose to ignore the reality of it.
YOU choose to sell your children, not me.
jeffiek 4 months ago
@jeffiek I don't throw people overboard, I rescue them. Since you are so concerned about people stealing your money, i assume you are down at the Occupy Wallstreat demonstrations voicing your concerns. I served in Viet Nam. I see the Gulf Wars. I see the "War" on terrorism. I see "our" men and resources going down the drain. And all Jeffiek can complain about is SS. Someday you will receive your SS check, whether you need it or not. Have a good day .... no need to respond.
u2me22 4 months ago
@u2me22 Yes, you do throw people overboard. You throw them over every time you support the state. Every time you vote. Every dollar you extract from them through violence.
I don't just bitch about SS. I bitch about ALL the theft and violence committed by government.
I have reality on my side. You have propaganda. I can show you the law that takes the people's money. AND GIVES some to WARREN BUFFET. I can show you what the government to do to anyone that tries to keep their own money.
jeffiek 4 months ago
@u2me22 I don't care if you served in 'nam. You were either FORCED to go, or suckered.
50,000 American soldiers DEAD, and many more Vietnamese. FOR NOTHING. And you can't see the evil bastards for what they are.
You support the thieves and then try to blame the victims. You're either ignorant of reality, or a fool.
I've given you the truth. Learn from it.
jeffiek 4 months ago
Happy Birthday!!!! better late then never! :-)
AndyviousTV 5 months ago
You have been a huge teacher for me. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!
rockstarofredondo 5 months ago
Does your government reflect your will Stef? Cause I know mine does not!
SonjaSmith 5 months ago
Sheesh , you always say that the old people here are stealing from the young. First of all, we have no SS opt out option, they just take the money out of your check, all their lives. If the government stole the money and gave ot to the banksters, but that was not the fault of the citizenry any more than the war on Libya. We have zero say in these matters.
SonjaSmith 5 months ago
@SonjaSmith Some of the honorable elderly have spoken out vociferously against Social Security, much to their credit. The vast majority have lectured the young about how the government reflects the will of the people. I merely take them at their word.
stefbot 5 months ago 6
Happy birthday, Stef! You've changed how I understand the world we live in more profoundly than anyone else. It was like waking from an extended dream (or nightmare perhaps). Thank you.
ahallock 5 months ago 5
@ahallock thank you so much, I am truly honored
stefbot 5 months ago
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Congratulations Stef. What you've done, is incredible and so important. To open people eyes up to philosophy, and how powerful it is.
Zerafinel 5 months ago
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Congratulations Stef. What you've done, is incredible and so important. To open people eyes up to philosophy, and how powerful it is.
Zerafinel 5 months ago
Congratulations Stef (one day late). What you've done, is incredible and so important. To open people eyes up to philosophy, and how powerful it is.
Zerafinel 5 months ago
Congratulations Stef (one day late). What you've done, is incredible and so important. To open people eyes up to philosophy, and how powerful it is.
Zerafinel 5 months ago
Thumbs up for princess Leia headphones
TheMetalHead102 5 months ago 2
DAMASCUS SYRIA–OLDEST CITY,NEVER BEEN DESTROYED(ISAIAH 17:1)ISRAEL DIVIDED(JOEL 4:1-4)JESUS SAID,HIS 2ND COMING,IF U SEE DMASCUS DSTROYED & SRAEL DVIDED.IF U THINK QUAKES R COMMON THN BELIEVE THESE 2 PROPHECIES,THESE R IN THE NEWS NOW.JOHN 12:25-26 ANYONE WHO LOVES THEIR LIFE WILL LOSE IT,WHLE ANYONE WHO HATES THEIR LIFE N THIS WORLD WILL KEEP IT FOR ETRNAL LIFE.26 WHOEVER SERVS ME MUST FOLLOW ME& WHRE I AM,MY SERVANT ALSO WILL BE.MY FATHER WILL HONOR THE ONE WHO SERVES ME.HELL IS REAL.REPENT!
TheENTERRAPTURE17 5 months ago
@TheENTERRAPTURE17 Trying to entice people to hear your case won't work too well if the basis for your rant is your own fear of hell, rather than a belief of and desire for heaven. Does the volume of your voice or the size of the letters you type add weight to the worth of your message, or does it simply mark you as an instant "ignore" for anyone who sees it? I think the latter. If you believe in the truth of your message, take measures to ensure you don't play to prejudices against you. Eh?
JaceJohanson 5 months ago
You guys are all so cognitive dissonant it's hilarious! You don't support personal property rights. You don't support volunteerism. You don't support freedom. You're just a bunch of assholes. Greedy, selfish, whining assholes. You need only think about what you believe for two seconds for the cognitive dissonance to surface. And you're all comfortable with that until someone shoves it in your face. Stefbot lives on someone else's land, and he bitches about rent. Amazing!
