"if government becomes remote, cut of from the people it purports to speak for, concentrated in the hands of an elite, then inevitably, that elite will become self serving"
Irony at it's best, I think 'English' humour may be a little too subtle for the American audience, because this is clearly a reference to recent American Presidential Administrations and the state of it's bureaucracy .
@TheCompleteGuitarist A piece of paper cannot enforce itself. What isn't working is socialist policies, and the elites that inflict them on the people in order to concentrate power. The Founders would have already been shooting by now.
@bxjam85 I was a libertarian at one time because I thought that's where I belonged. Except my experience taught me how crucial morality was to a society, and whenever I would bring up such matters invariably they would ignore it. It soon dawned on me that quite a sizable chunk of those who call themselves libertarians only advocate for Liberties so they can get what they want. I'll PM you more about what I mean....
@MaxxTheMerciless I understand your dilemma. But Libertarians (of the mature persuasion) understand morality cannot be dictated from high above by government. As free people, it is the responsibility of the people to determine the moral code of our society. It will never work and will be rejected if it is legislated to the masses no matter how honest the intentions are. It must be determined at the local level (IE Church and other non-public entities).
@gracilism Well, I disagree to some level. The State has a role to play where morality is concerned, and it has to promote such things that lead to Success, Health, and Happiness in life. If it doesn't, the nation itself begins to rot from within. Prohibiting Prayer from school or the Ten Commandments, and then promoting homosexuality as a equal and healthy lifestyle to heterosexual sex within the confines of marriage (ignoring abstinence) does not promote Excellence. cont...
@MaxxTheMerciless Ahhh, but thats my point. We have opened the door to legislate Christian morality, and now we see "secular" morality being legislated left and right. I still insist its the people's responsibility to determine proper behavior. If someone else is exhibiting behavior that you don't believe is moral, convince them your life style is better, don't try and force them through government. Taking away freedoms do not produce more moral citizens. It produces slaves.
@gracilism Depends on what you want. Do you want a moral and just society? Well, you aren't going to get there by promoting atheism, evil, and secularism. The thing is I don't necessarily outlawing things like sodomy because it is an excuse to get rid of troublemakers you do not want in society at large. Because you have to understand where evil begins to subvert society from within. To that end, I see no problem because that's where govt. can take a valid role to protect society.
@MaxxTheMerciless Again, thats my point. Government cannot promote religion. That always develops tyrants and dictators. A moral and just society is a free society and if governments determine which morality it likes (conservative or liberal values) you are not free even if you agree with it. Government shouldn't promote anything. Defense, infrastructure, etc. Morality should be an individual freedom
@gracilism No, it should not be. That's why we have Religion. Religion, the root of is, means "relationship with,' and in this case, God. Religion plays a fundamental role in society, which is that it focuses on the big questions, what is right and wrong, and why. I have never been opposed to a Christian Government (especially a Catholic one) primarily because it knows what is right and wrong. Western civilization was BUILT on it.
@gracilism cont.. Moreover, Morality is not an individual Freedom. Because you stated that, you do not know what Freedom is. Freedom comes in two parts - Liberty and Purpose. And they must always go together. It's not enough to be free from something, you have to have a goal in mind to do once you are liberated.
Freedom, in essence, is Power. Though some have more Power than others, what everyone has in common is a desire for Purpose, a desire to Succeed in life and make ...cont...
@gracilism cont... Succeed, and make the best of what limited Power we have. To do that, there are certain behaviors that successful people exhibit that both keep them from trouble and help them to succeed. Religion provides the advice, and hold up the mirror that is necessary for individuals to see what they're doing wrong and succeed in spite of their baser inclination.
So, in essence, the State has to decide what is right and wrong on some level, provided that faith agrees with it.
@gracilism cont... This is where Libertarians fall short, and why I say that Conservatives are actually to the Right of Libertarians because we value certain moral principles to guide the individual, the family, the community, the city, the state, and then the nation. They do not even think of such things of importance, but they most certainly are. It's not enough to free people; you have to give them something to be free for.
@gracilism cont.. Note, I didn't say WE as individuals don't play a role. We most certainly do. But we do require more of our leaders to be the example that we have to look to. A leader in a position of authority can say and do things that discourages certain behavior in society itself. It may be something as simple as what Mayor Guiliani did in NYC, by removing the boards off of windows in derelict buildings and such.
@bxjam85 See, we have ceded our own responsibilities. We've let the Left take control, because we thought they weren't insane, and that it's not our job, that the so-called "experts" should handle things. But it's clear that the "experts" are the worst kind of totalitarians, who think by virtue of their education and compassion they're better than those who desire real results that doesn't violate our own personal responsibility or sovereignty. We need to take it back.
@bxjam85 I meant US as in Me and You. I mean that what we're experiencing is a cultural problem. I'm afraid of coming off too much of a fuddy-duddy, but the licentiousness, the avarice, the debauchery you see in our modern pop culture is our fault. And it has an impact. When you have people who no longer really care about taking responsibility for their own lives, but always look to others, and this includes you and I by the way, what do you expect?
@bxjam85 I think you misunderstand what I mean. The problem isn't necessarily Democracy or Republics, it's US. We have to be good. WE, have to be principled.
And we let all these problems happen, because we thought we were being just, benevolent, never truly considering the nature of what Freedom is, and what it means to be Free. There are solutions, but I often find that they're not the kind of solutions anyone, especially libertarians, want to hear.
@bxjam85 Republicanism and Democracy didn't fail. People failed. We ceded our responsibilities as Free Men, and I do mean Men (Don Corleone was right, women and children can afford to be careless, Men never), and we're paying the price. All we have to do is assert and take up those responsibilities again, to govern as Men should govern themselves. We must become more Family-centric, not career-centric. There will we find power and greatness again.
@MaxxTheMerciless Catholics had their time as rulers and they were as corrupt and brutal as any rulers in history. Freedom is the only compassionate system.
