Bill Maher recently referenced Eland's book when Jimmy Carter was a guest on Real Time. It was strange to hear the big government socialist and libertarian basher Maher, fawn all over the former President for the high score he achieved. I'll bet dollars to dogma that Maher won't praise those other chief executives who outranked Carter for their constitutional adherence, avoiding military intervention and minimally eroding personal liberties throughout their term in office.
@jeffersonianideal Why wouldn't Maher praise someone for avoiding miltiary intervention and minimally eroding personal liberties? If you actually watch his show, he was against the Iraq War and has been advocating pulling out of both wars. I wouldn't bet any money with that stance if I were you.
So it's not that strange. He's been defending Jimmy Carter as a president against both left and right on his show for some time now.
@jessc1979 Maher, like most of his collectivist cronies remains largely unprincipled in his political beliefs. I watch "Real Waste Of Time" hoping Maher will invite true libertarians on but he seldom does. He advocates only the personal liberties he believes in, such as marijuana legalization. Those liberties others want to enjoy be damned, including the free enterprise, property rights and second amendment freedoms. Statest Maher has always had a problem living up to his own dreams.
@jeffersonianideal 1st of all, in principle, everybody advocates the liberties they believe in. If you meant 'believed in' to mean 'enjoy' then you're wrong too because Maher has been a big advocate for gay rights. He's also against the Patriot Act and, unlike Ron Paul, is pro-choice.
And just because he advocates a bit of socialism and gun control, it doesn't mean he's against the things you mentioned. He's said that he owns a gun and he lives in B. Hills and wouldn't deny others that right.
@jessc1979 Libertarians not only support the rights they believe in but they also defend the rights of others they may not necessarily agree with as ethical constitutionalists. They will defend another person’s liberties even as that person votes to take theirs away. Maher supports the force of a big central government to be used as an instrument of plunder. I hardly call that "a bit of socialism".
@jeffersonianideal Well, give an example. Higher taxes? Bigger departments?
I wouldn't describe Maher as a small-government advocate but he's constantly harping about shrinking the Pentagon, pulling out of wars they don't need in, shutting down the National Arts Endowment thing, partially privatizing S. Security, etc, ending the drug war.
Of course, he's for fighting global warming and raising taxes on the right, but an 'instrument of plunder'? Hardly, u're coming off hysterical, I hav 2 say.
@jessc1979 Do you have any notion of what the primary role of government is according to the United States Constitution? If not, you are in good company with Bill Maher. Go to the archives and let his words be the best evidence. Maher once said socialized medicine in America should be run like the United States Postal Service. I have heard him sing the praises of government on his show, especially since November of 2008.
@jeffersonianideal I may not be the constitutional scholar you are, but Ivan Eland is, and he himself said that although there is no right to privacy in the constitution, it is the federal govt's role to protect people, including protecting legislation regarding a women's uterus.
Again, I am not saying that Maher is a libertarian like Ron Paul, so I won't argue w/ u on that point. But he's not someone who *just* advocates the liberties he enjoys. Yes, he does praise some govt functions.
@jessc1979 The clear proof of Maher’s beliefs on 2nd Amendment freedoms can easily be found in the Real Time archives along with every other recent diatribe in support of Obama, collectivism and statist authoritarianism. It is a far cry from when Maher uttered, “Ron Paul, he is my new hero.” Except of course for marijuana legalization, his own personal sacred cow. If one admires Maher for his ties to democrat socialism, that is an individual’s choice to do so.
@jeffersonianideal As I said before, it's not just marijuana (or porn for that matter). It's also gay marriage, gun rights (I think I've seen every episode of Real Time). He may not be a member of GOA, but he supports the Brady Bill but wouldn't be for all out gun removal.
@jessc1979 Of course it about more than the issues you mentioned. But it is also about every issue, every personal liberty, every government expansion into the personal lives of its citizens. It does not matter what the individual freedom is. But whenever anything associated with personal liberties is turned over to the government, it instantaneously becomes a political issue to be decided by those with the most political power and influence. That will not be you and it will not be me.
