tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549971354391868786.post1878715375462307705..comments2024-03-28T15:24:53.579-04:00Comments on Rational Nation USA: Finally... Recognizing the Futility... The Founding Fathers and Ayn Rand Had It RightLes Carpenterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01120280762698472496noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549971354391868786.post-82438708584287889592011-04-05T19:34:51.320-04:002011-04-05T19:34:51.320-04:00Donald - "The Kid" won't be back. Si...Donald - "The Kid" won't be back. Silver crushed him.<br /><br />He's now just a jelly fish, floating away with the progressive altruistic current.Les Carpenterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01120280762698472496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549971354391868786.post-59942552516456382542011-04-05T16:23:02.255-04:002011-04-05T16:23:02.255-04:00Kid: 0
Silver: 1
I wonder if there will be a rem...Kid: 0<br /><br />Silver: 1<br /><br />I wonder if there will be a rematch? I'll bring popcorn and beer.<br /><br />Donald in Bethel, CTAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549971354391868786.post-7418368654753664592011-04-05T12:05:38.479-04:002011-04-05T12:05:38.479-04:00Silver - Your response to the "Kid" summ...Silver - Your response to the "Kid" summed it up pretty well I think!Les Carpenterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01120280762698472496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549971354391868786.post-26629396811308234352011-04-05T12:04:32.951-04:002011-04-05T12:04:32.951-04:00Kid - ROFLMAO, at you!Kid - ROFLMAO, at you!Les Carpenterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01120280762698472496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549971354391868786.post-67141914575372212602011-04-05T09:20:32.640-04:002011-04-05T09:20:32.640-04:00Kid: You third-grade talking points are hilarious...Kid: You third-grade talking points are hilarious!<br /><br />No one advocates letting the rich "do whatever they want." Who said that? Provide some facts to back your unfounded assertions.<br /><br />So the dow doing well is a bad thing? Do you know that pension funds and millions of 401K's of hard working people are invested there? Do you really want a collapse of everyone's retirement funds?<br /><br />People are begging for socialism? Prove it! We just had two years of government via firehose and the voters roundly rejected it, electing Republicans in a gigantic electoral wave, even more so at the state level.<br /><br />Andrew Cuomo is governing New York like a fiscal conservative.<br /><br />Also, please provide some examples of your alleged racism, homophobia (a republican gay rights group was a sponsor of this year's CPAC), xenophobia, islamophobia, sexism...<br /><br />Lies? Again, some details, please.<br /><br />You are trafficking in hollow talking points that are nothing but hot air.<br /><br />Put up or shut up, this isn't the daily koz.Silverfiddlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13541652236676260219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549971354391868786.post-46208774635621009762011-04-05T01:51:00.164-04:002011-04-05T01:51:00.164-04:00It's amazing that a atheist from Communist Rus...It's amazing that a atheist from Communist Russia is the hero of the Republican Party. <br /><br />Let's see what will happen Tuesday at the polls in Wisconsin. Giving the rich Carte Blanche and letting them do what ever they want doesn't work. The POTUS is not too good of a Socialist with the Dow above 12,000.00 and companies recording record profits. People now are BEGGING for Socialism or anything that will stop the rich from exploiting them. they can't use a fake Mosque at Ground Zero excuse to keep the people divided. Racism, xenophobia, homophobia, Islamaphobia, and sexism can't be used anymore. The Koch brother might be remembered as the people that helped bring Socialism to America. When Fox's high paid liars are caught calling the POTUS a Socialist it discredits the Republican Party. Lies about ACORN, Shirley Sharrod, and the Tea Party have woke up white working class people.kidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15403016215102685806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549971354391868786.post-89528113280981788122011-04-04T23:14:25.808-04:002011-04-04T23:14:25.808-04:00Will - I feel your pain :)
The offer remains open...Will - I feel your pain :)<br /><br />The offer remains open.Les Carpenterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01120280762698472496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549971354391868786.post-83832859220825564272011-04-04T23:12:42.238-04:002011-04-04T23:12:42.238-04:00Silver - You and I {and likely many others} have c...Silver - You and I {and likely many others} have come to the same conclusion.<br /><br />It is a shame really because TAO actually has a lot to offer the political debate of our nation.<br /><br />Sadly he is so bitter {or indoctrinated} that he fails to see he forest for the trees. I have no better way to characterize it.<br /><br />That being said... We have our work cut out for us.Les Carpenterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01120280762698472496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549971354391868786.post-68527779437427278772011-04-04T23:11:25.980-04:002011-04-04T23:11:25.980-04:00I'm glad I clicked through to the comments. So...I'm glad I clicked through to the comments. Sounds like we should all agree to abandon Democracy Central to TAO where he can debate and label himself... And just meet at Rational Nation for regular, rational, conversations. All in favor?Eric Norenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14648635662703229678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549971354391868786.post-6558961303612846752011-04-04T22:28:41.669-04:002011-04-04T22:28:41.669-04:00I concur, gentlemen. As a moderate blogger, I have...I concur, gentlemen. As a moderate blogger, I have been far more pilloried by the left.Will "take no prisoners" Harthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02315659209094683602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549971354391868786.post-59822911456988114092011-04-04T21:31:21.512-04:002011-04-04T21:31:21.512-04:00Les: I have to share your disappointment at Democ...Les: I have to share your disappointment at Democracy Central. It became nothing more that a stage for TAO to rant and rave like a mad man. Even his fellow travelers stopped visiting.<br /><br />I loved how how he constantly railed against labels... While labeling everyone!<br /><br />Lashing out at people instead of debating the points of discussion is the opposite of Socratic.<br /><br />I studied Socrates, I could almost say he was a friend of mine, and TAO, you're no Socrates.<br /><br />I really hoped it would be a forum for productive interchange... Stupid me.<br /><br />The problem with many in Left Blogistan is that it's all or nothing. No middle ground. Sheria is one of the few who can engage without vitriol, which is ironic, because she really comes down hard on conservatives in her blog posts and is an excellent advocate for liberal causes.<br /><br />http://theexaminedlife-sheria.blogspot.com/Silverfiddlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13541652236676260219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549971354391868786.post-74260637167331906622011-04-04T21:13:34.991-04:002011-04-04T21:13:34.991-04:00Will, my good and rational friend... LOL ;).Will, my good and rational friend... LOL ;).Les Carpenterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01120280762698472496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549971354391868786.post-78114494366257766712011-04-04T17:54:37.231-04:002011-04-04T17:54:37.231-04:00I was using a clicker to tally how many labels tha...I was using a clicker to tally how many labels that you guys were using in this discussion. But it exploded!! I say get rid of ALL parties and just have one convention. The last 2 people standing - have them run for the office. And if anybody uses a label during the campaign, shoot 'em!.....Oh, wait a minute, that would make me a fascist, huh? LOLWill "take no prisoners" Harthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02315659209094683602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549971354391868786.post-8398824644995413462011-04-04T16:49:35.649-04:002011-04-04T16:49:35.649-04:00Joe,
Thanks for the birthday wishes.
I understan...Joe,<br /><br />Thanks for the birthday wishes.<br /><br />I understand your point and as a conservative of conscience I share your pain. And I thank you for acknowledging mine.<br /><br />Perhaps, and this is long shot, someday we as a people will finally get it right.<br /><br />Thank you for stopping in GCP. Your occasional visits are always welcome.<br /><br />Even when you p*ss me of ;).Les Carpenterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01120280762698472496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549971354391868786.post-36790881321191491892011-04-04T16:38:02.214-04:002011-04-04T16:38:02.214-04:00Sadly, whether a liberal or conservative of consci...Sadly, whether a liberal or conservative of conscience, we've both been used by both parties. We are forced to vote for what we perceive the lesser of two evils, or not vote. Or vote for Ralph Nader. <br /><br /><br /> Anyway, happy birthday Les.Joe "Truth 101" Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08875151516978133598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549971354391868786.post-25173373753065271462011-04-04T14:49:51.809-04:002011-04-04T14:49:51.809-04:00JMJ - The fact you are ignorant of the full body o...JMJ - The fact you are ignorant of the full body of Rand's work is of no concern to me.<br /><br />Nor is the fact that you, like most progressives, lack objectivity is of no concern to me either.<br /><br />You see, I just don't by into your or TAO's irrational bullshit.<br /><br />Nor do I have the time at 59 years of age to waste on your crap, nor your educated elitist altruistic collectivist bullshit that you attempt to feed America.<br /><br />You and TAO frankly insult the natural intelligence of a 8 year old.<br /><br />I have heretofore valued your "independent" and forthright commentary. However, since you have decided that progressive ignorance is bliss, like your buddy TAO, I at this point have no further comment.<br /><br />Have a wonderfully altruistic, irrational, life.Les Carpenterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01120280762698472496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549971354391868786.post-49640796343522178642011-04-04T12:28:31.112-04:002011-04-04T12:28:31.112-04:00Les,
