setsuko Posted April 8, 2003 Share Posted April 8, 2003 My sources... well, firstly, I have this uncanny ability to remember things I read. And I read. A lot. Another factor is that I don't like the feeling of not knowing about something. And this pretty much goes for most subjects, so I have a pretty broad base of knowledge. And when everything else fails, I'll Google my way to wisdom! Seriously, here in Sweden, we have a long history of making everything that is decided by officials... well... official! Affairs of secrecy that would be everyday business in other countries (including the US) could remove prime ministers from power (for instance, the IB affair). So, most things that has to do with the government is there to find, if you search well enough. Just a bit of basic journalistic work. If I want to know the statistics of Grand Theft Auto in Lambohov in 2001, it's just a click away. You just have to learn a few tricks of the trade. On alcohol, crime rates and such, the police here has some very informative websites. In swedish, off course. But then, to compare them with US numbers, I simply took a short stroll over to your Bureau of Justice Statistics(a bureau I didn't know existed!), it's all out there for your enjoyment. Then, compare the numbers with swedish statistics, and divide them with the amount of inhabitants, and you get a comparative number. See my point? Some people are so convinced in their ideas that everything that has to do with the government is secret, so they don't look for it at all. That is a cardinal mistake. And if you'd want even more indepth reports, they exist. After a while, you'll surprise yourself with your ability to find virtually anything on the net in less then 10 minutes. I sure do surprise myself! (Though, remember to keep looking, because having one site saying something is far from evidence. Be critical of your sources: does the person saying something have a motive for saying it? Look for multiple sources!) My advise is to read as much as possible. Because not only do you learn things, more importantly you begin to remember where you find things when you encounter a problem. Everything is out there. You just have to look at the right place. EDIT: and "on democracy and constitution": well, Sweden has no constitution, we have reformed both our government and our laws to make them up to date (the last government reform was as late as 1974). So let's compare: The US voting attendance for the 2002 congress was at 39%, and for the 2000 presidency 51%, while the swedish voting attendence has been over 80 or even 90%('73-'82) since the 1960's. In this meaning, the 1921 election in Sweden was more democratic than the 2000 presidency election in the US. Which country has the healthiest democracy, a democracy influenced by the people? (democracy: from the greek words 'demos', people, and 'kratein', rule)? A constitution is indeed nothing holy that automatically secures democracy. An up-to-date democratic system with more than two parties and without representative votes, however, seems to me to be a tad more efficient when I look at these numbers. What it comes down to is that something is really, really wrong when less than 50% even bothers to vote. It is a clear sign that something is majorly screwed, and needs immediate repairs (after all, Gore got half a million more votes than Bush. Bush got elected. To me, that is not "in the spirit of democracy" or "the majority rule"!). It also makes me wonder how the USA can claim to be democracy's champion in the world, as Bush claims right now. Oh, but then he's backed up by a congress that 20-25% of the population voted for. Now that's democracy! My point is: the founding fathers lived in the 1700's. They had slaves themselves, and didn't mind poor people and women not being able to vote. Believing that these people had the absolute insight into what would make a never-ending democracy is well.. not realistic. Now and then, we need a good patch, or simply to put 'Democracy' on the shelf and go buy 'Democracy II: the 2000's edition', that supports both modern day living situations and a GeForce 3 card. Oh, and soon, the 'gold' edition will be released, with the first female or non-caucasian president! Perhaps already in 2594! And while we look at these incredible flaws in the constitution, why should this same constitution be reasonable when it comes to (lack of) gun control? Myself, I'm damn happy to live in a country where I can't just get a gun in three days just because I feel like it. Why? Because then the sick bastard that might eventually shoot myself, my family or my friends can't either! Simple as that! If that is not enough of a reason, then I don't know what is a reason! Our strict gun control makes me able to live a life without fear of people being armed. I wish everyone could experience that. EDIT: and yes, I try as much as I can to argue with people's beliefs, political ideas and 'evidence'. But not with the people themselves. Because that serves no function, neither for me or themselves. I like a good argument, with well phrased posts, but I do not like flaming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan Gaarni Posted April 8, 2003 Share Posted April 8, 2003 *remembers back to his first time drunk* Yeah, that was fun, until about 12 o'clock. Then I had to go to bed. But I had a loooong stop in the bathroom first. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UnfrozenCaveman Posted April 8, 2003 Share Posted April 8, 2003 Yes, that is true. Times were different in 1796 than they are now in 2003. Yes, it is a sad sight to see that only 51% of the voters showed up at polls to cast their ballot. What infiriates me is that the other 49% are the ones who complain about what goes on. My p.o.v. is why the hell do you care if you didn't even bother to vote. Go the hell back to whatever you were doing because you didn't vote. It's rediculous. As for the majority of votes going to Gore but him losing- that's all about the electoral college really. And that goes back to the founding of the Constitution. Mainly the Hamiltonians (yeah, i don't have a source, just my notes and notes on the lectures in my early U.S. history class from this semester) feared that the uneducated populus wouldn't make the 'right' choice for presidency. Instead, the devised that each person's vote would count towards an electoral vote for either candidate. So, basically, we don't vote directly for a president, just that the states electoral votes go for that president. I wish there'd be more political participation in the U.S. It's a shame that we don't have as much voter turn out as we do now. Little quote for you: "In democracy man exploits man, in socialism the opisite is true" Also, another thing, the U.S. isn't democratic, we really are a Republic, if you ask me. Which according to my "random house college dictionary" is 1. a state in which the supreme power rests in the body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by representatives chosen directly or indirectly by them. 2. a stat in which the head of the gov. is an elected or nominated president, and not a monarch. Democracy- 1. gov. by the people; a form of gov. in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system. 2. a state having such a form of government. 3. political or social equality; democratic spirit. 4. the common people with respect to their political power. So, actually the U.S. ins't purely democratic nor republic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Helmet Posted April 8, 2003 Share Posted April 8, 2003 to set...i like to get my guns quickly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
setsuko Posted April 8, 2003 Share Posted April 8, 2003 I agree to a hundred percent with you that the USA is a republic and not a democracy. After all, that is my main gripe with the Republicans claiming the USA to be a torch of democracy in a dark, despotic world! And yes, I know how your representative votes works, and I agree, they are mostly there to prevent the majority claiming power. And more importantly, they make sure that votes in different states are not worth the same, and that is out of control. That is why I think that a major overhaul is the only way to guide that country to any other future than a despotism. After all, when people see that not even being in the majority helps when it comes to elect presidents, why the hell should they vote? When you can only choose between two parties, who agrees on so many levels, what difference does your vote make? These are the major faults, you don't get as rigid a dogma ruling the country if you have 5,6 or even 8 parties in the government, because then, unsatisfied citizens can turn to another party. Only then can people start to vote for parties they agree with. After all, if I lived in the US, I would neither like to vote for the Republicans nor the Democrats, and if I voted on one of the almost nonexisting candidates that belongs to neither party, my vote would account for nothing. In this situation, what democratic choise do I have? None! Ok, I'm not going to rant for two hours again, since I need sleep tonight. Basically, yes, it is not a privelage, but a responsibility to vote if you live in a democratic system. But then, the voters should also have alternatives. Their votes should make a difference. And really, in this sense, it matters little if you lived in Soviet and had one party to choose between, or if you live in the US and have two cloned parties to choose between. Neither version is a working democracy. The day the voters actually make a difference on the government with their votes, and they can vote for a party that resembles their own ideas and virtues, you too can have a voting attendence that is above the par for African anarchic states. Mind you, we also had a two-party system. We grew out of that idea in the 1890's. So has as good as all other democracies. It is time to mimic the cool guys on the block. Really, then you could have election campaigns that were about politics, not funds and TV ads. After all, you guys were quick to allow women to vote (1921), why stop there? With a bit of effort, american politics could be interesting, there are a lot of grassroot interest groups and movements, just give them a way to vent their ideas in the congress and the senate without having to sell out to the republicans or the democrats. I'll bet you there would only be winners! (if you disregard the 50+ white rich males, but they have had their fun! ) After all, with a living political scene, your reporters would have something else than scandals to report, go for it! (then there's that little footnote in the UN charter that any country who enforces the death penalty can not be regarded a democracy, but that is an entirely different discussion) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine Badass Posted April 8, 2003 Share Posted April 8, 2003 Quote by Set: "(then there's that little footnote in the UN charter that any country who enforces the death penalty can not be regarded a democracy, but that is an entirely different discussion)" The last I heard, the US does not enforce the death penalty. Individual states do. Am I wrong? I very well may be, so tell me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