@jeffersonianideal Also, there's nothing contradictory (or far cry) about calling someone your hero even if you disagree with what him. I consider Ron Paul a bit of a hero of mine even though I also disagree with a lot of what he says. I respect him because he cares about people, is a 3rd party supporter, is consistent and a genuinely good person. Ron Paul said that he got a lot of people from the left join his campaign.
There is nothing weird about calling someone you disagree with your hero!!
@jessc1979 To somehow link Maher with the virtues of libertarian logic and reason is both erroneous as well as libelous to libertarians and their beliefs and principles. Maher is no more an example of a steadfast libertarianism as a leftist than Glenn Beck is as a neonconservative. However, I do admire Maher for his incessant and courageous outspokenness about institutionalized religion.
@jeffersonianideal *I'm* not linking Maher with liberatarian logic and virtues. If you were referring to other people doing that, I will disagree with them. In fact, I never bought Maher's claim that he was a libertarian which is why I'm glad he doesn't call himself that anymore.
So it's true that he's not a true libertarian. Also keep in mind, that he was praising Carter for Peace. He didn't really praise him for 'small government'. So it isn't that strange. If he did, then I would agree w/ u.
@jessc1979 Government is force, pure and simple. It is this inherent characteristic of government that makes any government expansion and intervention at the expense of individual liberties so inevitably dangerous. You can choose not to do business with a particular store or corporation. Try disobeying a government edict and see how far you get. By a barrel of a gun, government will insist that you adhere to their draconian laws and regulations. No individual and no business has that power.
@jeffersonianideal But you can have socialist views and not be inevitably dangerous to personal liberties, like some of Maher's views. I don't think single-payer healthcare fits that description for example.
@jessc1979 We can all have socialist views, thoughts, hopes and desires. This in itself do nothing to curtail individual liberties. It is when these mere wishes become actual legislation that the trouble begins. Maher once said he didn't believe anyone should eat meat. I happen to agree with him. He went on to say that his take on meat eating was only his opinion and he would never attempt to pass a law against it. That is what libertarianism is all about. Persuasion instead of force.
@jessc1979 Single-payer healthcare, as it is called is a euphemism. Who is the "single-payer" in this case? Turns out it's the government. The government of course does not have any money except what it confiscates. So the "single-payer" turns out the be the worker, the wage earner, the entrepreneur, the small-business owner, the middle class, the tax payer. A bit of socialism here; a little collectivism there; some corporatism thrown in for good measure and soon you have real despotism.
@jessc1979 Though I am a pro-choice libertarian, I accept Dr. Paul’s view that government should not be involved at all with the abortion issue. Maher, the elitist, limousine liberal is often caught instructing America to do as he says not as he does. He has criticized others for owning multiple dwellings but has no qualms about purchasing a $125,000 automobile. Cherry picking his social and economic issues does not make him a reasonable centrist, it makes him a political hypocrite.
@jeffersonianideal Paul doesn't just thinkt hat govt should not be involved w/ abortion, he also supports an ammendment *banning* abortion. Hardly a defense of another person's liberties.
What $125,000 are you talking about? His electric car? That's for the purpose of helping the environment, not a luxury. Hardly a valid comparison to owning multiple dwellings (which I haven't heard him complain about but I could be wrong).
@jessc1979 Show me the proposed legislation! Ron Paul supports no such amendment to the Constitution. Ron Paul believes that the Federal Government should stay completely out of the abortion issue. Pro-choice libertarian such as myself realizes that the abortion question is a complex one, taking into account Constitutional rights, life and liberty. In reference to Maher's car, he has every right to spend his own money but don't attempt to convince anyone he spent it in the name of altruism.
@jeffersonianideal Looks like you're right about the legislation. HR 776 is not a Constitutional amendment. However, it is still a violation of civil liberties by hiding it behind the 'leave it to the states' excuse. If we left 'free speech' and 'gun ownership' to the states, wouldn't that result in violations of civil liberties as well?
If Paul was consistent, he would take PJ O'Rourke's position: "I think abortion is evil but it doesn't rise to the level of the law."