Don't assume. I have "studied"...Les,<br /><br />Don't assume. I have "studied" Rand (not much to study really, I can't imagine the "depth" you put into it).<br /><br />And TAO does make a very important point: It is a myth that liberals or conservatives have any real power in America. Conservatives have more than liberals, but not all that much in total.<br /><br />In reality, we live in a republican corporatocracy, and really always have. Certain corporate sectors control the GOP, rather completely, while certain sectors more or less control the herd of cats that is the Democratic party. Most importantly though, Wall Street has a pretty firm grasp on BOTH parties, belying the stupid notion that Democrats are steering the nation economically dramatically different than do Republicans. <br /><br />As I have often pointed out, the political debate in this country has been hyperbolized, as if liberals are communists and conservatives are fascists. In reality, the difference between an American conservative and a liberal is only a matter of degree. They are not polar opposites.<br /><br />It fits the politicians' agenda to have liberals and conservatives fighting each other over silly hyperbolic nonsense while ignoring the real issues politicians engage.<br /><br />As for Ayn Rand, I heard a joke some years ago that fits her perfectly: 'Atlas Shrugs is a book teenagers read and then they turn into dicks for a month.'<br /><br />Rand's is not a serious politial philosophy. Rather she provides fodder for the pointless hyperbolic battle between left and right in America.<br /><br />The wealthy are not de facto "producers." Rand is simply wrong about that. In fact, risk aversion studies show that the wealthier people become, the less risks they take, and the less producive they become. Hence the expression "idle rich."<br /><br />The wealthy are not under any serious attack or abuse by any power in America. If anything, we now have an inordinate number of rich who wield inordinate political power. Again, Rand is wrong.<br /><br />Rand was a product of a bygone mythical age in which capitalism and communism were battling for world. In reality, America never faced a serious threat from communism. It's a myth. But it was a useful myth for the establishment of assive police and miliary estates. The irony here, of course, is that the war against communism was used to build massive and powerful statist instutitions! Now Islam has been thrown into the mix, as international communism wains.<br /><br />So, if you vote Republican, as TAO says, then really you are just a Republican, not a conservative or a libertarian.<br /><br />JMJJersey McJoneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15426560061830038806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549971354391868786.post-49601479756171723212011-04-04T11:48:25.743-04:002011-04-04T11:48:25.743-04:00YADA, YADA, YADA...YADA, YADA, YADA...Les Carpenterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01120280762698472496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549971354391868786.post-82538045426008318342011-04-04T09:40:42.349-04:002011-04-04T09:40:42.349-04:00Oh, and may be you are sincere or maybe not....
A...Oh, and may be you are sincere or maybe not....<br /><br />A conservative IS a republican when they vote republican...a progressive can only be a communist if they vote for a communist....when was the last time we had communists on the ballot?<br /><br />So, a conservative can be a republican when they vote republican and a progressive can be a democrat when they vote democrat...<br /><br />There, cleaned up your logic for you....<br /><br />If a progressive can be a totalitarian communist then a conservative can be an authoritarian fascist.<br /><br />If you want to argue that totalitarian communism and authoritarian fascism are the same thing then logically so is conservative and progressives....<br /><br />It is only appropriate that Obama worships Reagan...and he does. Because Reagan was not a conservative but rather a neo-liberal and since 1980 the battle has been between republican neo-liberals and democratic neo-liberals.....<br /><br />So, Americans debate conservatives vs liberals within a political system that has neither....<br /><br />You do not even acknowledge the absurdity of this comment "Your constant class warfare, your constant justifying your hero Barrack Hussein Obama's policies, even when they mirror your hated past President George W. Bush is hypocritical and sickening."<br /><br />You voted for GWB TWICE and yet within your own criticism of the left shows that your position is just as "hypotcritical and sickening" because how can you criticize Obama, if his policies mirror a president that you supported with your vote not once but twice....