LeksServices 5 months ago
hey man how has your philosophy on life and politics changed compared to how you are now vs how you were when you were 21
alvisc2002 5 months ago
thank you Stéphane, from an other stephane... long life to you and your massages !!!
zanireskez 5 months ago
BTW, I was wondering, as a fellow Canadian, if you could comment on Canadian politics from time to time?
obtree 5 months ago
Happy birthday Stef!
obtree 5 months ago
The other problem is that the boomers, for all their wealth, behave so entitled. They like their personal assets, they like the current old age benefits, taking responsibility for public debt? Not so much.
grayandgray 5 months ago
But money is also a debt instrument. so what do i pay with?
neutrons1 5 months ago
I'm always happy to see you still motivated Stef. Your philosophy has made me examine my entire moral foundation, and i believe, has really made a deep impression in me. I've experienced alot of anti "State" media in my life, but i hadn't experienced anything articulated skillfully enough to make me realize how despicably influenced i was by government propaganda till i explored your podcasts
SleepDirtyJazzySet 5 months ago
@SleepDirtyJazzySet I had a great learning experience too. After listening to Stefan's youtube videos, I had the opportunity to practise my critical thinking skills, look at opposing views, and understand the difference between idealism and realism. I understand now why people often refer to anarchy as a teenage phase that nearly all people grow out of, and why no serious academic philosophers take anarchy seriously (indeed why Stefan wasn't accepted himself for a phd, leading him to youtube).
radscorpion8 5 months ago
@radscorpion8 You should check out dissenting views. Don't just believe everything Stefan says. Look at the forum "liberating minds", for one. Check out the posts of people who have been banned from his website freedomainradio. Examine the arguments from philosophy students who have, point by point, refuted his ideas. Question why it is, that no academics take anarchy seriously (how likely is it that its a conspiracy among every professor? Similar to 9/11 conspiracy theories) Good luck!
radscorpion8 5 months ago
Is it any different in Canada, where I live ... as do you?
Congratulations on your birthday ... I have learned lots, and I would have probably learned more if your videos were shorter. But I am a working lout, and not much given to thinking in philosophical terms ... I even thought philosophy was over in the 19th century, reduced to an academic waste of time, like theology.
BugsMr123 5 months ago
Sorry I missed your birthday Stef! Happy Birthday!
I want to add my comment to your motivation. You are the father I never had. Thank you.
gradiu3rox 5 months ago
How many of you yawned when he did :-)
bulldiggitydogg 5 months ago
WAKE THE HELL UP AMERICA! --- Join the Revolution
-
Read “Common Sense 3.1” at ( revolution2.osixs.org )
-
We don’t have to live like this anymore. "Spread the News"
FIGHT THE CAUSE - NOT THE SYMPTOM
MorpheusX001 5 months ago
goto 4:28 to skip over the extended birthday wishes thanksyous.
ericfontainejazz 5 months ago 2
Colloidal.
Anothercoilgun 5 months ago
One does not simply podcast from Mordor.
ninetales1234 5 months ago
Happy birthday stef. Number age is an illusion.
Anothercoilgun 5 months ago
Happy belated birthday stef. you've given me some fantastic ideas and theories to think about and have really helped when people fire a barrage of questions at me upon the notion i'd be so crazy as to dismiss the state. nice product placement at the end there btw ;)
Everythingreallyisok 5 months ago
happy belated b'day!
miamizsun 5 months ago
happy belated b'day!
miamizsun 5 months ago
happy bday stefan. Talk about the american jobs act for entertainment purpose :)
nisekicks81 5 months ago
Thanks for the video, Happy B'day and that meditation seems great!!
porkypine1888 5 months ago
I to am humbled Stef
and a (late but still) happy birthday to you! :)
frikodian 5 months ago
Happy belated birthday! Thank you for sharing your light with the world!
PeacelnValhalla 5 months ago
Stef,
Great desciption of SS. I tried explaining this in a similair way to my inlaws and they just wanted to blame Clinton for the problems. They struggle to see the bigger villian in the room through their red, white, and blue glasses.
timfmr 5 months ago
Comment removed
timfmr 5 months ago
Happy year.
MrStillmans 5 months ago
Happy belated birthday stef! The spiritual eyesight improves as the physical eyesight declines.
Thanks
hesh2 5 months ago
Stef - subscribe to Scooby (the body-building channel) and you'll maybe glean some insights on why he has millions of views on some of his videos - and all he is doing is talking in the camera as well.
grumpone 5 months ago
@grumpone, because people rather get buff then study philosophy?
