The US Hamster Wheel

[BenThere]

But can you answer the original question? Is there anything ever so slightly socialist about military pensions?

Pardon me for stepping in, but as a military pensioner I feel I can offer an observation. The military pension is offered as an inducement to attract recruits and retain trained soldiers. As President Trump might say, 'It's a deal'.

One could argue that having a standing military makes any nation that does so Socialist. That's the argument I think you're making, compo. To a degree, it is. As I've long professed, we all live somewhere along the individual-socialist continuum. When the social construct begins to suppress and oppress, and reduce prosperity, I object.

[Slasher]

Wot Ben said Hill.

By nature we're social creatures borne out of survival started by cavemen teaming up to catch and share food etc. If Nog died of hunger than the Ig, Gok and Nog team would be quite severely weakened for the next dino steak 'n chips dinner hunt. So yes in that regard they were socialists. Gok was probly the leader as he may've had the biggest nuts.

What you're talking about is political socialism borne out of the Marxist Leninist claptrap of 1913...da? Looks good on paper. Works well with bees and ants. Doesn't work with humans tovarich. Nyet.

But I won't stir you up anymore this week. As a demonstration of my good faith here is something you'll like...and it was reported by one of my favorite media outlets: the evil bourgeois capitalist pig dog lovin' Ocasio hatin' 'crat rubbishin' Bloomberg!

https://moneyandmarkets.com/trump-trade ... le-Traffic

[John Hill]

What you're talking about is political socialism borne out of the Marxist Leninist claptrap of 1913...

Now you really are talking total BS as I doubt I have ever promoted Marx or Lenin and neither did I ever promote their brand of socialism.

What has corrupted your head is the American use of 'socialism' as a bogey man leading inevitably to communism.

BTW we are still waiting to see your support of your assertion that socialism is an 'all or nothing' deal.

[Slasher]

Well you're all under the same umbrella whether it's 'Democratic' socialism, Maoist socialism, European socialism, Hill socialism, Venezuelan socialism, K&C socialism or your plain everyday garden variety socialism. All the same to me - with the same ultimate results.

Nope you've never spouted direct support for Marxist-Leninist but you obviously support the bolshie ideals of 1913. Have a good look at what I'm talking about. BTW the USSR nor China were never "communist". Only Cambodia was in the 70s under uncle Pot. The State however had no bloody intention of ever 'withering away'.

First thing first. I asked you well before this what's the difference between "democratic" socialism and normal everyday socialism? And that by logic 'democratic' socialism will eventually lead to plain everyday socialism?

Answer those questions clearly and succinctly Hill and I'll answer yours about bare full frontal socialism.

Might add I'm not a supporter of any unbridled capitalism that just sh!ts on everyone. Uncontrolled and unchecked capitalism can be just as devastating as socialism (see 2007/2008 USA) although the former can be reined in much quicker than the latter. I'm no fan of Wall St nor fat cat bankers.

BTW...who exactly are 'we'? It's only you who is waiting.

[John Hill]

Another pathetic strawman attempt there as I do not recall ever using the terms democratic socialism or everyday socialism.

[John Hill]

Might add I'm not a supporter of any unbridled capitalism that just sh!ts on everyone. Uncontrolled and unchecked capitalism can be just as devastating as socialism (see 2007/2008 USA) although the former can be reined in much quicker than the latter. I'm no fan of Wall St nor fat cat bankers.

Be very careful what you say as you sound like a closet supporter of whatever 'democratic socialism' might be.

[Slasher]

Another pathetic strawman attempt there as I do not recall ever using the terms democratic socialism or everyday socialism.

That's why I don't seriously talk to you Hill as you can't help but throw in a discreet ad hominem when a direct question is asked of you.

I just see you added another post. 'Smatter? If you can't answer the question just say so.

I still promise not to stir you up this week.

Oh sorry. Today is the start of a new one...

[John Hill]

Do your worst!

[Slasher]

IMG_2767.JPG (31.26 KiB) Viewed 797 times

[John Hill]

You really are getting stirred up now!

Here is one of you on your first date!!!

[BenThere]

Study a little bit deeper into the causes of the 2007-8 meltdown and get back to me.

It was largely caused by negating the borrowing qualifications of US mortgage seekers so as to attain racial balance in home ownership and loan approval rates. The mortgages that resulted were packaged into tranches that sold world-wide as AAA rated bond securities.

Senator Dodd and Rep. Frank were the architects, put in their positions of power by the 2006 mid-term elections. When the house of cards collapsed the financial world wobbled but did not fail. Rep. Frank appointed some of his gay friends to senior Freddie and Fannie positions. The shambles were never adequately investigated because by the time the damage was done we had a Democrat president and Congress who didn't really want to know, along with the Democrat press. But that is what happened. Amazingly, we recovered in 2016.

[John Hill]

Study a little bit deeper into the causes of the 2007-8 meltdown and get back to me.

Capitalism at work!

[BenThere]

Capitalism at work!

Exactly! Capitalism tends to be self-correcting, quite different to dogma-driven Socialism, witness the resurgence of the US economy versus the flatline the EU continues to experience. The US has moved toward Capitalism in recent years and has prospered, while the EU's clinging Socialist bent has delivered not much in terms of general well-being or future prospects. I think I like our way better.

That's why I think Brexit is a good idea in the long run. Had the EU pursued a Capitalist agenda, it might have turned out differently, but it didn't. My conviction is that if Brits unleash their Capitalist talents by leaving the EU, and restore all the blessings of national sovereignty, happy times are much more likely in store.

[Slasher]

Since you're completely incapable of answering my question Hill on what the difference is between "democratic" socialism and ordinary everyday socialism, and why the former should logically lead to the latter, I'll let this little nerd answer it for you. If you pull your head in you might actually learn something. Constructive debate and clear thinking is definitely not your forte - no doubt because you have no idea of your subject matter. If you did you wouldn't come back with just idiotic simple one liners. I expect your next post will prove that.

[Slasher]

Exactly! Capitalism tends to be self-correcting, quite different to dogma-driven Socialism,...

Had the EU pursued a Capitalist agenda, it might have turned out differently, but it didn't. My conviction is that if Brits unleash their Capitalist talents by leaving the EU, and restore all the blessings of national sovereignty, happy times are much more likely in store.

My thoughts as well. The only worry is if Corbyn & Co win the next election.

[BenThere]

As I've said before, the people who freely vote in their politicians get the government they deserve. Those who have lost their right to vote must take what they are given until they muster the muscle to take their Freedom back.

My advice is to be very wary when your government tries to take away your personal weapons/firearms. That is ultimately your only individual power in the face of a runaway tyranny.

[John Hill]

Exactly! Capitalism tends to be self-correcting, quite different to dogma-driven Socialism, witness the resurgence of the US economy versus the flatline the EU continues to experience.

In this case Capitalism did not self-correct but had to be rescued by public funds handed out to banks.

[John Hill]

I am sorry Mr Slasher you are demonstrating you are on shifting ground.

You tell us that there is nothing but full frontal socialism then you show a presentation showing several categories of 'socialism'.

So just what is your position on this important subject? Do you even have one? Are you just an argumentive arsewipe?

[Capetonian]

Are you just an argumentive arsewipe?

That might be an apt description for one or two people on this site, but not for Slasher.
It's a pity you can't disagree without personal unpleasantness but I guess it goes with the territory, a trait you share with someone else here.

[Undried Plum]

I never thought I'd ever find myself nodding in agreement with that moon-faced bitch Coulter, but I did so when I read that she's said "The only national emergency is that our president is an idiot."

She's a very slow learner.