@gracilism No, they weren't. True, there were mistakes, and some injustice applied, but all of that is checked by what Catholicism has built and continues to do primarily because there are moral principles that guide what they do. Where the sale of Indulgences, for instance, has occurred one can point to where this is wrong according not only to Scripture but Canon Law. There has been a lot of myths associated with Catholic rule by those who have a few axes to grind with them.
@MaxxTheMerciless I agree with almost everything you are saying. My point is you cannot accomplishing "purpose or morality" through force of government. The failure of American values go hand in hand as we have become less free and the government plays a larger and larger role in our daily lives.
@gracilism Also, it's actually untrue that you cannot accomplish Purpose or Morality through force of government. It's done every day. Our entire framework of law is built on this. The notion that you can't Legislate Morality is nonsense. We legislate prohibitions against murder, theft, rape, fraud, perjury, prostitution, and a whole host of other things. Doesn't always mean it's right, though, also it doesn't mean that govt. alone can promote excellence.
@gracilism cont.. There is a danger to promoting Freedom without promoting Excellence, and we are living in this danger today. Too many people equate Freedom with an abrogation of personal responsibility; you have probably seen videos of people who believe because Obama is in the White House they don't have to worry about their house payments, or their rent, or their food anymore. This is not a mistake, because we have allowed such nonsense to flourish unchecked.
@MaxxTheMerciless A thousand years of slavery and serfdom under Catholic rulers cannot be defended. It was only when America was founded with religion free from the state did prosperity for the common man prevail.
You do know that it was the Catholic Church that built Western Civilization, right? Much of what we take for granted in this country, such as a common rule of law, the establishment of science and the university system, as well as the notion of the rights of Man were hallmarks of the Church. What you confuse with the Church is really the secular aspects, in particular those who sought to usurp the Church's role in spiritual affairs.
@MaxxTheMerciless Western civilization was built by people free of the Catholic Church, mostly Protestants. As member of the scientific community I fully understand the role the Catholic Church played in science. They imprisoned and murdered scientist who's finding lead them to other conclusions that the Church's. Many of the great discoveries of the past had to be told in secret of after the death of scientist in fear of the church. Your history is screwed by Catholic colored glasses.
@gracilism This is a golden opportunity for you to discover the truth on your own. The Catholic Church did not imprison and murder scientists. I really do not know where you got such nonsense, but you really need to reevaluate what you believe, for you are gravely mistaken.
@tiarnan76 If you believe such nonsense, it's because you want to believe it, and the truth wouldn't matter to you at all. I could provide evidence that refutes it, but you don't want to accept it.
@MaxxTheMerciless Why dont you study the Vaticans persecution of the of Bible believing Christians like the Waldenses, Bogomils or the Huguenots...or study the Spanish Inquisition etc...or a good book you can read is "Convert or Die - Catholic Persecution in Yugoslavia (During the 2n World War)"...
@tiarnan76 I would ask you to do the very same thing. I would also ask you to reevaluate that based on Catechesis, interaction with govt. forces, and other things.
Those that take such a view miss a lot of crucial points, because they apply a modern perspective where it shouldn't apply. Also, it indicates that no persecution is ever justified - sometimes it is.
There are also a lot of secular elements at play - especially in Yugoslavia, where it's more about ethnicity than faith.
@MaxxTheMerciless The Catholic Church carried out terrible atrocities, that book shows pictures of priests murdering the local Othodox Crhistians who refused to Convert to Catholocism - because that means you bow to the Pope (a man) and not Jesus....
The Catholic Church is the most despotic institution in the world - whether you bury head in the sand or not doesn't alter the facts....
Being a Christian isn't about ethnicity, it's about believing in Christ and the word of God.
@tiarnan76 Now I know you're influenced by a mythology meant to spread an agenda.
Seriously, you're being hoodwinked. But, while I don't doubt that individual clergy did take part in such things, at the same time I know that Vatican never approved of it either. In any case I would say you're being deceived.
"The most despotic institution in the world." Clearly you are emotional. I'm sorry, but no organization that does nothing to prevent people from believing whatever else isn't despotic
@tiarnan76 That last line there is also proof of your ignorance. Yugoslavia is mainly about Ethnicity, and politics behind it all. I served three years both during and after the Bosnian War. While the Orthodox and the Catholics (in Croatia) had a lot in common, they were completely at odds because the Serbian element is more or less linked to the slavic ethnicities of South-eastern Europe.
@tiarnan76 Take the Spanish Inquisition. When people decry the Catholic Church for this, they almost never talk about what it involved. For centuries prior, Spain had been fighting a war to free themselves from the Moors. When Spain finally did, the King and Queen dedicated Spain to Christianity, and told any residing Jews or Muslims to convert or LEAVE Spain. Those that didn't convert left, but many did convert and many of those faked it. You never hear that part mentioned.
“The U.S. trade deficit is a bigger threat to the domestic economy than either the federal budget deficit or consumer debt and could lead to ‘political turmoil.’ Pretty soon, I think there will be a big adjustment.” -- Warren Buffett
An Inflation-Neutral Balanced Trade System (BTS), inspired by Warren Buffett’s 2003 Import Certificate Plan is introduced at the top of page 4 of the Pdf, which is available at:
We r being taken to the cleaners. We r being robbed of our rights as we speak. Our rights & liberties r being taken away 2 this day as I'm watching this. If this is to continue the sleeping giants WE THE PEOPLE will rise as well. ZARS! just hearing the term mentioned in relation to our gov is insane. What happened in the Gulf has totally been blacked out in the media. But the Gov continues to conduct business as usual. THE TAKE OVER. It will not happen we wont allow it.
The US became a great nation under protecionist capitalism. In the late 1960s when laissez- faire capitalism was introduced, is when the middleclass started it's decline. Eighty % of all new wealth created in the U.S. went to 1% of the population. Income of the top 1% nearly tripled since 1970. That is what laissez-faire does best, channel wealth into the hands of so few. How stupid can americans be for allowing that to happen to its middleclass?