OscarVega92 5 months ago
Well, if you want your videos to do better, learn how to write better (in line with mainstream news or popular events) titles and MUCH longer descriptions under the video. That is how people find the videos. Also "befriend" as many people with high subscriber numbers as you can and maybe some of the viewer-ship will subscribe to you too. I am not active on Youtube as my business is offline, but watch what others with high views do and emulate. As it is, you are preaching to the quire.
grumpone 5 months ago
if you ever feel bad about your view numbers, compare them to my channel, and you'll feel plenty better
AlexMerced 5 months ago
Happy birthday Stephen (a little late...:-). Thank you for the work you're doing to better humankind!!!
Itsik2 5 months ago 2
Happy birthday dearest stefan! Hope life is good my friend.
Don't let Justin Beiber's massive number of views discourage you!
SynesthesianDreamer 5 months ago 2
Holy crap. I never realized that yours and my birthday are the same. However, I am 9 years younger, but that doesn't matter. I've been following you for several years now and you are doing a great job. Oh, Happy Birthday as well.
chrisjstone1975 5 months ago
beard beard beard beard beard beard beard beard beard beard beard beard beard beard beard beard
akpiano27 5 months ago 2
@akpiano27
Mustache surely?
Mustache Mustache Mustache Mustache Mustache Mustache Mustache Mustache Mustache Mustache Mustache Mustache Mustache Mustache
theawecabinet 5 months ago
@akpiano27 please get to the point
stefbot 5 months ago 3
Hope you had a great birthday yesterday stef
dothackerkiko 5 months ago
Happy birthday smart man. Hey why don't you grow a Stash. that would be a unique look.
uzoma0024 5 months ago
lady gaga now that's funny! here's to your best year yet Stef.
hardeez1 5 months ago
Happy belated birthday. Keep up the good work.
god0fgod 5 months ago
reaching the half way point through life can be an altering way ,knowing now that we all should have payed more attention early in life ,i live each day trying to do my best to make a better life for my son and his future children and for all children to follow us . WE CAN WIN.
54wrench 5 months ago
Stef - you are bang on - It is a Ponzi scheme that is finished. The final nail will be the 10% inflation after 2013. Your 700 dollar cheque will buy you a loaf of bread and milk. The government will tell you that there is no inflation - just look at the "core inflation numbers folks" - more of the same. Central planning has NEVER worked in history over several generations - I would like someone to point to just one example of it working over 4 generations... one. There isn't any in my research
JimGraham1973 5 months ago
Comment removed
JimGraham1973 5 months ago
This is a test of the reality creation system
Evolutionary agents have developed this system to keep you informed
Should this be a nuclear emergency (not a fonzi scheme)
You would be advised to attune your probabilities to a Bio-survival circuit
This is only a Test Ommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Incincerely yours
55TheTom 5 months ago
If you want Lady Gaga numbers you just have to wear a hat made of tabacco pipes, some of them lit.
newperve 5 months ago
i forgot to say happy birthday so HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
COGKevin333 5 months ago
Happy Birthday from me too! :)
.
Sorry, I didn't know before but I'm just becoming more aware of you these days
Have a happy 90th too :D
LordHewing 5 months ago
you are welcome Stef. I hope you had a good time (despite your daughter getting sick, may she get well soon)
genghisdon1 5 months ago
Social security is theft period. It is sold as a savings for our old age. Are we all so irresponsible that we cannot save money without being forced to? As with everything, some will be responsible and some will not. Why must those of us who are responsible continually be made to bail out those who are not? Why can't I ever opt out of these social programs?
Democracy is two wolves and a sheep deciding what is for dinner. Sadly we the people are nothing more than the sheep.
learn54 5 months ago
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Hope your daughter gets well soon.
newperve 5 months ago
You look the same only with better lighting. Happy birthday... and many more.
DrDissent 5 months ago
how the hell did i watch this ? (yt had this in my watched videos but not in my history) fishy shit going on to say the least
Sprtwlkr108 5 months ago
The cool thing about the large headphones is the isolation - you can have your audio up nice and loud/clear without the mic picking it up. Stef, please consider the large headphones "blessed" by me, and feel free to keep using them :)
mattsamudio 5 months ago
I'm 45 too and didn't see it that way (45 more...) = Congratulaions
joggler66 5 months ago
Stef have you ever considered a lapel mic, that you can just rest on your collar, rather than a giant Star Wars 1970 style headset? :)
TimothyADonaghue 5 months ago
@TimothyADonaghue I like them. He looks like hes sitting on the flight deck of the philosophers stone.
DrDissent 5 months ago
@mistara31415 I'm just an old peacefreak from the sixties, liberal democrat hippie type. I thought that ss was a moral thing. That our society thoughtfully provided a safety net. I don't see a humane way around it. Especially in this dog eat dog world, the outright greed will ruin, not nurture civilization.