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549971354391868786.post-13372850550754493712011-04-04T08:49:15.176-04:002011-04-04T08:49:15.176-04:00TAO - Your reality TAO, or perhaps it is, in reali...TAO - Your reality TAO, or perhaps it is, in reality, evasion of the truth. Whatever I don't care.<br /><br />If I am a political hack you are a bigger one. Whatever, I don't care.<br /><br />So take you reality, or evasion, or whatever it is off to DC and practice your political hackery until you have perfected it.<br /><br />A conservative is not a republican but they could be. A progressive is not a communist but they could be. A neo con is not a fascist but they could be. An atheist is not immoral but they could be. A religious person is not immoral but they could be...<br /><br />... Oh, everywhere following 'is not' add necessarily.<br /><br />And you may being sincere or maybe not. At any rate I just don't care.Les Carpenterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01120280762698472496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549971354391868786.post-4581266102095500202011-04-04T08:11:25.921-04:002011-04-04T08:11:25.921-04:00Last time I checked TAO and TRUTH101 were NOT supp...Last time I checked TAO and TRUTH101 were NOT supporting Obama....in fact they were as vilified by the Obama supporters as they are by you. <br /><br />Your basic trouble is that you are for all practical purposes a political hack, and you stated thus on Truth's blog when you discussed the "next election cycle." <br /><br />The reality is that the world is bigger than just conservatives against liberals...and because everything is so black and white to you you see only conservatives and liberals.<br /><br />Us against Them....which of course is bullshit because you will claim that GWB was one of them and you voted for him...not once but twice.<br /><br />That then would, on a different political matrix make you one of them. But no, that can't be because you believe in the founding fathers and are a follower of Ayn Rand....<br /><br />That is as big of an excuse as is the democrats claiming that it is the left that let Obama down.<br /><br />If you truly want to understand our current political system and why progressives are fed up with Obama and the democrats (which you niavely assume means support for the candidate on the right) then read:<br /><br />Democracy Incorporated: Managed Democracy and the Specter of Inverted Totalitarianism.<br /><br />The concept of "lesser of two evils" and or liberals claiming to be pragmatic are covered quite well in this book....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549971354391868786.post-53942475928065255202011-04-04T00:58:23.119-04:002011-04-04T00:58:23.119-04:00JMJ - You, like most who have not actually studied...JMJ - You, like most who have not actually studied Rand uninhibited by todays sorry excuses for teachers and professors fail to understand Rand. <br /><br />Your loss, not mine.<br /><br />Beware of the socialist, humanitarian altruists.<br /><br />On that note I am going to drag my knuckles to bed.<br /><br />By the way, say hi to TAO, Truth 101 (or whatever he is calling himself these days}, Sue Shaw, and the rest of the flighty feel good hippie altruists.<br /><br />You on the other hand have at least retained some semblance of rationality. That I respect.<br /><br />PS: I have read and studied Rand in depth for years without the "guidance" of some crazed socialist or collectivist minded elitist numbskull professor telling how and what to think. <br /><br />Imagine that. Guess the liberal fascists will have their work cut out trying to control us INDIVIDUAL THINKING people.<br /><br />In a nutshell, I am now going to enjoy my rational self interest {AS IN THE VIRTUE OF SELFISHNESS} and tell the irrational humanitarian altruists to go live their life of selflessness.<br /><br />See ya at the soda fountain.<br /><br />As Atlas Shrugs.Les Carpenterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01120280762698472496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549971354391868786.post-45826427411987033542011-04-04T00:38:30.503-04:002011-04-04T00:38:30.503-04:00Les, I do not think of you as "reactionary ri...Les, I do not think of you as "reactionary rightest scum, (an) f'ing republthug, knuckle dragging Neanderthal," or any "other unsavory adjectives."<br /><br />I think you love your way of life and want to keep it that way. No problem with me. I think you are smart, thinking big things.<br /><br />Your way of life, and your thinking, would significantly change under an Objectivist government.<br /><br />Ayn Rand was essentially a social-Darwinist.<br /><br />Be careful of that way of thinking. It's been tried. It does not work out well.<br /><br />Oh, and as for Rand, Our Founders would've considered her a crazed radical - even back then. Our Founders understood the opportunities of the common man made for a great nation, not the luck of the rich. <br /><br />JMJJersey McJoneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15426560061830038806noreply@blogger.com