tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25204748.post116044214878148806..comments2023-06-23T01:03:47.981-07:00Comments on TRUTH-PAIN EMPORIUM: If I was not a Libertarian...Dardin Sotohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06860312622246919118noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25204748.post-1160688149572688092006-10-12T14:22:00.000-07:002006-10-12T14:22:00.000-07:00t-p...sorry to hit and run , still haven't abosrbe...t-p...sorry to hit and run , still haven't abosrbed your latest post--I've been building IKEA furniture in a very confined space--but drop on by my blog for a response to your last comment, in which I not only forgive you for being so "mean" but still and with emphaisis agree with your original comments.5th Estatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14918749316906295703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25204748.post-1160675464929636432006-10-12T10:51:00.000-07:002006-10-12T10:51:00.000-07:00Lemme see ...War / Military: You are a modern Demo...Lemme see ...<BR/>War / Military: You are a modern Democrat in actual use, but a Libertarian in sentiment. I tend to favor more active use of the military to keep us safe.<BR/><BR/>Education: Republican, with Libertarian foundation. I agree with your conclusions here.<BR/><BR/>Social programs: Yeah, a Republican, but I agree. You want to be charitable? Great! Use your own damn money and time. Don't pick my pockets.<BR/><BR/>Taxes: Classic Goldwater/Reagan-style Republican. I agree.<BR/><BR/>Small or Big Gov?: Republican and Libertarian. Hey! If it ain't in the Constitution, the Gubmint ain't got the right to do it. They sure have the guns, but not the moral or legal authority. <BR/><BR/>How 'bout those Egales punding them Cowboys, huh? Heheheee!benninghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12883327259794768568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25204748.post-1160615935323172862006-10-11T18:18:00.000-07:002006-10-11T18:18:00.000-07:00I'm not thrilled about the "just don't stand, spen...I'm not thrilled about the "just don't stand, spend something mentality" of the current party. And I do hold dear many aspects the Libertarian party. Tragically, the Libertarians remind me of NORML, image. Any legalization rally with NORML, they look like burned out hippies, cliche. The Libertarians aren't slick yet. Yet. <BR/>And it isn't the image part that doesn't have me as their poster child. I enjoy being Republican to piss off Democrats/Liberals, they have no sense of humor and take themselves way to seriously. I also vote Libertarian in most elections to help them get extra money. We need to bolster a 3rd party.<BR/>As for the Bears, I wish the offense would hurry and score so I can watch the defense pummel the league. Watch the kid Hestor returning punts, in a couple weeks he will go gangbusters.Obobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06261733108326045809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25204748.post-1160614777974980072006-10-11T17:59:00.000-07:002006-10-11T17:59:00.000-07:00Obob:Sorry! I forgot to reply to your comment yest...Obob:<BR/>Sorry! I forgot to reply to your comment yesterday, it had me rolling on the floor,.. the "dard side" comment did.<BR/>I was a Republican in my "yute". But it pains me to see the party spend even more than the Demo's of the 90's, war needs nonewithstanding. Actually, I've considered registering as a Republican,... but then my better Angels get a hold of my Libertarian butt and haul me back into my credo.<BR/>How do you think the Bears will do this weekend?Dardin Sotohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06860312622246919118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25204748.post-1160614429924518312006-10-11T17:53:00.000-07:002006-10-11T17:53:00.000-07:005th:Thanks for hunting me down, although I would h...5th:<BR/>Thanks for hunting me down, although I would have gone back today or tomorrow to read your rebuttal. <BR/><BR/>Too bad about the boys on that place, I just heard about that myself. <BR/><BR/>Lastly, (between you and I), It is tempting to slam some people with perjoratives, believe me, I am tempted every day; and I hope I did not come about sounding like I was on my soap box,.. God knows I have many of the same moments. I think my mild objection comes from the fact that you have a gift my friend, a gift of verbiage that is both a joy to read, and a wonder to contemplate, in all sincerity. And it is because I think you are so damn good at what you do that I would hate for you to loose a segment of a potential audience due to an insigficance that has little bearing on the body of your message. <BR/><BR/>Then again, I completely understand it has to be said,... stylistic bent is part of the coplexity of the posting and I for one won't stop reading you just because you maim someone with a "stupid" moniker here and there.<BR/>Peace to you, man!Dardin Sotohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06860312622246919118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25204748.post-1160599771816204452006-10-11T13:49:00.000-07:002006-10-11T13:49:00.000-07:00off-topic, bec ause I just checked in and I'm busy...off-topic, bec ause I just checked in and I'm busy building much needed Ikea furniture whilst the news makes a meal of the fact some pooor sods crashed their plane into a skyrise in IFR conditions, but re your comment on my last post, I agree with your mild objection to applying "stupid" to D.Limbaugh/ Not that I don't think he's stupid but because it affects the impact of the piece.