@jessc1979 There is a good reason why Ron Paul has been nicknamed, "Dr. No" by both friend and foe. Because his commitment to reducing the size and scope of government remains consistent. To libertarians, their personal beliefs are outweighed by the principles set forth in the constitution. Paul is completely in line with O"Rourke in this case. "Congress shall make no law." As far as States Rights, you and I agree. The States are just as corrupt, incompetent and totalitarian as the Fed is.
@jeffersonianideal Correct me if I'm wrong (and I don't have any problem w/ admitting if I made a mistake), but the difference between Paul and O'Rourke is that Paul would be fine (and maybe even prefer) that states outlaw abortion (I think HR 776 allows this). O'Rourke would not be fine with that.
I personally view protecting abortion rights as one of the fed govt roles so leaving it to the states is not consistent. But I'll get off Paul since the orig disc was about maher & carter.
@jessc1979 I agree that turning the abortion matter over to the States may mean that some States will regulate abortion adversely. Some will ban it altogether. Others will make exceptions for rape or incest or the life of the mother. Still others will always permit abortions up until the first trimester. It is disconcerting, yes. But no one will need to travel to Europe to have an abortion, only perhaps to another State. Technological advancements in medicine will also change things,
@jeffersonianideal And why can't I attempt to convince you that Maher spent his money based on altruism? Are you saying you're not open to arguments?
The issue is not whether he has the right to spend his money. The issue is whether he spent it for a good reason. He bought an electric car, not a hummer or a limo. Big difference don't you think? Why isn't that altruistic?
If there was a good electric car for $20k, you telling me he wouldn't buy that one instead?
@jessc1979 The reason you have failed to convince me that Maher spent his money out of the goodness of his heart and in an attempt to do something praiseworthy to "help" the environment is that he could have purchased a more practical electric car for less than half the price. The Tesla will take many years before its lofty price will be recouped and its "green" factor is offset. To say nothing of the replacement battery packs. Does Maher still use limos? Does he still fly on private jets?
@jeffersonianideal Well, I can say the same thing to you. You've also failed to convince me because you haven't shown me that his purchase was purely luxurious. I don't know what e-car is 1/2 priced, which is it?
Also, ur argument that the tesla takes years to recoup is an argument in my favor. It shows that he's willing to lose money, he didn't buy it to make money.
Let's say he uses limos and privates jets, that's a far cry from buying multiple multiple dwellings, no?
@jessc1979 It's not a far cry if you are making such a fuss about pollution and carbon footprints. We're starting to pick the gnat shit out of pepper here. The main crux is that Maher is marvelous at telling other people how to live their lives, especially those he disagrees with. Meanwhile, no one better dictate to Maher what he can do with his money or his body or about his lifestyle. There is something intrinsically hypocritical in his "do as I say and not as I do" approach to tolerance.
@jessc1979 Maher For about $40,000 he could have purchased a Chevy Volt. For about $26,000 he could have purchased a Nissan Leaf. Also, the imperialist Federal Government forced the taxpayers to subsidize part of Maher's purchase. Maher may have thought "what a good boy am I" going "green" but there is little doubt that the Tesla was a way for him and his girlfriend to look cool. Nothing wrong with that. His money, his inherent right of course. Just allow others their own personal choice.
@jeffersonianideal First of, let's talk about whether it's his right. The discussion is whether buying such a car makes him a hypocrit because he criticizes ppl who buy multiple homes (I've never heard him say that btw).
How do you know he didn't choose to buy the Tesla because he thought it was worth the price? And aren't the Leaf and Volt only just going on sale whereas the Tesla has been available since July? How do u know he wouldn't have purchased it anyway even w/o govt subsidies?
@jessc1979 The person Maher took to task for owning multiple dwellings was Senator John McCain. He said it on "Real Time" prior to the 2008 Presidential elections. I am no McCain fan by any stretch but Maher's diatribe was about personal extravagances. It would not matter if McCain owned eight house or eight cars or eight polo ponies. The point is if Maher wanted to purchase eight Teslas, who cares? So long as it is his money. Maher spends and he should therefore let others spend.
@jeffersonianideal The fact that he paid that much money when he could've gotten a gas guzzler for much less is *exactly* why it's altruistic and should be admired.
@jessc1979 If Maher is such an admirer of Jimmy Carter for his alleged libertarian virtues, let him show some consistency by also supporting those Presidents who outranked Carter in Eland’s book.
@jeffersonianideal It's true, aside from George Washington, he hasn't talked about the other 6, but he hasn't exactly criticized them either. And in all the videos of Ron Paul's that I've seen (I don't admit to seeing all of them), I haven't heard him talk about those other president's either except for George Washington and Grover Cleveland.
@Yayoballer I read about the first 20 of the presidents in the books. It isn't crazy at all. What he is, is consistent. I may not agree with everything he says, for example, he doesn't seem to recognize that NAFTA and CAFTA are not *real* free trade agreements.
One of the problems with other rankings is that charisma plays too much of a factor, which is why conservatives forget that Reagan was a big interventionist and doubled the size of government because they can't look past his personality.
Glad he mentioned July 2nd...anyone who reads early american historical work will often come across this infamous day that John Adams thought would become a day of much pomp and circumstance
Here's what I understood from wikipedia (which I know isn't necessarily the most accurate):
* July 2 – US Declaration of Independence is written. The Continental Congress passes the Lee Resolution.
* July 4 – US officially declares independence from the British Empire.
So something did happen on July 4, no?
As for Gustave Whitehead, isn't the reason for his omission due to lack of witnesses and his inability to repeat his flight?
jessc1979 1 year ago
Bill Maher recently referenced Eland's book when Jimmy Carter was a guest on Real Time. It was strange to hear the big government socialist and libertarian basher Maher, fawn all over the former President for the high score he achieved. I'll bet dollars to dogma that Maher won't praise those other chief executives who outranked Carter for their constitutional adherence, avoiding military intervention and minimally eroding personal liberties throughout their term in office.
jeffersonianideal 1 year ago
@jeffersonianideal Why wouldn't Maher praise someone for avoiding miltiary intervention and minimally eroding personal liberties? If you actually watch his show, he was against the Iraq War and has been advocating pulling out of both wars. I wouldn't bet any money with that stance if I were you.
So it's not that strange. He's been defending Jimmy Carter as a president against both left and right on his show for some time now.
jessc1979 1 year ago
@jessc1979 Maher, like most of his collectivist cronies remains largely unprincipled in his political beliefs. I watch "Real Waste Of Time" hoping Maher will invite true libertarians on but he seldom does. He advocates only the personal liberties he believes in, such as marijuana legalization. Those liberties others want to enjoy be damned, including the free enterprise, property rights and second amendment freedoms. Statest Maher has always had a problem living up to his own dreams.
jeffersonianideal 1 year ago
@jeffersonianideal 1st of all, in principle, everybody advocates the liberties they believe in. If you meant 'believed in' to mean 'enjoy' then you're wrong too because Maher has been a big advocate for gay rights. He's also against the Patriot Act and, unlike Ron Paul, is pro-choice.
And just because he advocates a bit of socialism and gun control, it doesn't mean he's against the things you mentioned. He's said that he owns a gun and he lives in B. Hills and wouldn't deny others that right.
jessc1979 1 year ago
@jessc1979 Libertarians not only support the rights they believe in but they also defend the rights of others they may not necessarily agree with as ethical constitutionalists. They will defend another person’s liberties even as that person votes to take theirs away. Maher supports the force of a big central government to be used as an instrument of plunder. I hardly call that "a bit of socialism".
jeffersonianideal 1 year ago
@jeffersonianideal Well, give an example. Higher taxes? Bigger departments?
I wouldn't describe Maher as a small-government advocate but he's constantly harping about shrinking the Pentagon, pulling out of wars they don't need in, shutting down the National Arts Endowment thing, partially privatizing S. Security, etc, ending the drug war.
