MontyPython
Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2019
- Messages
- 12,084
- Likes
- 15,546
"Socialism" largely has a dirty reputation here in the US. But is it really so bad and are we perhaps actually pre-conditioned to move towards a Democratic Socialist nation-state someday?
With the election of Zohran Mamdani (spellcheck... got it), an avowed Democratic Socialist, as the new NYC mayor, Trump's head clearly just about exploded - so now he's lobbing all sorts of threats in which the Feds can/could harm NYC (the largest city in our country). Classy Donald as always.
Anyway, I pose this question: What's so "wrong" about Democratic Socialism? Its basic premise is as follows: Strong welfare states, high taxes, and extensive public services (e.g., universal healthcare, free education, strong unions), achieved through democratic elections—not full state ownership of production (as in classic socialism).
The haves versus the have-nots here in our country... a recipe for hate, distrust and crime. And why shouldn't we have universal healthcare - are you more deserving of *living* than someone who has less money than you? Same with education... wouldn't our country be better with *smarter* people in general? Yes, methinks.
Now I get it: Your gut reaction is HIGHER TAXES... GO F YOURSELF, MP. I'm with you... kind of.
So I'm a small business owner. I feel like I work harder than your average Joe... I'm out there hustling like this Saturday morning... meeting up with potential clients and doing estimates. Why should I pay more taxes and how would this motivate me to work harder? I get it.
But here's the thing... it's not just all about money. It's about lifestyle, too. It's about living in a society that fosters HAPPINESS, right?
"Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Pretty sure somebody said that back in the day.
Take a look at the Top-10 "Happiest Countries". I've been to several of them. In fact, my mom was from one of them.
Top 10 happiest countries:
In the grand scheme of things, our big cities and the left-coast generally lead trends in our economy and our social policies. For all you California bashers, don't forget that if California were its own independent country, it'd have the 4th largest economy in the world. Fact. Regardless, with NYC electing a socialist, it begs the question: Are we moving in that direction? And for those here diametrically opposed to all things socialist, it begs the question: why?
And just one more thing... if you are morally opposed to socialism, I'm happy to receive your Social Security Benefits directly (DING DING DING... SOCIALISM). Just lemme know.
With the election of Zohran Mamdani (spellcheck... got it), an avowed Democratic Socialist, as the new NYC mayor, Trump's head clearly just about exploded - so now he's lobbing all sorts of threats in which the Feds can/could harm NYC (the largest city in our country). Classy Donald as always.
Anyway, I pose this question: What's so "wrong" about Democratic Socialism? Its basic premise is as follows: Strong welfare states, high taxes, and extensive public services (e.g., universal healthcare, free education, strong unions), achieved through democratic elections—not full state ownership of production (as in classic socialism).
The haves versus the have-nots here in our country... a recipe for hate, distrust and crime. And why shouldn't we have universal healthcare - are you more deserving of *living* than someone who has less money than you? Same with education... wouldn't our country be better with *smarter* people in general? Yes, methinks.
Now I get it: Your gut reaction is HIGHER TAXES... GO F YOURSELF, MP. I'm with you... kind of.
So I'm a small business owner. I feel like I work harder than your average Joe... I'm out there hustling like this Saturday morning... meeting up with potential clients and doing estimates. Why should I pay more taxes and how would this motivate me to work harder? I get it.
But here's the thing... it's not just all about money. It's about lifestyle, too. It's about living in a society that fosters HAPPINESS, right?
"Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Pretty sure somebody said that back in the day.
Take a look at the Top-10 "Happiest Countries". I've been to several of them. In fact, my mom was from one of them.
Top 10 happiest countries:
- Finland
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Sweden
- Israel
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Luxembourg
- Switzerland
- Australia
In the grand scheme of things, our big cities and the left-coast generally lead trends in our economy and our social policies. For all you California bashers, don't forget that if California were its own independent country, it'd have the 4th largest economy in the world. Fact. Regardless, with NYC electing a socialist, it begs the question: Are we moving in that direction? And for those here diametrically opposed to all things socialist, it begs the question: why?
And just one more thing... if you are morally opposed to socialism, I'm happy to receive your Social Security Benefits directly (DING DING DING... SOCIALISM). Just lemme know.
Last edited:
