“Did you really think we want those laws observed?” said Dr. Ferris. “We want them to be broken. You’d better get it straight that it’s not a bunch of boy scouts you’re up against… We’re after power and we mean it… There’s no way to rule innocent men. The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren’t enough criminals one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws. Who wants a nation of law-abiding citizens? What’s there in that for anyone? But just pass the kind of laws that can neither be observed nor enforced or objectively interpreted – and you create a nation of law-breakers – and then you cash in on guilt. Now that’s the system, Mr. Reardon, that’s the game, and once you understand it, you’ll be much easier to deal with.” (Ayn Rand, ‘Atlas Shrugged’ 1957)
The current American election is not going to be a success for the cause of liberty. Indeed, in a country that claims to be a champion of “Freedom,” we are not free to alter our physiology through certain substances. We are not free to augment our self-defense capabilities. We are not free to pay only for services we use.
Both McCain and Obama are compared and contrasted endlessly. Their policies and statements analyzed and interpreted and misconstrued.
In the end, neither stands on any principles. They are professionals. They are in the business. The two party system creates a perfect circle – black versus white, endlessly spewing talking points and sound bytes, creating a fictional world in which the two sides are engaged in an endless struggle, with a media engine that encourages people to take one side or the other.
How can the prospective leader of an alleged free nation consider continuing an illegal war halfway around the world, or tout redistribution of wealth as a positive change? Whats worse is that people buy it. And they sell it.
Democracy is NOT freedom. Democracy is a rule by majority. Democracy invites socialism. Politicians buy votes by promising tax credits and rebates. They play on fears – doppelgangers like terrorism and the economy. We do not need democracy. We need liberty. We do not need bailouts. We need free markets. We do not need tax rebates. We need a government that obeys the constitution, and delegates power first to individuals, then to states. It is states and the federal governments that should respect the individual. Our checks and balances system should protect this. The two party system shatters this model by allowing branches to collude with each other.
The Real ID act, the PATRIOT act, restrictions on personal firearms, and taxes on income are pieces of legislation that should never have made it into the capital. When government begins to invade the lives of citizens, some welcome it. The bars of the cage become familiar and comforting. The tyranny of the majority outstrips the sanctity of the individual and his or her liberties. Democracy allows the government, through the majority, to select which minorities are acceptable, and which need to be restricted. It is a hegemony that incinerates the vision of a Jeffersonian Democracy, and erects a worldview of structure without foundation and belief without principle. The majority has been programmed to be incapable of rational and principled introspection. They gaze into the screen and vote for the candidate that looks more like a president. It has become a circus. It is entertainment. It even has commercial breaks.
On November 4th, I implore you to reject the System. Write in a principle rather than a person. Write in yourself. Write in Ron Paul. Or do not vote.
On November 4th, we have the opportunities to participate in the great charade – going into a booth to cast a vote – a sign of approval for means of governance that has eroded the liberties of the individual and refuse to give up power. We should have a “None of the above” ticket – a vote of no-confidence in democracy.
Any vote for John McCain or Barack Obama is a wasted vote. Don’t let them tell you otherwise. Tonight, watch 5 minutes of a news channel with the sound turned off.
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Ryan
The only thing I disagree with, and I wonder why so many “Chaotes” buy into this drivel…
“We do not need bailouts. We need free markets.”
When will we wake up and see that “Corporatizing” (for lack of a better term) everything would be just as bad, if not worse than current systems of government? I am so sick of money-worship that I would like to see monetary systems done away with altogether. Can’t you see “out-of-control capitalism” is what started the whole economic mess in the first place? Sick of right-wing politics myself. Just because I play with chaos doesn’t mean I’m going to CONFORM to the politics other so-called “Chaotes” seem to promote. You call yourselves anarchists? You promote the same problems you say you are against… you are nothing more than thugs in 3 piece suits who live on Wall Street and beat up homeless people.
Maybe when the Chaos Magick Community stops promoting this *fiscal conformity* I can start supporting the community more as a whole. Until then, I’ll stay here and watch you idiots promote the same problems you claim to stand against.
Un-regulated *Big Bu$ine$$* means worker’s rights are violated, consumer’s demands are largely ignored and any provisions to protect the environment are thrown out the window in order for some greedy bastard (or bastards) to make a few more pennies for themselves. I’m not buying into it. Not going to CONFORM.
As they say, “Fascism is what happens when Capitalism fails”… What’s worse? Fascism or Socialism? Both fucking reek to me. Let’s start thinking up some ORIGINAL ideas people, and shove the Ann Raynd garbage somewhere else.
Christopher,
I appreciate your candor, but not your tone.
Corporatism and Capitalism are two different systems of “political economy.” You seem to conflate the two. Free markets is simply providing people the freedom to trade, and the right to the fruits of their own labor. If you look at the current financial crisis, you will see that it was in fact regulation and government bodies (community reinvestment act, sarbanes oxley, fannie/freddie) that played a big role in this mess. And while yes, the big banks fucked up (and didn’t play by the rules) – but by bailing them out, we are rewarding bad behavior and actually encouraging poor business decisions. That isn’t capitalism, its not socialism, and its not corporatism – its just plain stupidity.
http://www.oftwominds.com/blogapr09/survival10-04-09.html
While I must apologize for the veracity of my comment, I did let my anger take command of me more so than I usually do. I have no clue what to do. I am behind on bills and payments to various agencies and persons, and it seems where I work (a hotel) are all affected by this sour economical situation. I am still in a ’slight panic’, as I can barely keep up anymore, keep looking for additional employment and am planning to write a fiction series that may/may not be published…
Is “free market” capitalism such a good idea? Should we continue using a “monetary system” at all? All these ideas – including Socialism, Communism, Capitalism, Fascism, etc. – seem dated and I feel that maybe we as a human race should try looking in a new direction… I have no clue as to where or what, I am not good with numbers, I have to admit… or should that even matter? What if all of our old ideas keep failing us?
Sorry for the ramble, but you have to admit I was much more civil this time around. I DO NOT want to be homeless… AGAIN. No one should have to go through that. And that is why I panic. That is why I nightmare each time I sleep. Primal simian fear of not knowing where your next meal will come from, relying on others, being a damnable leach. It is not a ‘human’ way to live!
Maybe there should be more than one answer, also?????
Christopher,
I’m glad you came back to respond. I very much appreciate the discussion. With scarce resources capital allocation is best done through free markets. If we have advanced technology and can overcome scarcity, then we don’t need any of these systems.
Ultimately, the best system will win out in the Darwinian market of ideas.
BTW: is there anyway i might be of assistance in helping you brainstorm, write, promote, or publish your fiction series? I am working on a short story right now.
Best,
Ubermensch