A system out of balance will collapse, our old system was totally swrewd up. We can not return to the old model, a new model must be constructed based on the reality of reduced emmisions, better technogly and less consumption of finite resources. We haven't even begun that process. The US will be lucky to recover in decades. Focusing on the short term result is the root of our current problems
Jophus
· 5 months ago
The Gospel of Mother Fuckin' Roe.
Alex
· 5 months ago
I love that when people buy reasonable amounts of the stuff that they need to make a comfortable living, people freak out. But when everyone is zooming around madly spending as much as possible, even when they don't have the money, and racking up debt to buy things they don't need, everyone says "ah, good, we can relax; this is business as usual." How fucked up is that?
Jophus
· 5 months ago
Maybe our leaders will respond by ditching the consumer-based economy, and practice a responsibly-based economy.
Busboy
· 5 months ago
No more $850 handbags for Michelle? Exactly which leaders are you referring to?
Jophus
· 5 months ago
I haven't exactly figured out who truly has the power to affect change, whether it be financial or social, in our country yet. I know it isn't an office I learned about in civics class, though. :-)
If you know please enlighten me. I'll be the faggot version of Dorthy (God knows I know the songs) and go on the journey to pull that curtain back.
HelenRainier
· 5 months ago
The change will have to start in the thinking of the people at the "top" who make policy decisions. We have a few, very few, who are standing and fighting for that, but they are viewed as "crackpots" or "socialists" or other such disparaging label.
Until that happens, we're SOL. We can each continue to act responsibly but mass change will require the idiots at the top to make a sea change or have a "come to Jesus" moment.
Jophus
· 5 months ago
Are you talking about Paul, Kucinich, Feingold, Waters,and Frank? Is Feingold considered crack pot?
This is a sincere question but do you really think elected officials can assemble the kind of power to enact the kind of change the majority of us want? I couldn't even begin to answer that.
I graduated high school in 2001 so my experience is extremely limited, but in the entire time I have been paying attention I have not seen one example I can point to that would suggest they could.
I know the question itself is a dangerous one, but I feel like the country has nearly come to the breaking point. I can't find hope that is inspired by reality..... Anywhere.
HelenRainier
· 5 months ago
Those you named are amongst them -- and I would add Bernie Sanders to the list since he is a socialist by his own declaration. As to your question -- the elected officials COULD assemble that kind of power if they would stand together and with each other in unity to do WHAT they are supposed to do according to the oath of office they take when they are sworn in. They would stick to their principles and stand up for their moral values. That is not easy to do and can be very "lonely" at times, but it can be done. Therein is the problem. We have too many of them who are corrupt and they far outnumber the ones who do give a damn. That is what I meant when I used the phrase "crackpot" -- they dare to go against the grain and not do the easy thing. I don't view your question as being "dangerous" but rather one of great wisdom.
I am a 60s hippie and came of age during the height of Vietnam and when people took to the streets in protest of our government. I was a kid when JFK, MLK, and RFK were murdered. I remember Kent State. I was hopeful at that time that WE could change things. Now, sadly, seeing where we are now I have become very disillusioned and cynical. Many of the things that were issues when I was your age are still issues but in a larger forum -- more people, smaller world, better technology. I have tried to remain optimistic, but as I say I'm finally beginning to lose that optimism. It will be up to people such as yourself to carry on that torch.
You asked about Feingold. In the way I am defining "crackpot" -- yes, he would be considered one. He was my Senator for a number of years and I was damned proud of him and voted for him each time he ran. He has some positions I disagree with (can't take of any right now), but each time I contacted his office for an explanation, I always not only was able to talk with someone, but always received a follow-up letter with legal references and well-reasoned discourse that, once explained, made sense. I still may not have agreed, but his positions were based on logic and reason.
libertydan
· 5 months ago
We need sound money, the current system is a giant ponzi scheme where bankers print money
Busboy
· 5 months ago
As long as there is a "spot gold" market in the world? Then, the dollar is really linked to the price of gold. Gold in recent years went from $250/oz to $950/oz. That tells you what a greenback is worth...
libertydan
· 5 months ago
Ya the founders wanted gold and silver as legal tender only, for many good reasons. It is counterfeit proof, inflation proof, helps against tyranny. It would totally help the middle class grow, since printing money is anti middle class.
Dateline_Molly
· 5 months ago
Welcome to yet another round of crisis capitalism.
KerrynowCampau
· 5 months ago
It was never smart to base our ecomony on consumption
All Comments
If you know please enlighten me. I'll be the faggot version of Dorthy (God knows I know the songs) and go on the journey to pull that curtain back.
Until that happens, we're SOL. We can each continue to act responsibly but mass change will require the idiots at the top to make a sea change or have a "come to Jesus" moment.
This is a sincere question but do you really think elected officials can assemble the kind of power to enact the kind of change the majority of us want? I couldn't even begin to answer that.
I graduated high school in 2001 so my experience is extremely limited, but in the entire time I have been paying attention I have not seen one example I can point to that would suggest they could.
I know the question itself is a dangerous one, but I feel like the country has nearly come to the breaking point. I can't find hope that is inspired by reality..... Anywhere.
I am a 60s hippie and came of age during the height of Vietnam and when people took to the streets in protest of our government. I was a kid when JFK, MLK, and RFK were murdered. I remember Kent State. I was hopeful at that time that WE could change things. Now, sadly, seeing where we are now I have become very disillusioned and cynical. Many of the things that were issues when I was your age are still issues but in a larger forum -- more people, smaller world, better technology. I have tried to remain optimistic, but as I say I'm finally beginning to lose that optimism. It will be up to people such as yourself to carry on that torch.
You asked about Feingold. In the way I am defining "crackpot" -- yes, he would be considered one. He was my Senator for a number of years and I was damned proud of him and voted for him each time he ran. He has some positions I disagree with (can't take of any right now), but each time I contacted his office for an explanation, I always not only was able to talk with someone, but always received a follow-up letter with legal references and well-reasoned discourse that, once explained, made sense. I still may not have agreed, but his positions were based on logic and reason.