Of course, he's for fighting global warming and raising taxes on the right, but an 'instrument of plunder'? Hardly, u're coming off hysterical, I hav 2 say.
jessc1979 1 year ago
@jessc1979 Do you have any notion of what the primary role of government is according to the United States Constitution? If not, you are in good company with Bill Maher. Go to the archives and let his words be the best evidence. Maher once said socialized medicine in America should be run like the United States Postal Service. I have heard him sing the praises of government on his show, especially since November of 2008.
jeffersonianideal 1 year ago
Comment removed
jessc1979 1 year ago
@jeffersonianideal I may not be the constitutional scholar you are, but Ivan Eland is, and he himself said that although there is no right to privacy in the constitution, it is the federal govt's role to protect people, including protecting legislation regarding a women's uterus.
Again, I am not saying that Maher is a libertarian like Ron Paul, so I won't argue w/ u on that point. But he's not someone who *just* advocates the liberties he enjoys. Yes, he does praise some govt functions.
jessc1979 1 year ago
@jessc1979 The clear proof of Maher’s beliefs on 2nd Amendment freedoms can easily be found in the Real Time archives along with every other recent diatribe in support of Obama, collectivism and statist authoritarianism. It is a far cry from when Maher uttered, “Ron Paul, he is my new hero.” Except of course for marijuana legalization, his own personal sacred cow. If one admires Maher for his ties to democrat socialism, that is an individual’s choice to do so.
jeffersonianideal 1 year ago
@jeffersonianideal As I said before, it's not just marijuana (or porn for that matter). It's also gay marriage, gun rights (I think I've seen every episode of Real Time). He may not be a member of GOA, but he supports the Brady Bill but wouldn't be for all out gun removal.
jessc1979 1 year ago
@jessc1979 Of course it about more than the issues you mentioned. But it is also about every issue, every personal liberty, every government expansion into the personal lives of its citizens. It does not matter what the individual freedom is. But whenever anything associated with personal liberties is turned over to the government, it instantaneously becomes a political issue to be decided by those with the most political power and influence. That will not be you and it will not be me.
jeffersonianideal 1 year ago
Comment removed
jessc1979 1 year ago
@jeffersonianideal Also, there's nothing contradictory (or far cry) about calling someone your hero even if you disagree with what him. I consider Ron Paul a bit of a hero of mine even though I also disagree with a lot of what he says. I respect him because he cares about people, is a 3rd party supporter, is consistent and a genuinely good person. Ron Paul said that he got a lot of people from the left join his campaign.
There is nothing weird about calling someone you disagree with your hero!!
jessc1979 1 year ago
@jessc1979 To somehow link Maher with the virtues of libertarian logic and reason is both erroneous as well as libelous to libertarians and their beliefs and principles. Maher is no more an example of a steadfast libertarianism as a leftist than Glenn Beck is as a neonconservative. However, I do admire Maher for his incessant and courageous outspokenness about institutionalized religion.
jeffersonianideal 1 year ago
@jeffersonianideal *I'm* not linking Maher with liberatarian logic and virtues. If you were referring to other people doing that, I will disagree with them. In fact, I never bought Maher's claim that he was a libertarian which is why I'm glad he doesn't call himself that anymore.
So it's true that he's not a true libertarian. Also keep in mind, that he was praising Carter for Peace. He didn't really praise him for 'small government'. So it isn't that strange. If he did, then I would agree w/ u.
jessc1979 1 year ago
@jessc1979 Government is force, pure and simple. It is this inherent characteristic of government that makes any government expansion and intervention at the expense of individual liberties so inevitably dangerous. You can choose not to do business with a particular store or corporation. Try disobeying a government edict and see how far you get. By a barrel of a gun, government will insist that you adhere to their draconian laws and regulations. No individual and no business has that power.
jeffersonianideal 1 year ago
@jeffersonianideal But you can have socialist views and not be inevitably dangerous to personal liberties, like some of Maher's views. I don't think single-payer healthcare fits that description for example.
jessc1979 1 year ago
@jessc1979 We can all have socialist views, thoughts, hopes and desires. This in itself do nothing to curtail individual liberties. It is when these mere wishes become actual legislation that the trouble begins. Maher once said he didn't believe anyone should eat meat. I happen to agree with him. He went on to say that his take on meat eating was only his opinion and he would never attempt to pass a law against it. That is what libertarianism is all about. Persuasion instead of force.