@louiethegreater As if the entire dynamic of our economic well-being is based on one variable. What you've omitted is the breakdown of our monetary system in the 1960s which allowed the public treasury to become the public trough to fund endless bureaucracy, corporate/social welfare, wars, etc. The transfer of wealth via inflationary pressures is extremely regressive. Those at the bottom are picked up by welfare, the top can afford it, but the middle class is slowly wiped out. Read up on it! =)
@jwinter228 I remember the Johnson years, but that really didn't cause the distruction of our system. It was the introduction of free trade, and neo-liberalism that created the race to the bottom. The concept appeared in the late 60s when Japan was given free access to our markets, while they protected their economy, with tariffs and industrial subsidies. Than the Reagan, and Gingrich years brought the ownership of Washington to the multinatonals. They saw the untapped cheap labor of Asia.
@louiethegreater On the surface it may appear so, but there are quite a few reasons. We heavily surpress our interest rates, which replaces savings & capital investment with consumption. Without real savings, there isn't capital or loanable funds to invest in businesses - people just want to spend their money. That, along with Chinese RNB surpression by their government, keeps it going. Just consider that there are many factors you're not addressing - open up your head to some other viewpoints.
@jwinter228 Income growth for the top 1% has tripled since 1970. Eighty percent of all new income has gone to 1% of the population. That has nothing to do with interest rates or savings and capital. That has everything to do with globalization, and laissez-faire capitalism. Outsourcing manufacturing facilities to cheap third world labor, stripping american workers of their livleyhood. Concentrating the income to a few investers instead of a across the entire population, is the problem.
@louiethegreater If you're saying free trade is the culprit, then why don't you base your view off the same principle on a different scale? Rather than a national scale, how about we use protectionism between states, or between communities? The only difference is the presence of a monopolized currency. So maybe that is the problem.
Nothing to do with interest rates, savings, or capital? I feel like you're making this a political debate because you don't want to discuss facts.
@jwinter228 I am addressing you with facts, the facts that created the porblem we have today. You miss the whole point about national portection from cheap third world labor. There is no difference between the incomes, culture, enviromental controlls, health and safety, and labor protections, between states inside our union. There is a dramatic difference between those issues concering the third world. Multinational corporations can hire 47 Chines for one amrican. Wouldn't that warrent protectio
@louiethegreater I used to think that way but then I started learning economics. If you have to pay 1 lazy American the equivalent of 47 Chinese, you're worse off.
The point is the US has too much protectionism in the form of cronyism - it's about the too-big-to-fails, monetary destruction, and the illusion that we can afford the regulatory structure, wars, entitlements, etc. I just wish you would consider the fact that there are various factors at play here that you completely ignore.
@jwinter228 Americans are lazy, are you an american. If you are that you must include yourself, if you are not an american than you are believing media. The to big to fails was produced by deregulaiton of The Glass Stiegel Act and replacing portions of it with The Gramm-Leach-Baily Act. allowing banks, investment houses, and insurance companys to merge into these to big to fail institutions. But wait, didn't you say that we could not afford regulation? I suggest we connot afford not to regulate
@louiethegreater Agreed on Glass Stiegel - but the only reason it was needed was bc of FDIC insurance. Only 7-8% of all deposits were lost during the Depression. FDIC insurance is a key moral hazard that allows banks to gamble with our savings because we don't care what they do with the money - it's like telling investors to invest in your new company and they'll never lose a dime.
So get rid of the regulation that caused the need for more regulation, introduce free banking, and that's a start.
@jwinter228 By that logic we would have to require banks to publish their investments, and depositers would have to reasearch the banks investements. Depositers would have to understand fractional reserve banking, the Fed. would have to publish their secrete meeting. We could actually ask why all five govenors of the Fed is Jewish, and all monitary leadership of the U.S. is jewish. Most major bankes in the U.S. and Europe are jewish. American would actually start asking questions, that won't ha
@louiethegreater I would much prefer the consequences of taking the time to understand the reality with our banking system than to become slaves of debt.
I think the key is that regulation - given our current situation - is sometimes necessary. However, the key is that the so-called protections and regulations often are the disease masquerading as the cure. Sure, not caring about banks and guaranteed savings sounds great - but what are the unintended consequences? Who does it truly benefit?
@jwinter228 You agree that banks would be forced to give up their activity ot depositers. Wouldn't that be regulation in itself. Are you refuring to americans being slaves to our naional debt ,or personal debt. Americans became slaves to personal bebt because high paying manufacturing jobs were outsourced and workers were forced into the lower paying service sector jobs. As a result they attempted to maintain their lifestyle through the use of credit. Deindustrialization caused naitonal debt.
@louiethegreater Banks would have to compete & likely be audited by firms to entice depositors to come to them - just like any other business. It's regulation to the extent that it's self-regulating, but it's voluntary and spontaneous.
On protectionism- in protected markets, the cost of goods is higher- that's bad. To your point earlier, look at the inflation data since the 60s (yes even the CPI). Honestly look at it and say that inflation hasn't been a huge burden placed on the middle class.
@jwinter228 In protected markets people have living wage jobs thats good. They are not competing with exploited third world labor. So would you prefure to be a worlker in the pre 1970 era, or the post 1970 era. Actually when Nike moved to Bangladash, or Indonesia the cost of nike shoes did not get cheaper, even though the paid workers in Vietnam, or Bangaldsah .15/hr. NO inflation had not been nearly the burden on the middleclass as outsourcing, and asian investment coming back to !% of the popl
@louiethegreater Americans have become lazy to an extent- the wealth we previously amassed has allowed that in many good ways. The reason we work is because we want/need stuff. I think the issue is that we've become arrogant, apathetic, and we've resorted to extracting our wealth by use of force.
Eventually that will break down, just like the dollar, and then your concerns about the Gini index/disparity of wealth won't be an issue because most will regress to the bottom unfortunately.
