Salvete. This post is partly dedicated to the American police force.
There has been a large increase in police (highway patrol) activity on Californian freeways recently, and likewise I have seen a large amount of anti-police sentiment. We used to believe that policemen are heroes, right next to firefighters and nurses. Nowadays we have neither respect nor approval of the police force.
The American police corps is an amazing force. It is one of the most hardworking, benevolent forces that were ever given substantial power. It is one of the big factors that separate the United States of America from nations like Iran and Egypt. Without them, society would be ruled by mobs at gunpoint by now.
What's up with all the traffic enforcement and the handing out of warnings and tickets? Don't direct any anger towards the individual police. They are not the ones controlling the police activity. The government (the Californian government in particular) is desperate for money, and it finds police work to be an effective solution. When a product malfunctions, should one be angry at the customer support or should one be concerned rather with the manufacturing, or even the product itself?
Besides, policemen are simply upholding the law. Don't break the law; don't get punished for breaking the law. Simple.
Why is there corruption in the police force? There has been corruption in every occupation invented by mankind, from doctors to farmers to businessmen to teachers to engineers to fast food workers to (especially to) politicians. Most policemen are benevolent, kind people who have good intentions and most likely would not give people tickets if it was not part of their job. They merely do their duty and serve their country.
Whether we have never received a single ticket or whether we have gone to prison many times, we should all be thankful that there is a transparent, benevolent force on our side.
There is the five. Expect more later.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Five in Two Days: Free Refills
Salvete. Today I decided to talk about something light: free refills.
The opponents of the fast food industry particularly use free refills as an example of businesses "trying to make America fat." When looking at the big picture, though, one can see that free refills are a symbol of America's success. Think about it- free refills are proof that the capitalism practiced by the fast food industry works so well that companies can afford to give their patrons as much beverage as their patrons can drink in one sitting- and then some. It also shows the generosity of the fast food industry. Sure, they probably do intend to attract a few more customers through free refills, but not every business gives away an unlimited amount of their product to consumers. No office supplies company says, "Buy this pack of pencils and receive as many pencils as you can carry!" No electronics company says, "Get unlimited free hardware for buying this computer!" Free refills are just one small example of how capitalism has worked in America.
The opponents of the fast food industry particularly use free refills as an example of businesses "trying to make America fat." When looking at the big picture, though, one can see that free refills are a symbol of America's success. Think about it- free refills are proof that the capitalism practiced by the fast food industry works so well that companies can afford to give their patrons as much beverage as their patrons can drink in one sitting- and then some. It also shows the generosity of the fast food industry. Sure, they probably do intend to attract a few more customers through free refills, but not every business gives away an unlimited amount of their product to consumers. No office supplies company says, "Buy this pack of pencils and receive as many pencils as you can carry!" No electronics company says, "Get unlimited free hardware for buying this computer!" Free refills are just one small example of how capitalism has worked in America.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Five in a Day: Egypt...
Salvete. Egypt...
Interference in Egypt has been one of the worst decisions in United States history. We overthrew a dictator who liked us for a dictator who hated us. But have no fear! The Egyptian military has come in to save the day! What could possibly happen with an overly powerful military?
We've just spun Egypt into chaos. I probably will not end for years, if not decades. Dictator after dictator will rise to power, crumble, and fall.
The solution for prosperity in Egypt: Give power to Israel. Don't give up power to a shaky ally and hope for the best. Many people would call that either extreme trust or suicide. We can rely on Israel. Israel has never let us down, though we have let Israel down far too many times. An Israeli presence in Egypt means that Egypt will remain weak during the hazardous process of establishing democracy. As a plus, Christians and Jews won't be murdered in the streets. Wouldn't that be nice?
Interference in Egypt has been one of the worst decisions in United States history. We overthrew a dictator who liked us for a dictator who hated us. But have no fear! The Egyptian military has come in to save the day! What could possibly happen with an overly powerful military?