<BR/><BR/>Very good point T-P and I'll be back to comment on this current post of yours, just as soon as I get this crappy furniture built. <BR/><BR/>Also I'll comment on your comment back on my blog--again as soon as I get this crap furniture built--but rest assured I agree with you.5th Estatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14918749316906295703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25204748.post-1160568029229751212006-10-11T05:00:00.000-07:002006-10-11T05:00:00.000-07:00"You sure?."Absolutely! The liberatarian philosoph..."You sure?."<BR/><BR/>Absolutely! The liberatarian philosophy sis this-an individual should have the right to do ANYTHING that does not step on the rights of another.<BR/><BR/>I adhere to that philosophy closely! Because of its pro-choice stance, the Libertarian Party does not!<BR/><BR/>Yes--I'm libertarian.Al-Ozarkahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03034820391347139672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25204748.post-1160567799416539822006-10-11T04:56:00.000-07:002006-10-11T04:56:00.000-07:00"Tue, but who is qualified to make that most subje..."Tue, but who is qualified to make that most subjective of judgements? the church? Government? Judges?"<BR/><BR/>That's my point. Logically, it would SEEM that reasonable people would recognize there is noone qualified to make that decision and that fairness and uncertainty would force them to come down on the side of life.<BR/><BR/>Instead there is a group who wants to claim the moral high-ground who refuses to consider the rights of the unborn, LIVING child in the womb.<BR/><BR/>Not very moral if you ask me.Al-Ozarkahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03034820391347139672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25204748.post-1160562112299240722006-10-11T03:21:00.000-07:002006-10-11T03:21:00.000-07:00be a reoublican and join the dark side, we sacrifi...be a reoublican and join the dark side, we sacrifice babies to Ares. Keggers and the Bush twins or chardonay and Gore girls. Do the math.<BR/>There is nothing wrong with being an elephant or an ass, just use your God given brains and courageObobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06261733108326045809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25204748.post-1160541860414804742006-10-10T21:44:00.000-07:002006-10-10T21:44:00.000-07:00Al-Ozarka:How ya' doing? Let me get to your points...Al-Ozarka:<BR/>How ya' doing? Let me get to your points one by one,yes?<BR/>Your wrote:<BR/><BR/>"I'm a libertarian.<BR/>(~~You sure?...~!~)<BR/><BR/>But I would not even consider voting for a Libertarian Party candidate.<BR/><BR/>Why?<BR/><BR/>"Because the Libertarian Party negates any credibility it has by it's pro-choice stance"<BR/>(~~Well, that's were my posting on "Argumentation 101" comes to my rescue Daddio. I have to pick my battles. I dont think anybody is totally happy with all the points in their individual platform~~)<BR/><BR/>"How can one be a true Libertarian if one refuses to stand up for the rights of the least of his/her fellow citizens?"<BR/>(~~I love you for your passion, and MORALLY I agree with you. But since I let the law trump my compass of morality, and since nothing in the Law of the land says that an unborn child is a US citizen,.. as much as it pains me,-and it does-, I have to err in the side of law, no offense to your views of course~~)<BR/><BR/>"The only way the Libertarian Party will ever have success is to denounce the murder of US citizens in the womb!"<BR/><BR/>(Sorry, TP. You touched on a nerve that has been exposed for some time.)<BR/>(~~ dont be sorry Daddio, I want your opinion, not a mirror of my view.~~)<BR/><BR/>"We can have all the discussion about choice and women's rights we want, but until a sincere and honest judgement is made as to when life begins in the womb, the rights of the unborn should take priority."<BR/>(~~ True, but who is qualified to make that most subjective of judgements? the church? Government? Judges?...~~~)<BR/><BR/>That's my story--I'm stickin' to it! <BR/>(~~Then let the stickin' continue. I appreciate your views, always~~)Dardin Sotohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06860312622246919118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25204748.post-1160541356389226902006-10-10T21:35:00.000-07:002006-10-10T21:35:00.000-07:00Mustang: Welcome to the house of pain. As a great ...Mustang: Welcome to the house of pain. As a great admirer of your work I'm happy to see you share your musings amongst my humble friends.<BR/>We think alike as to what politicians have to offer, to make them heroes of any kind is detramental to our national health.<BR/>I've been railing against political correctness and 24-media's effect on the efficiency of war. Although, like you, I agree this war is being fought stupidly. Imagine if Eisenhower would have had to deal with a 6-hour news cylcle that splattered to the American homes that 20 thousands GI's died on D-day... He would have been done in.<BR/>I dont mean to offend but you stole my thunder on the tax thing, and I am not particularly of religions leanings. But Ive said it many times, if 10% is good enough for God, why not for Ceasar?