Nothing against Europeans/Europe but Socialism is an idealistic, backwards ideology that fails with time. And if Capitalism is so bad, then why is that when former COMMUNIST nations like Poland and Estonia experienced economic growth when they switched to capitalism? The nations with the best economies (Japan, Singapore, South Korea) practice Laissez-Fair economics...why? I can tell you why: CAPITALISM WORKS
23:40: We do need more parties vs just usually two flip flopping. Unlike Britain we have the 2nd Amendment, which is important to maintaining freedoms.
Bonus: Learned a new word - adumbrate: Report or represent in outline. Also got into a discussion about Latin grammar with my hubby.
Hmmm.... While I love Daniel and generally love the speech, the intent behind the Constutional Convention was NOT to disperse power, but rather to centralize it. Madison and Hamilton wanted to set up British Empire Lite.
We need as many people as possible expressing the fallacies of this Federalist monstrosity. Perhaps, for once, it is time for LAYOFFS at the Federal Gov't level. Kevin Hertzel, GOP Realty, GrandOldProperty-dot-com
@wespayne67 Probably the only people aware of what you mean by "Classical Liberal" are amongst those who would actually take time to watch this glorious speech. I posted this on my Facebook & not one person of my 300 friends has yet to view the entire thing - of course, they think I'm over the top anyway, but it frustrates me incredibly that they'll spend hours viewing football or golf or trash like "The View" but not 20 minutes for this masterpiece so eloquently done by Hannan. LvMI
Hannan is too obsessed with democracy. Democracy has given us what we have now. Democracy does not guarantee freedom. He seems also naive about the current state of affairs, i.e. how much "democracy" there is left.
"A democracy is nothing more than mob rule..." -- Jefferson
@rumco Do you suppose that because we often refer to our Republic as a Democracy (thanks mostly to the Progressives who support that form of collectivism) that he actually meant our Republic? Just asking.
@nick10463 Alas, I am not sure we would elect someone like Dan. There is an unfortunate anti-intellectualism on both sides of the aisle which sneers as this sort of intelligent thought. Start talking about CATO here and people think are a bit odd, I can tell you this from experience.
@AIDodge "There is an unfortunate anti-intellectualism on both sides of the aisle"
I understand your struggle, I've been there... And I found the answer. Here it is: Science should be separated from governing social live. I explain why.
"Intelligent", scientifically savvy politician IS CAPABLE of "pulling the plug on your Granny" and he will explain you why it was good thing to do
Scientifically "dumb" politicians will NEVER do that. Your Granny will live!
You sir are a good man. Continue spreading the truth, and may God Bless you.
MrWompz 2 months ago 4
"if government becomes remote, cut of from the people it purports to speak for, concentrated in the hands of an elite, then inevitably, that elite will become self serving"
Irony at it's best, I think 'English' humour may be a little too subtle for the American audience, because this is clearly a reference to recent American Presidential Administrations and the state of it's bureaucracy .
TheCompleteGuitarist 4 months ago
"Will invite the public agent to corruption, plunder and waste."
If that is what Jefferson said the constitution of the United States was designed to avoid, then it clearly isn't working.
TheCompleteGuitarist 4 months ago
@TheCompleteGuitarist A piece of paper cannot enforce itself. What isn't working is socialist policies, and the elites that inflict them on the people in order to concentrate power. The Founders would have already been shooting by now.
deke76 3 months ago
@deke76 nice comment. totally agree, it's not enough to have a consitution it's gotta be enforced.
S1elmx 1 month ago
25 minutes well spent to understand what we Europeans are submissively subjected to.
nightsrider 4 months ago
so whats this got to do with people that work in libraries ?
reksub10 4 months ago
Hell no he needs to be a Canadian
rich7831 5 months ago
@bxjam85 I was a libertarian at one time because I thought that's where I belonged. Except my experience taught me how crucial morality was to a society, and whenever I would bring up such matters invariably they would ignore it. It soon dawned on me that quite a sizable chunk of those who call themselves libertarians only advocate for Liberties so they can get what they want. I'll PM you more about what I mean....
MaxxTheMerciless 7 months ago
@MaxxTheMerciless I understand your dilemma. But Libertarians (of the mature persuasion) understand morality cannot be dictated from high above by government. As free people, it is the responsibility of the people to determine the moral code of our society. It will never work and will be rejected if it is legislated to the masses no matter how honest the intentions are. It must be determined at the local level (IE Church and other non-public entities).
gracilism 4 months ago
@gracilism Well, I disagree to some level. The State has a role to play where morality is concerned, and it has to promote such things that lead to Success, Health, and Happiness in life. If it doesn't, the nation itself begins to rot from within. Prohibiting Prayer from school or the Ten Commandments, and then promoting homosexuality as a equal and healthy lifestyle to heterosexual sex within the confines of marriage (ignoring abstinence) does not promote Excellence. cont...
MaxxTheMerciless 4 months ago
@MaxxTheMerciless Ahhh, but thats my point. We have opened the door to legislate Christian morality, and now we see "secular" morality being legislated left and right. I still insist its the people's responsibility to determine proper behavior. If someone else is exhibiting behavior that you don't believe is moral, convince them your life style is better, don't try and force them through government. Taking away freedoms do not produce more moral citizens. It produces slaves.
gracilism 4 months ago
@gracilism Depends on what you want. Do you want a moral and just society? Well, you aren't going to get there by promoting atheism, evil, and secularism. The thing is I don't necessarily outlawing things like sodomy because it is an excuse to get rid of troublemakers you do not want in society at large. Because you have to understand where evil begins to subvert society from within. To that end, I see no problem because that's where govt. can take a valid role to protect society.
MaxxTheMerciless 4 months ago
@MaxxTheMerciless Again, thats my point. Government cannot promote religion. That always develops tyrants and dictators. A moral and just society is a free society and if governments determine which morality it likes (conservative or liberal values) you are not free even if you agree with it. Government shouldn't promote anything. Defense, infrastructure, etc. Morality should be an individual freedom
gracilism 4 months ago
@gracilism No, it should not be. That's why we have Religion. Religion, the root of is, means "relationship with,' and in this case, God. Religion plays a fundamental role in society, which is that it focuses on the big questions, what is right and wrong, and why. I have never been opposed to a Christian Government (especially a Catholic one) primarily because it knows what is right and wrong. Western civilization was BUILT on it.