We've just spun Egypt into chaos. I probably will not end for years, if not decades. Dictator after dictator will rise to power, crumble, and fall.
The solution for prosperity in Egypt: Give power to Israel. Don't give up power to a shaky ally and hope for the best. Many people would call that either extreme trust or suicide. We can rely on Israel. Israel has never let us down, though we have let Israel down far too many times. An Israeli presence in Egypt means that Egypt will remain weak during the hazardous process of establishing democracy. As a plus, Christians and Jews won't be murdered in the streets. Wouldn't that be nice?
Five in a Day: Justice for Zimmerman
Salvete.
The Zimmerman trial has been all over the news lately. This topic has been the subject of intense debate. If you do not know about the Zimmerman trial yet, I advise that you do research before reading this blog.
I don't recall ever seeing this much public approval in America for one man to die. The outcry of the former Occupy Wall Street gang* is insane. There are so many hoops that the left must jump through to justify their actions. Here are just some:
1. Zimmerman is a racist. Racism in and of itself is not a crime in America, but the left is basing their argument almost completely on race. For one, this has been proven false. For another, so what if he's racist? That does not explain the death of Trayvon.
2. Zimmerman intentionally murdered Trayvon. This is not likely. I will never know, nor will anyone ever know, but the evidence points to self-defense.
3. Zimmerman intentionally murdered Trayvon because Trayvon was African American. Wow. What a stupid argument. Even if Zimmerman was a racist, he would not have just randomly decided to take out Trayvon for his pleasure. No sane man would just take a night walk and say, "Hey! An African American! Let's get him!" That is stupid, and most of that terrorism died years ago.
4. Zimmerman deserves every single bit of this public outcry. When taken logically, many people would rather be in Trayvon's shoes than in Zimmerman's. The American people have condemned Zimmerman to a fate worse than death. Zimmerman now has to fend for his life, be afraid every single moment of his life, and have state and federal officials tracking his every move. He may never be able to get a decent job, nor may he ever shake off this false reputation.
Shame on you, America. How dare you let your feelings get in the way of the facts. You can do so much better.
The Zimmerman trial has been all over the news lately. This topic has been the subject of intense debate. If you do not know about the Zimmerman trial yet, I advise that you do research before reading this blog.
I don't recall ever seeing this much public approval in America for one man to die. The outcry of the former Occupy Wall Street gang* is insane. There are so many hoops that the left must jump through to justify their actions. Here are just some:
1. Zimmerman is a racist. Racism in and of itself is not a crime in America, but the left is basing their argument almost completely on race. For one, this has been proven false. For another, so what if he's racist? That does not explain the death of Trayvon.
2. Zimmerman intentionally murdered Trayvon. This is not likely. I will never know, nor will anyone ever know, but the evidence points to self-defense.
3. Zimmerman intentionally murdered Trayvon because Trayvon was African American. Wow. What a stupid argument. Even if Zimmerman was a racist, he would not have just randomly decided to take out Trayvon for his pleasure. No sane man would just take a night walk and say, "Hey! An African American! Let's get him!" That is stupid, and most of that terrorism died years ago.
4. Zimmerman deserves every single bit of this public outcry. When taken logically, many people would rather be in Trayvon's shoes than in Zimmerman's. The American people have condemned Zimmerman to a fate worse than death. Zimmerman now has to fend for his life, be afraid every single moment of his life, and have state and federal officials tracking his every move. He may never be able to get a decent job, nor may he ever shake off this false reputation.
Shame on you, America. How dare you let your feelings get in the way of the facts. You can do so much better.
Five in a Day: Bomb Shells in the Coral Reef
Salvete. I have been gone for quite a while and have missed quite a lot. So, without further adieu, I will attempt to write five blogs in one day.
Let's start with some of the more recent news: From what I have read, the United States military has dropped unarmed "bombs" into the coral reef.
I don't care. Get over it.