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 You say you thought it was a moral thing. Let me ask you, did you ever hear of Milton Friedman's statement that it took money from the poor and gave it to the middle class? But this is to be expected when you confuse "society" with "government". If society wanted to help the poor it would not need government guns to achieve it. The idea that it's a dog eat dog world is ridiculous, people help and give all the time.
newperve 5 months ago
@newperve Does society want to help the poor ? Do you ? What if you were poor, no family, suddenly disabled from whatever and a hundred grand in debt? Should society care , or put you in the gutter to die?
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 You're as much "society" as I am, you tell me. Do you want to help the poor? It's not hard if you do. So why are you asking questions that don't really matter? If you want to help the poor, help the poor. If you want me to help the poor, ask me. I note that you've pretty much ignored everything I had to say to ask about whether people should die in the gutter. Why? Are you afraid your concern for the poor can't stand up to rational examination?
newperve 5 months ago
@newperve I haven't ignored what you said.You didn't say much of anything . I believe my concern for the poor will stand up to rational exam. Society does want to help, and can do so better through organization than individually.
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 I didn't say much of anything? So the distinction between "society" and "government" isn't much of anything? Really? The fact that people give all the time is not " much of anything"? How about the point about Friedman and SS being regressive (and incidentally racist)? That's "not much of anything"? Where is your evidence that they can help better through organisation than individually and how does that imply it should be through government?
newperve 5 months ago
@newperve You quoted Friedman. Not much of anything. Distinction between society and gov. So I guess society doesn't want to help the poor. Only the government does. People giving willingly all the time. Must not be enough. SS has been helping a lot of people for a long time. It works for people who need it. You may never need it. Then again , you might. Bet you take it.
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 I quoted no one. You don't think it's much of anything that a program takes money from the poor and gives it to the rich? And yet you're presenting yourself as caring for the poor. You claim that people giving willngly "must not be enough" but isn't the existance of government welfare the very reason for that? If people didn't have more than 1/7th of their income to SS and medicare might they not contribute more? At 1/7th of your income I should hope it helps someone.
newperve 5 months ago
@newperve My understanding, from church members, is that10 percent or more is what churches suggest one give. Don't believe that it was intended to take from poor, give to rich. Most people would not save 1/7 of their income throughout their working life. I believe it is a good system, not perfect. Without it many more would live, and die in suffering poverty. We can and should make this system work. Look elsewhere to cut waste , corruption, fraud and theft.
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 Some churchs suggest that, it has no basis in the NT. You don't believe that it was "Intended" to take form the poor and give to the rich. Does that mean that you don't dispute or don't care if it actually does this? You say you believe in a good system but when I tell you it is regressive you don't even blink. You just make claims that people wouldn't save if there wasn't SS, which you don't back up at all. Of course they don't save if they are told SS will pay.
newperve 5 months ago
@newperve I do care if it actually does that. Didn't know that it did. Maybe some fixing is in order there.I am not particularly well educated and don't know what you mean by regressive, I admit.When I was young, I wasn't thinking about ss in my old age, but expecting to do great things, and "make it" .Quite sure that many approach life with high hopes and aspirations . Just doesn't usually work out for most of us.
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 If you cared if it actually does take from the poor to give to the middle class why didn't you ask about it? In fact you claimed I said "nothing much at all" in the message where I included that information. The problems you have aren't due to high hopes bad planning or planning based on knowing SS would look after you. You claim to care about the poor, what have you done that suggests that's true? Because your word is not good enough.
newperve 5 months ago
@newperve How does one save anything , or buy health insurance when living on minimum wage or even twice minimum wage. You are probably against the minimum wage, too. Right? Certainly the notion of a " living wage" is way out there. I don't think you relate to the masses. Must be pretty well off, or have a false sense of confidence in yourself. Never know what can happen in life.
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 I quoted no one. You don't think it's much of anything that a program takes money from the poor and gives it to the rich? And yet you're presenting yourself as caring for the poor. You claim that people giving willngly "must not be enough" but isn't the existance of government welfare the very reason for that? If people didn't have more than 1/7th of their income to SS and medicare might they not contribute more? At 1/7th of your income I should hope it helps someone.
newperve 5 months ago
best wishes!
galikazoid 5 months ago
Sennheiser are making some kinky stuff these days.
shaurz 5 months ago
Don't sweat the Lady Gaga stuff. 1) She doesn't move people intellectually, so she really doesn't matter in all buy a superficial way, and 2) there are teenage girls and boys who watch her videos 30 times a day taking the view count into the stratosphere.
joepeeler34 5 months ago
@mistara31415
Thanks for helping me to decide man- I've been delaying this decision for weeks now, but you've helped me to make this last step. I'm fed up with 'stealing' from good people like you because disability precludes me from work. I feel so much guilt & anguish it's unbearable, but now thankfully my mind is made up. A bottle of pills is going to be the last thing I ever steal from you. I apologize for my existence, I wish I'd been born more useful. Goodbye.