MaxxTheMerciless 4 months ago
@gracilism cont.. Moreover, Morality is not an individual Freedom. Because you stated that, you do not know what Freedom is. Freedom comes in two parts - Liberty and Purpose. And they must always go together. It's not enough to be free from something, you have to have a goal in mind to do once you are liberated.
Freedom, in essence, is Power. Though some have more Power than others, what everyone has in common is a desire for Purpose, a desire to Succeed in life and make ...cont...
MaxxTheMerciless 4 months ago
@gracilism cont... Succeed, and make the best of what limited Power we have. To do that, there are certain behaviors that successful people exhibit that both keep them from trouble and help them to succeed. Religion provides the advice, and hold up the mirror that is necessary for individuals to see what they're doing wrong and succeed in spite of their baser inclination.
So, in essence, the State has to decide what is right and wrong on some level, provided that faith agrees with it.
MaxxTheMerciless 4 months ago
@gracilism cont... This is where Libertarians fall short, and why I say that Conservatives are actually to the Right of Libertarians because we value certain moral principles to guide the individual, the family, the community, the city, the state, and then the nation. They do not even think of such things of importance, but they most certainly are. It's not enough to free people; you have to give them something to be free for.
MaxxTheMerciless 4 months ago
@gracilism cont.. Note, I didn't say WE as individuals don't play a role. We most certainly do. But we do require more of our leaders to be the example that we have to look to. A leader in a position of authority can say and do things that discourages certain behavior in society itself. It may be something as simple as what Mayor Guiliani did in NYC, by removing the boards off of windows in derelict buildings and such.
MaxxTheMerciless 4 months ago
@bxjam85 See, we have ceded our own responsibilities. We've let the Left take control, because we thought they weren't insane, and that it's not our job, that the so-called "experts" should handle things. But it's clear that the "experts" are the worst kind of totalitarians, who think by virtue of their education and compassion they're better than those who desire real results that doesn't violate our own personal responsibility or sovereignty. We need to take it back.
MaxxTheMerciless 7 months ago
@bxjam85 I meant US as in Me and You. I mean that what we're experiencing is a cultural problem. I'm afraid of coming off too much of a fuddy-duddy, but the licentiousness, the avarice, the debauchery you see in our modern pop culture is our fault. And it has an impact. When you have people who no longer really care about taking responsibility for their own lives, but always look to others, and this includes you and I by the way, what do you expect?
MaxxTheMerciless 7 months ago
@bxjam85 I think you misunderstand what I mean. The problem isn't necessarily Democracy or Republics, it's US. We have to be good. WE, have to be principled.
And we let all these problems happen, because we thought we were being just, benevolent, never truly considering the nature of what Freedom is, and what it means to be Free. There are solutions, but I often find that they're not the kind of solutions anyone, especially libertarians, want to hear.
MaxxTheMerciless 7 months ago
@bxjam85 Republicanism and Democracy didn't fail. People failed. We ceded our responsibilities as Free Men, and I do mean Men (Don Corleone was right, women and children can afford to be careless, Men never), and we're paying the price. All we have to do is assert and take up those responsibilities again, to govern as Men should govern themselves. We must become more Family-centric, not career-centric. There will we find power and greatness again.
MaxxTheMerciless 7 months ago
@MaxxTheMerciless Catholics had their time as rulers and they were as corrupt and brutal as any rulers in history. Freedom is the only compassionate system.
gracilism 4 months ago
@gracilism No, they weren't. True, there were mistakes, and some injustice applied, but all of that is checked by what Catholicism has built and continues to do primarily because there are moral principles that guide what they do. Where the sale of Indulgences, for instance, has occurred one can point to where this is wrong according not only to Scripture but Canon Law. There has been a lot of myths associated with Catholic rule by those who have a few axes to grind with them.
MaxxTheMerciless 4 months ago
@MaxxTheMerciless I agree with almost everything you are saying. My point is you cannot accomplishing "purpose or morality" through force of government. The failure of American values go hand in hand as we have become less free and the government plays a larger and larger role in our daily lives.
gracilism 4 months ago
@gracilism Also, it's actually untrue that you cannot accomplish Purpose or Morality through force of government. It's done every day. Our entire framework of law is built on this. The notion that you can't Legislate Morality is nonsense. We legislate prohibitions against murder, theft, rape, fraud, perjury, prostitution, and a whole host of other things. Doesn't always mean it's right, though, also it doesn't mean that govt. alone can promote excellence.
MaxxTheMerciless 4 months ago
@gracilism cont.. There is a danger to promoting Freedom without promoting Excellence, and we are living in this danger today. Too many people equate Freedom with an abrogation of personal responsibility; you have probably seen videos of people who believe because Obama is in the White House they don't have to worry about their house payments, or their rent, or their food anymore. This is not a mistake, because we have allowed such nonsense to flourish unchecked.
MaxxTheMerciless 4 months ago
@MaxxTheMerciless A thousand years of slavery and serfdom under Catholic rulers cannot be defended. It was only when America was founded with religion free from the state did prosperity for the common man prevail.
gracilism 4 months ago
@gracilism Umm...where did you get that nonsense?
You do know that it was the Catholic Church that built Western Civilization, right? Much of what we take for granted in this country, such as a common rule of law, the establishment of science and the university system, as well as the notion of the rights of Man were hallmarks of the Church. What you confuse with the Church is really the secular aspects, in particular those who sought to usurp the Church's role in spiritual affairs.