Quite honestly, it seems like such a "great" distraction from all of the flak that the current administration has been getting and the Zimmerman case. It's almost as good as the news that Princess Kate and Kim Kardashian are having babies. I don't care for stuff like that because it has no sway in the grand scheme of things. History books won't make a side note that says, "Oh, by the way, Kim Kardashian had a baby at this time." History will remember the Zimmerman trial, the scandals in the White House, and the Benghazi incident. I advise the American people (as well as people around the world) to think accordingly.
Let's start with some of the more recent news: From what I have read, the United States military has dropped unarmed "bombs" into the coral reef.
I don't care. Get over it.
Quite honestly, it seems like such a "great" distraction from all of the flak that the current administration has been getting and the Zimmerman case. It's almost as good as the news that Princess Kate and Kim Kardashian are having babies. I don't care for stuff like that because it has no sway in the grand scheme of things. History books won't make a side note that says, "Oh, by the way, Kim Kardashian had a baby at this time." History will remember the Zimmerman trial, the scandals in the White House, and the Benghazi incident. I advise the American people (as well as people around the world) to think accordingly.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Fourth of July Post: Nationalism
Salvete. Today's the day: the Fourth of July, American Independence Day. It is an amazing sight to behold: people of all parties, all opinions, and all backgrounds come together to celebrate America.
As I look around, I realize that Independence Day really seems to be more about America than the cause of freedom. That really is what society is like today. People of all parties support America because... it's America! Don't worry about the ideals behind America or the lessons that we have learned as America; it's just... America!
Nationalism has basically taken over the public mindset. Just plain America means nothing without the cause of America: independence, republicanism (the principle, not the party), self-reliance, and faith. Supporting America because it's America is just like the Nazis supporting Germany because it's Germany or the Soviets supporting Russia because it's Russia. Nationalism is a feature of all nations, but it is a very dangerous thing. Nationalism has blinded us from problems, prevented us from solving them, and given us a false pride.
This is not to say that nationalism is a bad thing. Nationalism unites the American people, gives morale when there is none, et cetera. But we do not owe allegiance "to the flag of the United States of America" or any insignia that emphasizes America, nor do we even owe allegiance "to the Republic on which it stands." We owe allegiance to God foremost, family second, and the ideals on which our Republic stands.
I pledge allegiance
To the cause
Followed through in the United States of America
And to spread republicanism
Which stands on the principles
Of faith, justice, equality, and independence,
To every nation
Under God
So that there will be liberty and justice for all.
As I look around, I realize that Independence Day really seems to be more about America than the cause of freedom. That really is what society is like today. People of all parties support America because... it's America! Don't worry about the ideals behind America or the lessons that we have learned as America; it's just... America!
Nationalism has basically taken over the public mindset. Just plain America means nothing without the cause of America: independence, republicanism (the principle, not the party), self-reliance, and faith. Supporting America because it's America is just like the Nazis supporting Germany because it's Germany or the Soviets supporting Russia because it's Russia. Nationalism is a feature of all nations, but it is a very dangerous thing. Nationalism has blinded us from problems, prevented us from solving them, and given us a false pride.
This is not to say that nationalism is a bad thing. Nationalism unites the American people, gives morale when there is none, et cetera. But we do not owe allegiance "to the flag of the United States of America" or any insignia that emphasizes America, nor do we even owe allegiance "to the Republic on which it stands." We owe allegiance to God foremost, family second, and the ideals on which our Republic stands.
I pledge allegiance
To the cause
Followed through in the United States of America
And to spread republicanism
Which stands on the principles
Of faith, justice, equality, and independence,
To every nation
Under God
So that there will be liberty and justice for all.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Pulling a Jefferson: Secession in a Follow-the-Leader World Part 1
Salvete. It seems like secession is at most an overly radical dream for dissenters and at least a laughable proposal. In reality it is both a viable and eventually necessary option.
Take, for example, the hostilities between party lines: Democrat versus Republican, conservative versus liberal, Christian versus atheist, et cetera. In a short while, it will be near impossible to keep the two groups together under the same banner. The nation must be peacefully split before it is violently split.