<BR/>I did a rant not long ago called "show me the money", where I very tongue-in-cheek espoused the cuts I would make in the fed. My posting mimics your thought almost verbatim.<BR/>Lastly, it is always great to get concise comments,... no matter the angle, agreement or point of view. Thanks for stopping by,... your topics have always been fodder for good mind musings as well.Dardin Sotohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06860312622246919118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25204748.post-1160540332792457422006-10-10T21:18:00.000-07:002006-10-10T21:18:00.000-07:00onward:Brooke Darlin':Ditto, ditto, and uh, oh yea...onward:<BR/><BR/>Brooke Darlin':<BR/>Ditto, ditto, and uh, oh yeah DITTO! (pardon the Limbaugh-ism's).<BR/><BR/>Robert: Nice to see you visit, thank you. <BR/>As to your comments on war? I undertand your thoughts. I do. But I still feel that if we did not dependo on so much foreign goods and oil, then there would be no "national interests" to protect, correct? Your assertion of Democrats is too forgiving. Wilson got us into WW1, FDR, in WW2, Truman nuked Japan, Kennedy invaded Cuba and eyeblinked Kruschev, Clinton bombed Iraq and Bosnia. The idea that democrats are historically pacifists is folly. Maybe the crowd in power now is, maybe, but liberals love to liberate, by word or by sword. <BR/>As to the rest of your fine and lenghty comments?.. dead on in most of them. I agree. I personally think Gingrich got the short end of the stick,... the guy is brilliant, and worked great with Clinton in welfare reform and other things. But he was just a lousy politician.<BR/>As to the drug thing from Libertarians?... yeah. Not everything in our platform is palatable to my liking,... but I thing we can say that about every party, no?Dardin Sotohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06860312622246919118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25204748.post-1160539672983646002006-10-10T21:07:00.000-07:002006-10-10T21:07:00.000-07:00WOW! What great responses! I love when minds can m...WOW! What great responses! I love when minds can mash and give me more to muse on than the original posting meant to give:<BR/><BR/>Betmo: You think I'm a moderater Repub?... I agree. And I agree that I lean right,... but then you say "with a concious". Are you implying most right-leaners don't have one?... or maybe that there is a perception that they lack compassion?... <BR/><BR/>Tugboat: Nice seeing you again. You wrote, and I quote:<BR/><BR/>"But at this point in time, voting Libertarian in a national Election, or even in a Congressional or Senate Race, is exactly the same thing as casting a vote for the Democrat Candidate, who will gladly raise your Taxes and enact even more socialist programs which will never go away, and subsidize worthlessness while punishing productivity.<BR/><BR/>Remember this...<BR/><BR/>Bill clinton would never have been President, were it not for Ross Perot."<BR/><BR/>I feel ya'. That's what I thought in 92', same thing. Who are these boneheads voting for Perot? But then I realized the following. Bush 41 shot himself in the foot. The "read my lips, no new taxes", the milking of Gulf War I to death and not caring for the looking soft recession around the corner, the stupidity of looking at his watch during the debate with Clinton,.... Sorry Tug. The sucker (my sucker too since I voted for his ass) had an 89% approval rating just a year before the elections. 89 percent!! Anybody who blows a lead like that deserves to have his butt handed to him. Perot did not happen, Bush 41 just imploded. But don't think I'm just hammering him. Gore is 2000? Same thing. If you can't carry your own damn state, and if Clinton (with all his said popularity) could not carry Arkansas for him?... screw them both. They did not deserve it either. <BR/>Thanks for the thoughts though, ... I love your site Man.Dardin Sotohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06860312622246919118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25204748.post-1160530452877159522006-10-10T18:34:00.000-07:002006-10-10T18:34:00.000-07:00I'm a libertarian.But I would not even consider vo...I'm a libertarian.<BR/><BR/>But I would not even consider voting for a Libertarian Party candidate.<BR/><BR/>Why?<BR/><BR/>Because the Libertarian Party negates any credibility it has by it's pro-choice stance.<BR/><BR/>How can one be a true Libertarian if one refuses to stand up for the rights of the least of his/her fellow citizens?<BR/><BR/>The only way the Libertarian Party will ever have success is to denounce the murder of US citizens in the womb!<BR/><BR/>(Sorry, TP. You touched on a nerve that has been exposed for some time.)<BR/><BR/>We can have all the discussion about choice and women's rights we want, but until a sincere and honest judgement is made as to when life begins in the womb, the rights of the unborn should take priority.<BR/><BR/>That's my story--I'm stickin' to it!Al-Ozarkahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03034820391347139672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25204748.post-1160522721506939242006-10-10T16:25:00.000-07:002006-10-10T16:25:00.000-07:00I am not impressed with any political party. By d...I am not impressed with any political party. By definition, politicians are about pursuing that which benefits their own careers most and to hell with what’s best for the country and its people. There are NO heroes in the halls of congress – at least the way I define what a hero is. Congress has become a nest of snakes and is not trustworthy. They deserve a lot more attention than they are getting from the electorate. I generally regard myself as a moderate conservative; I don’t much agree with either the far right or left on most issues. So perhaps, overall, you share that along with me.