MaxxTheMerciless 4 months ago
@MaxxTheMerciless Western civilization was built by people free of the Catholic Church, mostly Protestants. As member of the scientific community I fully understand the role the Catholic Church played in science. They imprisoned and murdered scientist who's finding lead them to other conclusions that the Church's. Many of the great discoveries of the past had to be told in secret of after the death of scientist in fear of the church. Your history is screwed by Catholic colored glasses.
gracilism 4 months ago
@gracilism This is a golden opportunity for you to discover the truth on your own. The Catholic Church did not imprison and murder scientists. I really do not know where you got such nonsense, but you really need to reevaluate what you believe, for you are gravely mistaken.
MaxxTheMerciless 4 months ago
@MaxxTheMerciless No it was mainly bible believing Christians they did that to
tiarnan76 4 months ago
@tiarnan76 If you believe such nonsense, it's because you want to believe it, and the truth wouldn't matter to you at all. I could provide evidence that refutes it, but you don't want to accept it.
MaxxTheMerciless 4 months ago
@MaxxTheMerciless Why dont you study the Vaticans persecution of the of Bible believing Christians like the Waldenses, Bogomils or the Huguenots...or study the Spanish Inquisition etc...or a good book you can read is "Convert or Die - Catholic Persecution in Yugoslavia (During the 2n World War)"...
tiarnan76 4 months ago
@tiarnan76 I would ask you to do the very same thing. I would also ask you to reevaluate that based on Catechesis, interaction with govt. forces, and other things.
Those that take such a view miss a lot of crucial points, because they apply a modern perspective where it shouldn't apply. Also, it indicates that no persecution is ever justified - sometimes it is.
There are also a lot of secular elements at play - especially in Yugoslavia, where it's more about ethnicity than faith.
MaxxTheMerciless 4 months ago
@MaxxTheMerciless The Catholic Church carried out terrible atrocities, that book shows pictures of priests murdering the local Othodox Crhistians who refused to Convert to Catholocism - because that means you bow to the Pope (a man) and not Jesus....
The Catholic Church is the most despotic institution in the world - whether you bury head in the sand or not doesn't alter the facts....
Being a Christian isn't about ethnicity, it's about believing in Christ and the word of God.
tiarnan76 4 months ago
@tiarnan76 Now I know you're influenced by a mythology meant to spread an agenda.
Seriously, you're being hoodwinked. But, while I don't doubt that individual clergy did take part in such things, at the same time I know that Vatican never approved of it either. In any case I would say you're being deceived.
"The most despotic institution in the world." Clearly you are emotional. I'm sorry, but no organization that does nothing to prevent people from believing whatever else isn't despotic
MaxxTheMerciless 4 months ago
@tiarnan76 That last line there is also proof of your ignorance. Yugoslavia is mainly about Ethnicity, and politics behind it all. I served three years both during and after the Bosnian War. While the Orthodox and the Catholics (in Croatia) had a lot in common, they were completely at odds because the Serbian element is more or less linked to the slavic ethnicities of South-eastern Europe.
MaxxTheMerciless 4 months ago
@MaxxTheMerciless I said being a CHRISTIAN isnt about ethnicity...
Youre the one being deceived - go study what I gave you and stop spouting nonsense - you're edcucation is severely lacking
tiarnan76 4 months ago
@tiarnan76 Take the Spanish Inquisition. When people decry the Catholic Church for this, they almost never talk about what it involved. For centuries prior, Spain had been fighting a war to free themselves from the Moors. When Spain finally did, the King and Queen dedicated Spain to Christianity, and told any residing Jews or Muslims to convert or LEAVE Spain. Those that didn't convert left, but many did convert and many of those faked it. You never hear that part mentioned.
MaxxTheMerciless 4 months ago
Socialism in Europe? That's rich.
GodOfTheInternets 8 months ago
“The U.S. trade deficit is a bigger threat to the domestic economy than either the federal budget deficit or consumer debt and could lead to ‘political turmoil.’ Pretty soon, I think there will be a big adjustment.” -- Warren Buffett
An Inflation-Neutral Balanced Trade System (BTS), inspired by Warren Buffett’s 2003 Import Certificate Plan is introduced at the top of page 4 of the Pdf, which is available at:
democrats.waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/111/2010Sept15_Campbell_Submission.pdf
soups347 1 year ago
We r being taken to the cleaners. We r being robbed of our rights as we speak. Our rights & liberties r being taken away 2 this day as I'm watching this. If this is to continue the sleeping giants WE THE PEOPLE will rise as well. ZARS! just hearing the term mentioned in relation to our gov is insane. What happened in the Gulf has totally been blacked out in the media. But the Gov continues to conduct business as usual. THE TAKE OVER. It will not happen we wont allow it.
PROFILESophiaYates 1 year ago
The US became a great nation under protecionist capitalism. In the late 1960s when laissez- faire capitalism was introduced, is when the middleclass started it's decline. Eighty % of all new wealth created in the U.S. went to 1% of the population. Income of the top 1% nearly tripled since 1970. That is what laissez-faire does best, channel wealth into the hands of so few. How stupid can americans be for allowing that to happen to its middleclass?
louiethegreater 1 year ago
@louiethegreater As if the entire dynamic of our economic well-being is based on one variable. What you've omitted is the breakdown of our monetary system in the 1960s which allowed the public treasury to become the public trough to fund endless bureaucracy, corporate/social welfare, wars, etc. The transfer of wealth via inflationary pressures is extremely regressive. Those at the bottom are picked up by welfare, the top can afford it, but the middle class is slowly wiped out. Read up on it! =)
jwinter228 1 year ago
@jwinter228 I remember the Johnson years, but that really didn't cause the distruction of our system. It was the introduction of free trade, and neo-liberalism that created the race to the bottom. The concept appeared in the late 60s when Japan was given free access to our markets, while they protected their economy, with tariffs and industrial subsidies. Than the Reagan, and Gingrich years brought the ownership of Washington to the multinatonals. They saw the untapped cheap labor of Asia.
louiethegreater 1 year ago
@louiethegreater On the surface it may appear so, but there are quite a few reasons. We heavily surpress our interest rates, which replaces savings & capital investment with consumption. Without real savings, there isn't capital or loanable funds to invest in businesses - people just want to spend their money. That, along with Chinese RNB surpression by their government, keeps it going. Just consider that there are many factors you're not addressing - open up your head to some other viewpoints.
jwinter228 1 year ago
@jwinter228 Income growth for the top 1% has tripled since 1970. Eighty percent of all new income has gone to 1% of the population. That has nothing to do with interest rates or savings and capital. That has everything to do with globalization, and laissez-faire capitalism. Outsourcing manufacturing facilities to cheap third world labor, stripping american workers of their livleyhood. Concentrating the income to a few investers instead of a across the entire population, is the problem.
louiethegreater 1 year ago
@louiethegreater If you're saying free trade is the culprit, then why don't you base your view off the same principle on a different scale? Rather than a national scale, how about we use protectionism between states, or between communities? The only difference is the presence of a monopolized currency. So maybe that is the problem.