jeffersonianideal 1 year ago
@jessc1979 Single-payer healthcare, as it is called is a euphemism. Who is the "single-payer" in this case? Turns out it's the government. The government of course does not have any money except what it confiscates. So the "single-payer" turns out the be the worker, the wage earner, the entrepreneur, the small-business owner, the middle class, the tax payer. A bit of socialism here; a little collectivism there; some corporatism thrown in for good measure and soon you have real despotism.
jeffersonianideal 1 year ago
@jessc1979 Though I am a pro-choice libertarian, I accept Dr. Paul’s view that government should not be involved at all with the abortion issue. Maher, the elitist, limousine liberal is often caught instructing America to do as he says not as he does. He has criticized others for owning multiple dwellings but has no qualms about purchasing a $125,000 automobile. Cherry picking his social and economic issues does not make him a reasonable centrist, it makes him a political hypocrite.
jeffersonianideal 1 year ago
@jeffersonianideal Paul doesn't just thinkt hat govt should not be involved w/ abortion, he also supports an ammendment *banning* abortion. Hardly a defense of another person's liberties.
What $125,000 are you talking about? His electric car? That's for the purpose of helping the environment, not a luxury. Hardly a valid comparison to owning multiple dwellings (which I haven't heard him complain about but I could be wrong).
jessc1979 1 year ago
@jessc1979 Show me the proposed legislation! Ron Paul supports no such amendment to the Constitution. Ron Paul believes that the Federal Government should stay completely out of the abortion issue. Pro-choice libertarian such as myself realizes that the abortion question is a complex one, taking into account Constitutional rights, life and liberty. In reference to Maher's car, he has every right to spend his own money but don't attempt to convince anyone he spent it in the name of altruism.
jeffersonianideal 1 year ago
@jeffersonianideal Looks like you're right about the legislation. HR 776 is not a Constitutional amendment. However, it is still a violation of civil liberties by hiding it behind the 'leave it to the states' excuse. If we left 'free speech' and 'gun ownership' to the states, wouldn't that result in violations of civil liberties as well?
If Paul was consistent, he would take PJ O'Rourke's position: "I think abortion is evil but it doesn't rise to the level of the law."
jessc1979 1 year ago
@jessc1979 There is a good reason why Ron Paul has been nicknamed, "Dr. No" by both friend and foe. Because his commitment to reducing the size and scope of government remains consistent. To libertarians, their personal beliefs are outweighed by the principles set forth in the constitution. Paul is completely in line with O"Rourke in this case. "Congress shall make no law." As far as States Rights, you and I agree. The States are just as corrupt, incompetent and totalitarian as the Fed is.
jeffersonianideal 1 year ago
@jeffersonianideal Correct me if I'm wrong (and I don't have any problem w/ admitting if I made a mistake), but the difference between Paul and O'Rourke is that Paul would be fine (and maybe even prefer) that states outlaw abortion (I think HR 776 allows this). O'Rourke would not be fine with that.
I personally view protecting abortion rights as one of the fed govt roles so leaving it to the states is not consistent. But I'll get off Paul since the orig disc was about maher & carter.
jessc1979 1 year ago
@jessc1979 I agree that turning the abortion matter over to the States may mean that some States will regulate abortion adversely. Some will ban it altogether. Others will make exceptions for rape or incest or the life of the mother. Still others will always permit abortions up until the first trimester. It is disconcerting, yes. But no one will need to travel to Europe to have an abortion, only perhaps to another State. Technological advancements in medicine will also change things,
jeffersonianideal 1 year ago
@jeffersonianideal And why can't I attempt to convince you that Maher spent his money based on altruism? Are you saying you're not open to arguments?
The issue is not whether he has the right to spend his money. The issue is whether he spent it for a good reason. He bought an electric car, not a hummer or a limo. Big difference don't you think? Why isn't that altruistic?