TheNooneofimportance 5 months ago
@TheNooneofimportance Is your disability hearing related?
evoke1988 5 months ago
@mistara31415 Are you saying that collecting ss disability is robbing people ? I can find no position in teaching auto mechanics. I specialized in automatic transmissions, and one school that I contacted had cancelled their a.t. course. I know one shouldn't rob people to live, but you are likely to see a lot of that if ss gets cut. Ever been hungry? Really, really hungry? You'd probably eat your own mother, and not in a nice way.
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 Of course it is theft. People lose sight of this because the government is the intermediary for the theft. The state doesn't usually have to draw guns to get the money. The mere threat of force is sufficient. Everyone is aware that all laws have the threat of government force behind them.
You should never have had money taken from you to pay for unemployment benefits to begin with.
You could always move in with family, beg, or rely on churches and charities.
joepeeler34 5 months ago
@joepeeler34 No family, begging is illegal where I live and I do not nor have I ever belonged to a church. Fact is, I worked for years, and did pay into that system. I, and certainly, most others would never have saved the few dollars deducted from their pay. Don't be too surprised if all your plans and dreams don't come true and you really need help.bad someday. If it is still there, and I hope it is, you will take yours too.
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@joepeeler34 No family, begging is illegal where I live and I do not nor have I ever belonged to a church. Fact is, I worked for years, and did pay into that system. I, and certainly, most others would never have saved the few dollars deducted from their pay. Don't be too surprised if all your plans and dreams don't come true and you really need help.bad someday. If it is still there, and I hope it is, you will take yours too.
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 Ah, yes, "payed into the system." You mean "had money confiscated by the state to be transferred to another."
The system shouldn't exist. Some people never go on unemployment. Many go on it numerous times. It would be far better if you simply saved for your own rainy day. It would be far easier to do if you were taxed less to support the force of the welfare state.
It's not "mine." It used to be a voluntary welfare society existed. It would again.
joepeeler34 5 months ago
@joepeeler34 ...simply save for your own rainy day. Tell that to the masses that barely scrape by. You must not be among us to say that. Glad you are doing so well.
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 Why are they barely scraping by? That is the question. We don't have sound money; we have an unconstitutional fiar currency monopoly.
The taxes are too high. People have no idea how much their real tax and regulatory costs are because much of the cost is embedded in the price.
Most people could take care of themselves if we had a free market.
Others could depend on family, charities, churches, mutual-aid societies, etc. Today, people think govt. will take care of it.
joepeeler34 5 months ago
@joepeeler34 You think that is the question? You think it is "their" fault? Churches, some anyway, expect a larger percent of your pay than the gov. took out for ss. Do they provide substantial ongoing assistance? Don't think so. The ss safety net would be a good system if not stolen from. Not the fault of ss. Will the church pay for an expensive medical procedure? Doubt it.
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 Churched can't FORCE you to do anything. It's government that compels by threat of force.
It's not just churches though. Do a little reading of what occurred before the force, fraud, and waste of the welfare state.
Start with de Tocqueville's "Democracy in America" (should be called Republic in America). He detailed all of the mutual-aid societies, fraternal org.'s, lodges, cooperatives, etc. that composed a voluntary welfare society. No force was used.
joepeeler34 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 Government has attempted to replace the natural functions of civil society with the force of the state. It is bankrupting us. It is full of fraud. It has spawned a corrupt political patronage system. It has created suspcion, resentment, and enmity. It has atomized society.
People resent the force. They can't control to whom their money goes and when. They know that fraud and waste are endemic.
It doesn't have to be this way. Our ancestors had great communities.
joepeeler34 5 months ago
@joepeeler34 Lot of fraud, theft and waste. The military budget is completely out of control. All bad, sure. Social safety net is not a bad thing for our society. Seems hard to compare our modern world to that of our ancestors.Which great communities do you speak of? I don't think that society would be as civil as it is without government, foreign policy notwithstanding.
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 You are correct Captain Non-Sequitor.
We were talking about the force, fraud, and waste of the welfare state. Remember?
Those things that I described WERE the so-called social safety net. What is so difficult to understand about that?
Why is your default position government force? Why do you have such a low opinion of your fellows that you think they must be prodded like cattle?