Nothing to do with interest rates, savings, or capital? I feel like you're making this a political debate because you don't want to discuss facts.
jwinter228 1 year ago
@jwinter228 I am addressing you with facts, the facts that created the porblem we have today. You miss the whole point about national portection from cheap third world labor. There is no difference between the incomes, culture, enviromental controlls, health and safety, and labor protections, between states inside our union. There is a dramatic difference between those issues concering the third world. Multinational corporations can hire 47 Chines for one amrican. Wouldn't that warrent protectio
louiethegreater 1 year ago
@louiethegreater I used to think that way but then I started learning economics. If you have to pay 1 lazy American the equivalent of 47 Chinese, you're worse off.
The point is the US has too much protectionism in the form of cronyism - it's about the too-big-to-fails, monetary destruction, and the illusion that we can afford the regulatory structure, wars, entitlements, etc. I just wish you would consider the fact that there are various factors at play here that you completely ignore.
jwinter228 1 year ago
@jwinter228 Americans are lazy, are you an american. If you are that you must include yourself, if you are not an american than you are believing media. The to big to fails was produced by deregulaiton of The Glass Stiegel Act and replacing portions of it with The Gramm-Leach-Baily Act. allowing banks, investment houses, and insurance companys to merge into these to big to fail institutions. But wait, didn't you say that we could not afford regulation? I suggest we connot afford not to regulate
louiethegreater 1 year ago
@louiethegreater Agreed on Glass Stiegel - but the only reason it was needed was bc of FDIC insurance. Only 7-8% of all deposits were lost during the Depression. FDIC insurance is a key moral hazard that allows banks to gamble with our savings because we don't care what they do with the money - it's like telling investors to invest in your new company and they'll never lose a dime.
So get rid of the regulation that caused the need for more regulation, introduce free banking, and that's a start.
jwinter228 1 year ago
@jwinter228 By that logic we would have to require banks to publish their investments, and depositers would have to reasearch the banks investements. Depositers would have to understand fractional reserve banking, the Fed. would have to publish their secrete meeting. We could actually ask why all five govenors of the Fed is Jewish, and all monitary leadership of the U.S. is jewish. Most major bankes in the U.S. and Europe are jewish. American would actually start asking questions, that won't ha
louiethegreater 1 year ago
@louiethegreater I would much prefer the consequences of taking the time to understand the reality with our banking system than to become slaves of debt.
I think the key is that regulation - given our current situation - is sometimes necessary. However, the key is that the so-called protections and regulations often are the disease masquerading as the cure. Sure, not caring about banks and guaranteed savings sounds great - but what are the unintended consequences? Who does it truly benefit?
jwinter228 1 year ago
@jwinter228 You agree that banks would be forced to give up their activity ot depositers. Wouldn't that be regulation in itself. Are you refuring to americans being slaves to our naional debt ,or personal debt. Americans became slaves to personal bebt because high paying manufacturing jobs were outsourced and workers were forced into the lower paying service sector jobs. As a result they attempted to maintain their lifestyle through the use of credit. Deindustrialization caused naitonal debt.
louiethegreater 1 year ago
@louiethegreater Banks would have to compete & likely be audited by firms to entice depositors to come to them - just like any other business. It's regulation to the extent that it's self-regulating, but it's voluntary and spontaneous.
On protectionism- in protected markets, the cost of goods is higher- that's bad. To your point earlier, look at the inflation data since the 60s (yes even the CPI). Honestly look at it and say that inflation hasn't been a huge burden placed on the middle class.
jwinter228 1 year ago
@jwinter228 In protected markets people have living wage jobs thats good. They are not competing with exploited third world labor. So would you prefure to be a worlker in the pre 1970 era, or the post 1970 era. Actually when Nike moved to Bangladash, or Indonesia the cost of nike shoes did not get cheaper, even though the paid workers in Vietnam, or Bangaldsah .15/hr. NO inflation had not been nearly the burden on the middleclass as outsourcing, and asian investment coming back to !% of the popl
louiethegreater 1 year ago
@louiethegreater Americans have become lazy to an extent- the wealth we previously amassed has allowed that in many good ways. The reason we work is because we want/need stuff. I think the issue is that we've become arrogant, apathetic, and we've resorted to extracting our wealth by use of force.
Eventually that will break down, just like the dollar, and then your concerns about the Gini index/disparity of wealth won't be an issue because most will regress to the bottom unfortunately.
jwinter228 1 year ago
The smartest man in Europe? I think so!
Nothing against Europeans/Europe but Socialism is an idealistic, backwards ideology that fails with time. And if Capitalism is so bad, then why is that when former COMMUNIST nations like Poland and Estonia experienced economic growth when they switched to capitalism? The nations with the best economies (Japan, Singapore, South Korea) practice Laissez-Fair economics...why? I can tell you why: CAPITALISM WORKS
ajsaccount1991 1 year ago 18
@ajsaccount1991 Japans economy has been stagnant or falling for 20 years. But i generally agree with you.
BRADSZ99 1 week ago
Who funds CATO, Could it be corporate funded.
louiethegreater 1 year ago
@louiethegreater
Keep reading that script.
chlevell 1 year ago
Fun & good speech, but ...