If there was a good electric car for $20k, you telling me he wouldn't buy that one instead?
jessc1979 1 year ago
@jessc1979 The reason you have failed to convince me that Maher spent his money out of the goodness of his heart and in an attempt to do something praiseworthy to "help" the environment is that he could have purchased a more practical electric car for less than half the price. The Tesla will take many years before its lofty price will be recouped and its "green" factor is offset. To say nothing of the replacement battery packs. Does Maher still use limos? Does he still fly on private jets?
jeffersonianideal 1 year ago
@jeffersonianideal Well, I can say the same thing to you. You've also failed to convince me because you haven't shown me that his purchase was purely luxurious. I don't know what e-car is 1/2 priced, which is it?
Also, ur argument that the tesla takes years to recoup is an argument in my favor. It shows that he's willing to lose money, he didn't buy it to make money.
Let's say he uses limos and privates jets, that's a far cry from buying multiple multiple dwellings, no?
jessc1979 1 year ago
@jessc1979 It's not a far cry if you are making such a fuss about pollution and carbon footprints. We're starting to pick the gnat shit out of pepper here. The main crux is that Maher is marvelous at telling other people how to live their lives, especially those he disagrees with. Meanwhile, no one better dictate to Maher what he can do with his money or his body or about his lifestyle. There is something intrinsically hypocritical in his "do as I say and not as I do" approach to tolerance.
jeffersonianideal 1 year ago
@jessc1979 Maher For about $40,000 he could have purchased a Chevy Volt. For about $26,000 he could have purchased a Nissan Leaf. Also, the imperialist Federal Government forced the taxpayers to subsidize part of Maher's purchase. Maher may have thought "what a good boy am I" going "green" but there is little doubt that the Tesla was a way for him and his girlfriend to look cool. Nothing wrong with that. His money, his inherent right of course. Just allow others their own personal choice.
jeffersonianideal 1 year ago
@jeffersonianideal First of, let's talk about whether it's his right. The discussion is whether buying such a car makes him a hypocrit because he criticizes ppl who buy multiple homes (I've never heard him say that btw).
How do you know he didn't choose to buy the Tesla because he thought it was worth the price? And aren't the Leaf and Volt only just going on sale whereas the Tesla has been available since July? How do u know he wouldn't have purchased it anyway even w/o govt subsidies?
jessc1979 1 year ago
@jessc1979 The person Maher took to task for owning multiple dwellings was Senator John McCain. He said it on "Real Time" prior to the 2008 Presidential elections. I am no McCain fan by any stretch but Maher's diatribe was about personal extravagances. It would not matter if McCain owned eight house or eight cars or eight polo ponies. The point is if Maher wanted to purchase eight Teslas, who cares? So long as it is his money. Maher spends and he should therefore let others spend.
jeffersonianideal 1 year ago
@jeffersonianideal The fact that he paid that much money when he could've gotten a gas guzzler for much less is *exactly* why it's altruistic and should be admired.
jessc1979 1 year ago
@jessc1979 If Maher is such an admirer of Jimmy Carter for his alleged libertarian virtues, let him show some consistency by also supporting those Presidents who outranked Carter in Eland’s book.
jeffersonianideal 1 year ago
@jeffersonianideal It's true, aside from George Washington, he hasn't talked about the other 6, but he hasn't exactly criticized them either. And in all the videos of Ron Paul's that I've seen (I don't admit to seeing all of them), I haven't heard him talk about those other president's either except for George Washington and Grover Cleveland.
jessc1979 1 year ago
isn't it crazy that carter was ranked 8th and Reagan was ranked 34th.
Yayoballer 1 year ago
@Yayoballer I read about the first 20 of the presidents in the books. It isn't crazy at all. What he is, is consistent. I may not agree with everything he says, for example, he doesn't seem to recognize that NAFTA and CAFTA are not *real* free trade agreements.
One of the problems with other rankings is that charisma plays too much of a factor, which is why conservatives forget that Reagan was a big interventionist and doubled the size of government because they can't look past his personality.
jessc1979 1 year ago
Wish he would have used some actual examples from his book.
ugafan4life24 2 years ago
Glad he mentioned July 2nd...anyone who reads early american historical work will often come across this infamous day that John Adams thought would become a day of much pomp and circumstance
ugafan4life24 2 years ago
Ivan Eland's book is top rate! Very surprising assesment on Jefferson that not often heard. He's a great writer.
chicago618 2 years ago