setsuko Posted April 8, 2003 Share Posted April 8, 2003 And what sovereign country does Arkansas belong to, Sunshine? The USA? Yes. Thereby, the USA enforces the death penalty, though the fact that not all states in the US supports it gives it the technical label 'retentionist enforcement' . The states are not sovereign countries, and thereby, it is the federal government that is responsible. If Punjab started fire nukes, India would still be responsible. Until the last single state (if this ever happens, my money's on Texas) stops, the USA is still considered to breach one of the foundations of humanitary rights. Sad, but true. This is, however, not as dire as the fact that it is only the US and Somalia who hasn't signed the Children's Convention. You know, the one that says that it is wrong to hit, refuse basic education, execute, force to work or deny medical treatment to children. I mean, come on?! What's up with that? Sorry if this turns out to another US bash. Seriously, it's not the inhabitants I don't like. It's just that I'm in a sore mood, and then I attack things that I find utterly silly, stupid or dangerous. And then the US government is as easy a target as a bloated 50pound duck filled with morphine sitting in the middle of an empty pond. When you have a 12gauge shotgun and a large box of cartridges. Sorry if you have to take some of the heat, it's not my meaning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dradle Posted April 24, 2003 Share Posted April 24, 2003 25 here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kyren Valinor Posted April 27, 2003 Share Posted April 27, 2003 16 :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UnfrozenCaveman Posted April 27, 2003 Share Posted April 27, 2003 Set, it's just pointless trying to "argue" with you. You are just too damn prepared for anything [we] throw your way. You are uber when it comes to persuasive/argumentive writing/posts. Can I buy you a drink? *goes to the bar, orders two corellia ale* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan Gaarni Posted April 27, 2003 Share Posted April 27, 2003 Trying to dup her with alcohol are we? Clever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swphreak Posted April 27, 2003 Share Posted April 27, 2003 Well, I'm not a member of the =A= yet, but I gotta get to know you guys. I'm 16 now, but will be 17 on June 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
setsuko Posted April 28, 2003 Share Posted April 28, 2003 Originally posted by Jan Gaarni Trying to dup her with alcohol are we? Clever. Why shouldn't he? It works! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UnfrozenCaveman Posted April 28, 2003 Share Posted April 28, 2003 *nods in a matter-of-fact fashion* Of course it works! Did I mention I'm loaded with credits? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-=ReApEr=- Posted May 1, 2003 Share Posted May 1, 2003 13 here December the 9th Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xavier GS Posted May 2, 2003 Share Posted May 2, 2003 I'm new here, so none of you will care much about what I have to say......but, I have been looking for a PA for a while now. Not just any PA, one that has a good philosophy and leadership. I'm 35 years old, which is probably why something on this board just rubbed me the wrong way. I was totally interested in joining until I saw some of the posts by Gaaldor or whoever, saying to bow down to him, and calling himself a God????? Give me f'ing break. I will admit I don't know him at all, but I also don't want to get to know him now. Just wanted you to know that type of Cockyness will drive many prospective members away. I guarantee you that you are not a God and don't deserve to have anybody bow down to you. Oh, well, back to the Beta... Good Luck in the Game Associates. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Helmet Posted May 2, 2003 Share Posted May 2, 2003 BAHHHHH, he was actually joking and I think somebody else is being cocky...back to MY beta(s) so beat it punk! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swphreak Posted May 2, 2003 Share Posted May 2, 2003 ... I'm sure he is being sarcastic or making a joke out of his leadership. It doesn't bother me, and if I get in, I will most likely suck up bow down to him. He is, after all, The Leader (good old Simpsons.... would you call me a freak if I collected beans that looked like you? ) as well as some other people. You're only 13 Reaper? wow... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xavier GS Posted May 2, 2003 Share Posted May 2, 2003 And that was exactly why I said that "I am new here" and "I dont' know him" before I said what had bothered me. If he is really like that I wouldn't be interested, if it's all in fun, then that is something different. Sorry about the Beta brag. I was feeling threatened I guess. lol Had to throw around the only thing I got over most people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wraith 8 Posted May 2, 2003 Author Share Posted May 2, 2003 lol.. well you could have asked him about it first of all but ok.. nah its just gaalgoth... he is the founder, but to be a bit honest.,... i do a lot of the work (this is gonna hurt someone ) he is just being... well.. funny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StarCords Posted May 2, 2003 Share Posted May 2, 2003 You're only 13 Reaper? wow... Hey, I'm 13! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swphreak Posted May 2, 2003 Share Posted May 2, 2003 man.. with all these kids I'm starting to feel old.... but not as old as you Wraith that probaby decreased my chances of getting in considerably Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine Badass Posted May 2, 2003 Share Posted May 2, 2003 For being the Leader, Gaalgoth has not poked his head in here for what? A month now? It could not be that long, could it? Where is he??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UnfrozenCaveman Posted May 3, 2003 Share Posted May 3, 2003 You haven't seen him because 1) He might be in Beta 2) he might have some RL things taking up a lot of his time 3) He's lying face down in a pool of his own blood. Personally, I don't think #3 has happened. Touching up on Phreaks post: The leader is good the leader is great, I surrender my will as of this date! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine Badass Posted May 3, 2003 Share Posted May 3, 2003 Well what if he was in Beta, had some real life things to do, and was killed for his position in the Associates? Just who IS our leader now??? How do we know it is not some imposter? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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