5:38 The USA definitely isn't "rich hummus".Perhaps "grits".
7:19 Man is fallen? Original sin? That is very Bible Belt of you.
12:10 Jefferson's ghost wouldn't be in chains.
23:40: We do need more parties vs just usually two flip flopping. Unlike Britain we have the 2nd Amendment, which is important to maintaining freedoms.
Bonus: Learned a new word - adumbrate: Report or represent in outline. Also got into a discussion about Latin grammar with my hubby.
MegF142857 1 year ago
Hmmm.... While I love Daniel and generally love the speech, the intent behind the Constutional Convention was NOT to disperse power, but rather to centralize it. Madison and Hamilton wanted to set up British Empire Lite.
TheLegalImmigrant05 1 year ago
I really like this guy's speech. However I can't help but notice that he's sporting a John Boehner-like tan.
28Tramnat 1 year ago
I worry about people who wear a tie!!!!!
celtic4mist 1 year ago
Great speech. Great guy.
Faved.
VonStierlitz 1 year ago 5
We need as many people as possible expressing the fallacies of this Federalist monstrosity. Perhaps, for once, it is time for LAYOFFS at the Federal Gov't level. Kevin Hertzel, GOP Realty, GrandOldProperty-dot-com
theshods 1 year ago 5
Nope SandCmpbll, no one but you has ever heard of the Cato Institute.
benprytherch 1 year ago
All of you salivating at the brilliance of this guy's speech do know that the Cato Institute is a think tank, don't you? LOL. Fail.
SandCmpbll 1 year ago
@SandCmpbll Um, yeah, we know it's a think tank, duh. What's your point?
Yehudittx 1 year ago 5
@Yehudittx I think SandCmpll thinks thinking is bad. Typical Leftie.
lpa53 1 year ago
Keep in mind this is teleprompter-free. Then again, he didn't get into college and law school based on Affirmative Action.
jkirk1626 1 year ago 9
@jkirk1626 WONDERFUL COMMENT!
Artisticer 1 year ago
@jkirk1626 fuck affirmative action
ajsaccount1991 1 year ago
he sounds especially smart because of his accent
uhhh54321 1 year ago
Arse kissing at it's absolute best.
Shocking.
TheMeltingSnowman 1 year ago
Hannan for President!!
4thstuning 1 year ago 2
Daniel Hannan--the smartest man on the planet!
athomemom85 1 year ago
We need to find him a Hawaiian birth certificate for this man so that we can vote him in as President.
633562 1 year ago 86
@633562
LOL That is great ! TAKE A BOW
DandDskeeto 1 year ago
@633562 Haha, no doubt. Too bad the current president has a pro-serfdom policy.
TreachMarkets 1 year ago 2
@633562 Classic comment! Forget the birth certificate. Simply insult anyone who asks for it!
jkirk1626 1 year ago
@633562 haha that was awesome. Love it.
ProjektLament 1 year ago
@633562 He can have mine, lol
CircleBastiat 1 year ago
@633562 Nah we don't even need that.
BlueReishiMan 7 months ago
Ahhh, an Englishman who's a classical liberal..
Thought that Mills was the last of them.
Great speech!
wespayne67 1 year ago 5
@wespayne67 Probably the only people aware of what you mean by "Classical Liberal" are amongst those who would actually take time to watch this glorious speech. I posted this on my Facebook & not one person of my 300 friends has yet to view the entire thing - of course, they think I'm over the top anyway, but it frustrates me incredibly that they'll spend hours viewing football or golf or trash like "The View" but not 20 minutes for this masterpiece so eloquently done by Hannan. LvMI
Artisticer 1 year ago 3
@drizztmay way to good, hannan is greate
JordanViewer 1 year ago
thumbs up
yougiberishtube 1 year ago
Good speach!
TacticalCitySlicker 1 year ago
Good fortune and God's grace to you as well.
RandallSteen 1 year ago
awesome
juananzar 1 year ago
Hannan is too obsessed with democracy. Democracy has given us what we have now. Democracy does not guarantee freedom. He seems also naive about the current state of affairs, i.e. how much "democracy" there is left.
"A democracy is nothing more than mob rule..." -- Jefferson
rumco 1 year ago 7
@rumco Which is why Jefferson and Hannan both greatly endorse federalism.
fritoman182 1 year ago
@rumco Do you suppose that because we often refer to our Republic as a Democracy (thanks mostly to the Progressives who support that form of collectivism) that he actually meant our Republic? Just asking.
HoldingOnToLiberty 1 year ago
@rumco "Hannan is too obsessed with democracy. Democracy has given us what we have now. Democracy does not guarantee freedom." - Second that 100%.
TheLegalImmigrant05 1 year ago
Wonderful!
Gaius8666a 1 year ago
I think it's much less than 7200 words..Awesome as always, Daniel.
BlueSkies360 1 year ago
Great speach Daniel.. Alex Jones has been saying the same and more for 15 years. Look him up and give him some support.
eurocon 1 year ago
Daniel is a genius. I wish we have members of Congress like this...
nick10463 1 year ago 41
@nick10463 Alas, I am not sure we would elect someone like Dan. There is an unfortunate anti-intellectualism on both sides of the aisle which sneers as this sort of intelligent thought. Start talking about CATO here and people think are a bit odd, I can tell you this from experience.
AIDodge 1 year ago 2
@AIDodge "There is an unfortunate anti-intellectualism on both sides of the aisle"
I understand your struggle, I've been there... And I found the answer. Here it is: Science should be separated from governing social live. I explain why.
"Intelligent", scientifically savvy politician IS CAPABLE of "pulling the plug on your Granny" and he will explain you why it was good thing to do
Scientifically "dumb" politicians will NEVER do that. Your Granny will live!
I chose the later! What do you choose?
nick10463 1 year ago
Not Abandoned, STOLEN !
Roddyoneeye 1 year ago