BTW, yes militarism is out of control, too. That's another discussion.
joepeeler34 5 months ago
@joepeeler34 Look, I like the philosophy of non-aggression and I hear Stef saying that it starts with the raising of our children. That ship has sailed. If we colonize Mars or somewhere else that a truly fresh start could occur, such a system could be tried. Maybe my life experience of 56 years has lowered my opinion of my fellow man. I'm sure that I was more idealistic in my teens.I understand the safety net means you listed, just don't think that was enough in the hardest of times,
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 Ok so you like the philosophy of non-aggression, but everything you've said is an excuse for aggression. You are not at all interested in whether the results of that aggression actually help the poor but you are keen for it to help you. You don't think the noncoercive means described would be enough in bad times, but give no indication you've given it the least thought or research. Then you pull out 54 years of life experience, as though it were a substiute for them.
newperve 5 months ago
@newperve You got it . Non aggression-nice philosophy, nice dream. Not realistic outside a classroom. I am the poor. I get a little help from friends, non-coercively. Not enough on its own to sustain me. No health care. My 56 years of life experience is a history of US from my perspective . I rely on that evidence heavily and reasonably.
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 So now you're claiming that it's "Not realistic outside the classroom" but you are admitting you're not very educated, so how would you know? Oh yeah, your "56 years of experience" every one of those years in the welfare state. So you have over 5 decades of irrelevant experience. It's just a collection of anecdotes without the slightest bit of analysis of what they mean. You claim knowledge without thought and surprise, surprise that knowledge justifies you taking stuff.
newperve 5 months ago
@newperve You claiming it is realistic possibility? Ridiculous Not is this lifetime.Not in a hundred years.Why is my experience irrelevant? You are claiming knowledge of a better plan based on a philosophy. Your life experience is what.? What justifies me collecting ss disability is having paid in as required, and being legitimately disabled. It's not "taking stuff". .You're kind of a jerk and I am tired of people like you. Bet you take your ss benefits when time comes .
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 I just explained why it's irrelevant, it's experience of entirely different situation. Naturally there is going to be a hell of a lot less charity recieving money from charity means you don't get money from the government. Your experience is irrelevant because you're an idiot who has absolutely no curiousity at all so you don't know what it means. I am basing my knowledge on historical fact. As for being a jerk you're the one who doesn't give a damn about anyone but yourself.
newperve 5 months ago
@newperve You can't possibly know what or who I give a damn about.Granted it ain't you, cocksucker.
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 I know you don't give a damn about the poor, the only group of people you claimed to care about. I know this because when I mentioned that SS was regressive (that is it transfers money from the poor to the rich) you didn't care. You didn't ask me about it and claimed I didn't say much of anything. You make no effort to find out what would help the poor yet you claim that you know what will and won't based on nothing your "experience" in your unthinking, uncompassionate life.
newperve 5 months ago
@newperve Wasn't familiar with term,regressive, and skipped over it. Then I admitted not knowing. Thanks for definition. I can't take your word on that, though. Doesn't mean I don't care about the poor. I am not going to list for you the deeds I've done and the people that I have helped. As for historical fact, ss has been serving people, helping people for longer than I have been alive. It has worked. You are still a jerk.
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 Were you confused when I said it "took money from the poor and gave it to the middle class"? You didn't give a damn about it. You specifically said I "didn't say much of anything ." when I said it. You had absolutely no interest in whether or not what you supported helped or hurt the poor. You claimed it helped some but don't care who it hurt What you care about is that it can now serve you. You're the one justifying aggression while pretending not to and I'm the jerk?
newperve 5 months ago
@newperve I'm not pretending anything. How does ss hurt the poor? Or anyone ? Poor people and old people are helped by ss. How can you not see that? Non aggression principle sounds nice. Show me where it has worked.What country? Don't think we need any enforcement or regulation? Keep on dreaming.
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 Wow, you're finally interested in that after what, half a dozen posts? It hurts poor people because they have to pay 1/8th of their income (1/7 if you add in medicare). They start paying this when they first get a job which they tend to do well before middle class people do and they stop when they die, generally well before middle class people. watch?v=uwG-5xCTGyI Anarcho-capitalism worked in Somalia, Saga Period Iceland, Medieval Ireland, colonial Pennsylvania.
newperve 5 months ago
@newperve I have undertaken the task of educating myself further. Thanks for the guidance. Have begun de Tocquervillss' Democracy in America. Have also taken an initial look at the Anarcho-capitalist systems you named.They appear to be short-lived, at first glance. I would like to get back to you in the future, and discuss my thoughts on these matters.As promising as some of what I've read already, since last night, it still seems an unfathomable prospect to implement in our country,
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 Re: the "social safety net"
This is a great example how linguistics are used to distort the truth. A safety net ( known primarily from circus ) is a device to prevent harm IF the performer fails. The presumption is that the performer will succeed and that the safety net WILL NOT be needed. It is there "just in case".
jeffiek 5 months ago
@jeffiek I fully comprehend that, and never thought that I would need it. I fell into that just in case predicament. Had I not , I would have been happy to pay, as I always have, into the system that helps others in need.
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 (cont)
How does this compare to "social safety net"? Horribly. It is a complete deception.
Most people actually use the social safety net, the presumption is that people can't succeed on there own.
Does it prevent harm? Possibly, but only AFTER you've used up all your own resources, until then you're on your own.
And does anyone count the harm caused to the people that pay for the "safety net"? No, it's just one-sided book-keeping. (a.k.a. fraud)
jeffiek 5 months ago
@jeffiek The presumption that people can't succeed on their own forever is not unreasonable. We can't all be millionaires.Many will get sick or injured in their lifetime. Hell, it looks like most of us may die of cancer these days.Just because we live longer , but reasonably can't be expected to work till we die, at least people that do real labor as work, is justification for the provision of a safety net. Perfect? Of course not.
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 "The presumption that people can't succeed on their own forever is not unreasonable."
Exactly. Which is why the "social safety" net IS NOT A SAFETY NET. A safety net is for when you CAN succeed, to be used rarely (if at all ).
It might be called welfare or whatever else you like. But to call it a safety net is just an attempt to distort your thinking.
jeffiek 5 months ago
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@drummerboy54100 "The presumption that people can't succeed on their own forever is not unreasonable."
Exactly. Which is why the "social safety" net IS NOT A SAFETY NET. A safety net is for when you CAN succeed, to be used rarely (if at all ).
It might be called welfare or whatever else you like. But to call it a safety net is just an attempt to distort your thinking.
jeffiek 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 Ok, good to see that, you're learning more. Quite frankly the way our back and forth was going I didn't see it becoming productive but I guess I was wrong. If you have more questions feel free to ask. And Saga Period iceland lasted 290 years, which is longer than the limited power state lasted in the USA so I don't think it's fair to say it didn't last long, speaking relatively.
newperve 5 months ago
@newperve I was referring to Somalia. Since the early 90s, correct.? We have three hundred million people, many like me, used to or brainwashed into thinking we've got a workable system. I'm not convinced that it is hopeless although the idea of non-violence is appealing to probably most everyone. Transformation seems like a daunting task. Not that that is any reason not to try. So what happened after 290 yrs? How, with the concentration of power, does the change occur?
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@newperve I was referring to Somalia. Since the early 90s, correct.? We have three hundred million people, many like me, used to or brainwashed into thinking we've got a workable system. I'm not convinced that it is hopeless although the idea of non-violence is appealing to probably most everyone. Transformation seems like a daunting task. Not that that is any reason not to try. So what happened after 290 yrs? How, with the concentration of power, does the change occur?
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
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@newperve I was referring to Somalia. Since the early 90s, correct.? We have three hundred million people, many like me, used to or brainwashed into thinking we've got a workable system. I'm not convinced that it is hopeless although the idea of non-violence is appealing to probably most everyone. Transformation seems like a daunting task. Not that that is any reason not to try. So what happened after 290 yrs? How, with the concentration of power, does the change occur?
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@newperve I suppose that the total meltdown of the economy and social upheaval might pave the way. Time will tell. Can't really elect any anarchists to office, now can we? In the mean time, mustn't we work within the system, stop all other sources of waste and fraud, theft and corruption ? There is certainly plenty of that. A huge reduction in military spending and other nonsense would also aid in us realizing our true wealth and providing for the people. I welcome the day when real change come.
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
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@newperve I suppose that the total meltdown of the economy and social upheaval might pave the way. Time will tell. Can't really elect any anarchists to office, now can we? In the mean time, mustn't we work within the system, stop all other sources of waste and fraud, theft and corruption ? There is certainly plenty of that. A huge reduction in military spending and other nonsense would also aid in us realizing our true wealth and providing for the people. I welcome the day when real change come.
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 Read through Alexis de Tocqueville's "Democracy in America." That's a start. He details how civil society handled many of the things that the French government tried to plan in America. He explained how a welfare society works. No force had to be used.
The government is bankrupt partly because of the welfare state. It's an even bigger factor than the warfare state. Poverty is on the rise. Individuals and the government have more debt than they can ever repay. It's failing.
joepeeler34 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 The government's "social safety net" is a cliff with jagged rocks at the bottom. It is bankrupting us. It has resulted in too many social pathologies to count. It has atomized society. Why won't you acknowledge the force, waste, fraud, and unintended bad consequences of it?
A govt. should only respond the the initiation of force. I prefer to think of it as a Protectorate. One in which the codification and enforcement of natural law are its primary functions.
joepeeler34 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 Check out de Tocqueville's book "Democracy in America." Should have been called "Republic in America." In it he details how free markets and civil society function when a government primarily concerns itself with codifying and enforcing natural rights and common law.