The idea of secession is neither a Republican-based nor a conservative-based position. It is simply the idea that localized governments would better fit a local area than would a federal or even state government. For the Republicans let's have a Republican leader. For the liberals let's have a liberal leader. For farmers let's have someone who knows farming to lead. For coastal regions let's have a leader who knows about maritime trade and good leadership toward a thriving economy. Localized governments are coming under attack from larger government entities. It is nearly impossible for small towns to function without interference by the government. It would be better to leave now than to wait for power to be completely stripped from local communities.
More on secession in Part 2. Also, I have started a gaming blog (Plaustrum20 Gaming). Follow or comment as you would please.
Take, for example, the hostilities between party lines: Democrat versus Republican, conservative versus liberal, Christian versus atheist, et cetera. In a short while, it will be near impossible to keep the two groups together under the same banner. The nation must be peacefully split before it is violently split.
The idea of secession is neither a Republican-based nor a conservative-based position. It is simply the idea that localized governments would better fit a local area than would a federal or even state government. For the Republicans let's have a Republican leader. For the liberals let's have a liberal leader. For farmers let's have someone who knows farming to lead. For coastal regions let's have a leader who knows about maritime trade and good leadership toward a thriving economy. Localized governments are coming under attack from larger government entities. It is nearly impossible for small towns to function without interference by the government. It would be better to leave now than to wait for power to be completely stripped from local communities.
More on secession in Part 2. Also, I have started a gaming blog (Plaustrum20 Gaming). Follow or comment as you would please.
Let's Go Right for the Big Topics: Gun Control Part 4
Salvete. I chose to save Part 3 for another day. Here is Part 4.
If I were purposefully trying to take people's constitutional rights away, I would pit one against the other. I would give the people a choice: choose one to protect the other. This is exactly what gun control lobbyists are doing: they are pitting the right to privacy against the right to bear arms through background checks. "Do you want to bear arms? First, then, we will have to dig into your personal background. Yes, the fact that you have a dog named Sandy is very important to seeing whether or not we can sell you a gun." Eventually, we will either not have our second amendment rights or not have our fourth amendment rights. (Of course, recent news has shown us that we don't have fourth amendment rights anyway, but that is a different debate entirely).
Also, I don't think the American people realize how much power they are giving the government via background checks. We are giving the government the keys to our personal life, records that we do not want to be put out in public, and so much more. We would not even tell some of our friends what we tell to the government. The government is trying to achieve omnipotence, and we just let them go on their merry way. Why should we give the government another ounce of power?
Thank you very much for viewing. Today is the one-week anniversary of Plaustrum20 Politics and the birth of the sister blog Plaustrum20 Gaming. At nearly 40 views, I think we have made a lot of progress and are ready for more. Have a nice day.
If I were purposefully trying to take people's constitutional rights away, I would pit one against the other. I would give the people a choice: choose one to protect the other. This is exactly what gun control lobbyists are doing: they are pitting the right to privacy against the right to bear arms through background checks. "Do you want to bear arms? First, then, we will have to dig into your personal background. Yes, the fact that you have a dog named Sandy is very important to seeing whether or not we can sell you a gun." Eventually, we will either not have our second amendment rights or not have our fourth amendment rights. (Of course, recent news has shown us that we don't have fourth amendment rights anyway, but that is a different debate entirely).
Also, I don't think the American people realize how much power they are giving the government via background checks. We are giving the government the keys to our personal life, records that we do not want to be put out in public, and so much more. We would not even tell some of our friends what we tell to the government. The government is trying to achieve omnipotence, and we just let them go on their merry way. Why should we give the government another ounce of power?
Thank you very much for viewing. Today is the one-week anniversary of Plaustrum20 Politics and the birth of the sister blog Plaustrum20 Gaming. At nearly 40 views, I think we have made a lot of progress and are ready for more. Have a nice day.
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