<BR/><BR/>Armed conflict is the LAST thing that any American should want as a national policy. Sometimes, however, wars are necessary. I believe that the war on terror is necessary, but I’m not convinced that our elected officials are fighting it smart enough, and I’m not sure that in the end we’re going to win it. Our military is doing a fantastic job, but the national love affair with “political correctness” has removed the venom that I feel is necessary to win this conflict. I recently wrote about what is missing, in contrast to our “greatest generation.” <BR/><BR/>I absolutely agree that our educational system is horribly broken. In my view, it is time to throw the baby out with the bath water and start anew. As a former teacher, I can tell you first hand that when students arrive at the high school level with a 4th or 5th grade reading ability, and when they cannot perform addition and subtraction problems (let alone algebra), and when they are unable to draft a cogent sentence – then there must be a realization that the system isn’t working. Again, with some background in testing, the conservative approach is to test students beyond reason, while the liberal approach is to dumb down the tests to the point where everyone is doing “just fine.” I have actually seen psychometric adjustments to test data so that a preconceived result is achieved. Such conduct, in my view, underscore a serious lack of integrity among educators at the state level and by the test publishers – and these are the same people who boast about the value of “values education.” Worse still, with so much testing going on, today’s teachers simply “teach the test.” On this issue, given what you’ve said, you are probably a moderate. You care about education, but you also realize that the system is self-defeating.<BR/><BR/>To me, the term “social program” suggests “social engineering.” When federal and state governments begin taking over responsibilities that belong to parents, the result is always less than desired. Americans, by their nature, are the most generous people in the world. In my view, private, nonprofit foundations should run social programs because they are in the best position to see that the people, who need assistance, get it. Again, the involvement of government is a guarantee that any system created will be seriously deficient and criminally inefficient.<BR/><BR/>Even though I realize that taxes are necessary, I generally hate taxes – and I hate anyone who likes taxes. What taxes provide, in my view, is a check for politicians that just won’t bounce. I would happily consider a flat tax where everyone pays the same percentage, which I think ought not to exceed 10% -- or a national sales tax of no more than 1%. Why should the government assess more than the Lord Himself imposes? Now if any private individual or bank that charged the same rate of interest that the government imposes in taxes, they would be charged with usury. Most importantly, in my opinion, a flat tax would mandate judicious spending at the national level. No more deficit spending folks, and this means that you have to “prioritize” what’s most important. Screw that up, and the voter’s toss you out of office in the next election. Again, I think you are moderate.<BR/><BR/>In determining the appropriate size of government, let’s mosey on back to the Constitution. Not too big (look what happened to Rome), but big enough to do the job that the Constitution mandates. Do we need an education department? No. Do we need a department of Indian Affairs? Health and Social Welfare? In effect, the states should be taking care of THEIR citizens, and the federal government ought to be concentrating on the things that are enumerated in our founding document. Again, you are a moderate because on this issue, there is no clear distinction between either political party. <BR/><BR/>Let me conclude by saying that this was a very thought provoking article, and I enjoyed it a great deal. Thank you for causing us to think – and for your kind words at Social Sense.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25204748.post-1160486941850467172006-10-10T06:29:00.000-07:002006-10-10T06:29:00.000-07:00A very interesting post. I will humbly offer my f...A very interesting post. I will humbly offer my few comments.<BR/><BR/>First, I understand your frustrations. I am a conservative, and have always aligned with the GOP. The first presidential race I was old enough to participate in was 1984, and could not wait to vote and cast it for Reagan. The GOP has really lsot my confidence as the place for conervatives the past decade. We have had some great people who could make great leaders, but then they get bogged down in things such as Clinton/Lewinsky and other really nonsensical things. Yes, Clinton committed perjury. It is disgusting and he should have been impeached for it. BUT - Had the GOP not made an effort to discredit him on something other than his political agenda, we created the mess. <BR/><BR/>Since we have been in control, there has been NOTHING accomplished that I sent them there to accomplish. Social security, tax system reform, fiscal management, and other issues have fallen by the wayside while we enjoy the short time we have had in power. So where do I turn? There is no viable option, and I don't want to run for PResident, so I guess for the time being I have to work within the GOP to get us back on track.