Look up cooperatives, mutual-aid societies, fraternal organizations, etc. on the internet. There is a lot of material to access. You are older so you have become inured to a corrupt system.
joepeeler34 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 in a free society you wouldnt ever need to just scrape by. you would be as rich or poor as everybody else. you would have your own cow and chickens for eggs meat and milk, you would have your fruit and vegetables growing in your garden (if you were smart) there would be no need for me to pay for you to live out of my tax money. if cripples can jump out of planes and sail round the world then im sure that YOU can pick up an egg and rip the odd carrot out of the ground.
DanReborn 5 months ago
@DanReborn Where are all the apartment dwellers going to keep their cows and chickens? Sure I could pick up an egg and pluck a carrot. Where might I sleep? If I catch pneumonia, who might provide medication? So , if it is a workable system, how would a transition from our current system occur? Stef says the child rearing is paramount. How do we accomplish that universally? A single non-aggressive state seems to have small chance of survival in this world. An unrealistic dream, seems to me. Sad.
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@DanReborn As a cripple, I could scavenge for the carrot still. Many are worse of than I. What about them? I'd like to see a free society in action. Know of any?
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 and what about them? there will still be people in the community, friends or family that will help them. people are not heartless in a free society, people are still people. Id like to see free society in action also. The time is near, mark those words, the time is near
DanReborn 5 months ago
@DanReborn It is definitely time for a new experiment. Just don't see a way to implement that plan in this unsterile environment. Lots of people are heartless. You guys are dreaming like we did in the sixties. We thought world peace wasn't a ridiculous idea.
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 IT is a difficult plan, i dont think it is even something that can be planned, i think its gonna just havee a case of try it and see. We have been brainwashed for so long, and have become so dependant on a wrong way of living and thinking, it will take generations to undo the damage. the whole infrastructure of our life has to be changed in order for this to work. things like supply of electricity will become a problem, but that doesnt matter, what matters isthat we are set free
DanReborn 5 months ago
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@drummerboy54100 Of course it is theft. People lose sight of this because the government is the intermediary for the theft. The state doesn't usually have to draw guns to get the money. The mere threat of force is sufficient. Everyone is aware that all laws have the threat of government force behind them.
You should never have had money taken from you to pay for unemployment benefits to begin with.
You could always move in with family, beg, or rely on churches and charities.
joepeeler34 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 Technically, you would not be robbing anyone. The government is doing that.
You would be receiving stolen goods. Feel better?
It's a significant problem, even for those that don't need it. Keep stolen goods? That's not moral. Return them? To who? The thief? However you consider keeping the money, allowing the government (the thief) to keep it is certainly worse.
My suggestion is - take it. What you don't need to survive, donate to charity.
jeffiek 5 months ago
Happy belated birthday Stef. My Mum thinks you are a brain washing cult leader whereas I think you are one of the best people to come into my life : ) Where do I send the proceeds from the sale of my house and life savings?
silverfoils 5 months ago
At drummer boy.. Its survival of the fittest my friend, thats nature, nomatter how cruel it may seem. The social and economic freedom of the world is more important than the welfare of the odd cripple. Sorry to blunt mate.
DanReborn 5 months ago
@DanReborn So let's just let everyone who is sick, disabled, old and feeble die . Let's not care for our parents anymore. Just look out for # 1, right ? Birth defects? In the dumpster. Not worth the time. Right? I can only hope that you find yourself in the unexpected position of complete helplessness . See if you die with dignity then.
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
you should probably get breast implants, then you would have a better chance at beating lady gaga <3!
Stabu 5 months ago
Happy birthday Stef!
Your thoughts and ideas have helped spark an inevitable revolution in the minds of the rational and loving future generations. The future is in good hands because of your work. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
HumanaeAdAstra 5 months ago
Well wishes coming from MORDOR??? Impossible!
kingbobnjoe 5 months ago
I million lady gagger fans are not even worth 1 stef fan. The truth will prevail. Happy birthday brother.
Peace, Truth & Love from the UK.
Mrbullydog66 5 months ago
I watch and listen to your stuff all the time.That doesn't mean I agree with everything you say. I just had my 56th birthday Thursday. I am a disabled, single auto mechanic, who never got rich. I have no other skills and can barely walk anymore. Should I just kill myself now ? Or starve to death?
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@drummerboy54100 Take the money.
It's not moral, but understandable. The situations is not hopeless, you can tell others the truth about the scam you've fallen prey to.
jeffiek 5 months ago
@jeffiek What truth about what scam that I've fallen prey to? What should I tell others?
drummerboy54100 5 months ago
@jeffiek SS.
That's what this thread is about. That and Stef's birthday.
jeffiek 5 months ago
Happy birthday, sorry its late best wishes.
Om mani padme mum.
thebigseahorse 5 months ago
@thebigseahorse Not understanding you. What is the truth about the scam I've fallen prey to?
drummer