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JPG40504 wrote:Mostly consumption and little production.

Isn't that an alternate definition of a parasite?

Ed in Tampa wrote:Isn't that an alternate definition of a parasite?

Not coincidental!:D

Really? Joseph Stalin? A mass murderer as a pundit on American values? A quote or not using Stalin as a model of good governance -really? As history of good ol' America is often mentioned here and the horrors of progressives I suggest some serious historical research would help. America is a much better nation than the '60s and '70s I grew up in. And by the way, Alaska became a state in 1959. My folks owned an island, I grew up shooting seals and wolves for to help supplement the income. I know what it's like to live providing your own water,sewer,electricity(that from 32 volt dc. Edison light bulbs) light often from hurricane lamps, cooling storage from icebergs pushed to the beach-heat from splitting wood from our own trees, always fighting -4 to 21' tides.
It is very easy to complain. When you flip a switch,drink a glass of water,flush the toilet,walk or drive on pavement,sit in your home and watch someone else plow the road,purchase groceries,drive home in your warm car-all of us live in a much better America. An America that dis-enfranchises half it's population is not America today. It is a more free, cleaner and easier place to live.

mediadaddy wrote:Really? Joseph Stalin? A mass murderer as a pundit on American values? A quote or not using Stalin as a model of good governance -really? No! he was 'quoted' for an entirely different purpose. Who said any of those things were the reason for quoting him? As history of good ol' America is often mentioned here and the horrors of progressives I suggest some serious historical research would help. What follows is not serious historical research. America is a much better nation than the '60s and '70s I grew up in. And what was your 'share' of the 'national debt' then compared to now? And by the way, Alaska became a state in 1959. Relevance? My folks owned an island, I grew up shooting seals and wolves for to help supplement the income. I know what it's like to live providing your own water,sewer,electricity(that from 32 volt dc. Edison light bulbs) light often from hurricane lamps, cooling storage from icebergs pushed to the beach-heat from splitting wood from our own trees, always fighting -4 to 21' tides. All that is admirable, but demonstrates the invalidity of your better now than then assertion. Your history differs greatly from the vast majority.
It is very easy to complain. When you flip a switch,drink a glass of water,flush the toilet,walk or drive on pavement,sit in your home and watch someone else plow the road,purchase groceries,drive home in your warm car-all of us live in a much better America. Agreed, but at what cost to self reliance etc. An America that dis-enfranchises half it's population is not America today. Yes (if I get your intent properly) It is a more free, cleaner and easier place to live. For 'them' for sure.

Logical progression is not always an easy path to stay on.

Ed, I can't disagree with your assessment of America's former exceptionalism at all! You are right on every point!

I do, however, think we are still exceptional. Mostly, that exceptionalism is because nobody in the rest of the world has caught up to where we used to be a generation ago. But I also think there is still hope for us yet. Every time I decide there's not any hope for America's future, I see something that changes my mind, if only for a little while.

What you did not comprehend in my previous message is- as Americans the majority of us have an easy life. I know what physical hardship is- what it took to live- was provided not by the government but by ourselves. Try it sometime. I am very appreciative of the government and services it provides. The flush of the toilet,clean air and water,the light switch-that is to be very clear-the light comes on,your house doesn't burn down. Those who work for an employer are much safer,thanks to the government. Look for the positive. It is everywhere.
I'll add in advance of your response- I rarely mention this-I've had MS for forty years. From my childhood years to now, I am familiar with self-reliance. I am very grateful for the many opportunities the state and Federal government provide not only for the unfortunate,for everyone.
There lies some of the national debt,providing services to its people. Then there's the Department of Defense.

Oh, Bull!! Those not believing that the U.S. is exceptional - and still is - go take up residence in another country. After a bit of time, you will discover the exceptional status of the U.S. Been there done that!

charlese wrote:Oh, Bull!! Those not believing that the U.S. is exceptional - and still is - go take up residence in another country. After a bit of time, you will discover the exceptional status of the U.S. Been there done that!

Where's the like buton? Thank you, Charlese, for proving that not everyone over 65 is a complainer.

charlese wrote:Oh, Bull!! Those not believing that the U.S. is exceptional - and still is - go take up residence in another country. After a bit of time, you will discover the exceptional status of the U.S. Been there done that!

When a "Russian" American citizen recently said to me that no American has good cause to complain because he knew from experience that America is a better place to live compared to Russia I promptly informed him that our (Americans) expectations are not defined by lesser conditions of other nations but, rather, our desire that the nation improve itself according to it's own standards.

i.e. – I don't give a rat's butt that America might in any way be considered superior to Russia. My only concern is that it becomes as good as was raised to believe it is. That as responsible American citizens our first duty is to assay our nation by its own standards; not Russia's.

By that view one might as well ask me to agree that New York is superior to Kansas City simply because KC hasn't as many sky-scrapers or high-income proffessionals, which, in my opinion, would be entirely ridiculous to contend.

[quote="idcook"]When a "Russian" American citizen recently said to me that no American has good cause to complain because he knew from experience that America is a better place to live compared to Russia I promptly informed him that our (Americans) expectations are not defined by lesser conditions of other nations but, rather, our desire that the nation improve itself according to it's own standards.

i.e. – I don't give a rat's butt that America might in any way be considered superior to Russia. My only concern is that it becomes as good as was raised to believe it is. That as responsible American citizens our first duty is to assay our nation by its own standards]
Excellent point!!!!!!!!