<BR/><BR/>Your stance:<BR/><BR/>WAR - Neither. Both parties have fallen prey to nation building. I do think that we have not only the moral authority, but are the only country with the resources and assets to accomplish most good things in the world. <BR/><BR/>War must be more than self-defense. It muct be protecting our interests because of the global economy and the global reach of technology. Right or wrong, our economy depends upon oil, for example, and we cannot tolerate tyrants who can choke us economically and threaten an entire region of the world militarily. <BR/><BR/>You are neither, but if I must pick one it would be democrat. They don't want to use the military except for "peace missions."<BR/><BR/>Education - Republican. The Department of Education has never educated anyone, yet stifles initiative and creativity in the local schools. I have two teens who complain about their workload at school, but I laugh at their curricula sometimes. <BR/><BR/>The DOE should be abolished, and the savings distributed pers student nationwide.<BR/><BR/>Social - Republican. Social security, if run in the private sector, would be illegal. We should stop new entries into the system, allow me to take my money that I have contributed and invest it as I see fit. Make good on those of a certain age, because it is too late for them to invest it for retirement. <BR/><BR/>Taxes - Republican. The tax system is unfair and immoral. There should be a flat tax of 10%(or national sales tax, I haven't completely decided yet), that affects everyone the same. I choose not to raise my familly on minimum wage, I shouldn't be expected to raise someone else's family who made the choice to do so. Of course we must fund some things, and we must take care of those who cannot for themselves. However, middle class status shouldn't be a right, but a reward for hard work.<BR/><BR/>Big Govt - Republican. I yearn for the days of Gingrich, who actually believed in this as our founders. Alexander Tytler said "A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until a majority of voters discover that they can vote themselves largess out of the public treasury." And so it has been shown to be true. <BR/><BR/>Stay to the right and help me right the ship!<BR/><BR/>And, BTW, the libertarian party would be much more successful if they simply abandoned their drug perspective. It taints everything else they stand for, and I, for one, cannot put my trust in people who advocate legitimizing cocaine or anything like it. The use of serious drugs affects the entire country. My recreational use of adult beverages does not.Roberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17457956739752722879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25204748.post-1160484698256698732006-10-10T05:51:00.000-07:002006-10-10T05:51:00.000-07:00I would, for once, like to see someone other than ...I would, for once, like to see someone other than a Republican OR Democrat get the big chair, just to teach the other two parties a lesson in humility, if nothing else.<BR/><BR/>The GOP sits idly by and lets our borders go unguarded, while the Dems burden the American public with even more draconian taxes.<BR/><BR/>Time to throw the bums out!Brookehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03977090801334626461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25204748.post-1160451558544055892006-10-09T20:39:00.000-07:002006-10-09T20:39:00.000-07:00Putting my obvious bias aside, and just going on t...Putting my obvious bias aside, and just going on the information you gave in your post, I would say that you seem to be a Socialy Conscious Republican.<BR/><BR/>Republicans wil probably never be able to (or even try to) eleminate all of the socialist hand-out programs for the "less fortunate" from the American System, so they will be cared for.<BR/><BR/>On all other issues, (with the exception of the war, which we are already in so Victory is the only option at this point...we will clkean up the mess later...)you lean solidly to the Right.<BR/><BR/>I have a few Libertarian Leanings myself.<BR/><BR/>But at this point in time, voting Libertarian in a national Election, or even in a Congressional or Senate Race, is exactly the same thing as casting a vote for the Democrat Candidate, who will gladly raise your Taxes and enact even more socialist programs which will never go away, and subsidize worthlessness while punishing productivity.<BR/><BR/>Remember this...<BR/><BR/>Bill clinton would never have been President, were it not for Ross Perot.tugboatcapnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14751281215697965077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25204748.post-1160450666353561022006-10-09T20:24:00.000-07:002006-10-09T20:24:00.000-07:00i don't care about the broncos or the ravens- it i...i don't care about the broncos or the ravens- it is currently the 4th quarter and with 4 minutes or so left- denver is winning. whatever. i think you sound like a moderate repub. you are definitely more right leaning than left- but you have a conscience- so i am going moderate. :)billiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16206096509976316141noreply@blogger.com