Aaron

Soaring Crane, I don't appreciate the phrase "people like Aaron", so if you could not make those kinds of inflammatory remarks, I'd greatly appreciate it. Also, I've repeatedly said we need to hold the corporations accountable, but you seem to miss that. AGAIN THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY IS NOT THE TEA PARTY! The differences between the two far outweigh the similarities. Anyone who knows me knows I'm a compassionate person, but I don't believe that compassion should be forced or regulated, or that any one group or organization has the right to take from one group and give to the other, simply because they feel morally or intellectually superior. By definition that precludes a free and democratic government. In regards to Lao Tzu's teachings, the Libertarian Party is the closest to the anarchist ideology and also the Tao Te Ching's teachings. I'm surprised more anarchists aren't getting involved in this discussion for that very reason. Anyways, I'm not going to continue to talk to anyone who wants to make this a name calling game. If you want to talk about the politics, that's fine, but if you want to say "people like him" then I'm done. I'm not wasting my breath on hate-mongering. Aaron

Currently Good Will, The Salvation Army, Red Cross, and the United Way are just a small list of the large number of private organizations that provide aid to those in need. If you are in need of food, clothing, or shelter, all of these groups will provide assistance. The fact is there is three times as much assistance provided by private organizations as there is by the government. No one seems to grasp this fact, but it's very important if we're to understand what's actually going on. 5% of the population receives welfare assistance of some form, but 15% actually need assistance. Where do you think that extra 10% comes from, it's from the private sector that saw the need and provided it. I'm not making these things up. People seem to think that humans are a bunch of greedy monster that are willing to watch little children starve to death and kick old people out on the street, but the reality is quite different, as can be seen by these groups that provide support to families and the elderly. Also, Somalia is barely a government and has been in the grips of a vicious civil war for over three decades and using it as an example isn't really fair. There has actually been no deregulated economy in America in the last 100 years, because of corporate intervention into politics. In regards to an actual free market economy in the world, I can't think of one in the last 100 years either. Corporate interests have made it all but impossible to have one in any major market in the world. In regards to the free market, deregulation doesn't mean that there wouldn't be regulations, no taxes, etc., nor does it mean that the corporate interests could impose harm on the economy as they see fit Again, this isn't the TEA PARTY, the Libertarian Party is not advocating a Wild West type environment, but rather an economy that would help stimulate growth, by allowing everyone to compete on an even field, without one side or the other gaining subsidies that they do not deserve. Aaron

Hi Soaring Crane, The Libertarian Party doesn't feel that the government should provide financial assistance to the poor, but rather it's main purpose is to ensure that there is a fair equitable free market that stimulates the economy and provides jobs for those in need. As for deregulated economies, it has been so long since we've actually had one, that no one knows for sure what would happen, it's all conjecture, but what we do know is that the vast majority of the wealthy are receiving a free ride in the current political landscape, in part because the government is subsidizing big business, rather than providing an economy stimulated by growth. So to be more concise, the Libertarian Party feels that welfare programs should be run by the private sector rather than the government. If you read my first and second post, I elaborated on the reasons why they feel this way. Aaron

Hi Scotty, I think you're confusing the Libertarian Party with the Tea Party, which isn't a fair comparison. The Libertarian Party doesn't blame the poor for America's woes, but rather the failed economic policies that hinder the ability of a free market within the United States, as well as corporate interference in the government itself. If you pay attention to the discussions by prominent Libertarians their main interest is separating the government from corporate interests, reducing the spending on the military, withdrawing the military from foreign bases and thus reducing the taxes we collect to fund the bloated military industrial complex. The fact is, the more we doctor the economy, the more we screw it up, so deregulation doesn't mean a free reign of power for corporations, but rather reigning in the power they have through tax breaks and regulation that allows them to manipulate the market for their own interests. The basis of the constitution is that freedom is the ability of each of us to live our lives as we see fit. This means that if I don't want to help another person, then I shouldn't have to, and if I do want to help another person, then I can. Welfare is one of the major causes of poverty in my opinion, because it perpetuates a cycle of poverty. Before welfare there were groups within the private sector that offered aid to those in need, This can be seen with the many groups that helped those in need during the great depression as well as during WWII. Even now the private sector provides nearly three times as much public aid to the needy as the government sector does. Of course we also have to keep in mind that less than 5% of Americans are actually receiving some form of welfare in America right now, yet nearly 15% struggle to provide food for their family. Obviously the welfare system has failed us, in part because it provides a false sense of security to the American people. We naturally believe that those in need get the assistance they need, when that isn't true. The fact is the end to the welfare system may be the best thing that could happen to the American people, because it would force us to look at the real problem and understand that it requires the active participation of society, rather than the government, to help end hunger. If you want to go even deeper, we need only look at social security. The government uses the program as a personal piggy bank, rather than it's actual purpose, to help provide a means of retirement for the elderly. If we had the ability to save the money we put in social security in our own private accounts, investing as we see fit, I think we'd see a vast decrease in poverty among the elderly in just a few decades. Social programs are fine and good when they work, but as Taoists we should understand that compassion can't be regulated, in fact when it is, it ceases to be compassion. I do have faith in the human race, faith that when we are free to live as we see fit, we tend to do the right thing and stand up against the wrongs that we encounter. However, when we live under the guise of freedom, then we don't have that chance, the natural way is is polluted and we see what's happening today. I could go on, but I think those were your major concerns and I wanted to address them. I was hoping other people might get involved in this discussion, because I think it's an excellent opportunity for us to discuss what we feel needs to be changed within the political system today. For me, I think we need to restore the rights afforded to us by the constitution, amongst those rights is minimizing the federal government's interference in our lives. I see the federal government as a form of spell checking. It tries to correct everything that's misspelled, but in the process we've forgotten how to spell. There is no freedom to make mistakes, to correct those mistakes on our own, and learn from those mistakes. The next generation is already worse off than the previous. We are already predicted to have over 50% poverty rates within the next 50 years, when do we stop and say what we're doing has failed? I hope we do it before it's too late. Aaron

I think the problem with America is the illusion of a two party system, when in reality both parties are under the influence of corporations that put their own financial interests above the interests of the people. More and more we find both parties are being funded by the same corporate sectors. The belief that we are living in a democracy is being wiped away each day. The fact is the republicans and democrats are more alike than different and that similarity, one funded by corporate powers, is going to be the eventual downfall of the USA. A corporation isn't interested in the well being of the next generation, but rather the well being of the corporate interests. If you think it's only the USA that's being influenced, don't be fooled, those corporations are providing financial support to the vast majority of the politicians in the world's largest countries. Aaron

I think it's everyone's right to do what they feel is right for them and since the country is a democracy we have a right to complain about things whether we vote or don't vote. In the same way, I think it's kind of strange to complain about the government and not do anything to actually try to change it.

The ignore function is really a great feature too few people use. I personally use it for those people who have consistently showed themselves to post views that I find offensive. Of course now that I am helping to steward the off-topic section I have to look at those people's posts, so I've decided that instead of ignoring I need to look at these posts objectively and not let them get under my skin. In the end my peace of mind trumps their intolerance. Aaron

The president's proposed discretionary fund is currently projected to spend 57% of our total budget on the military, the next biggest allotments, government at 6%, veteran benefits at 6%, and education at 6%. All needed to continue the military industrial complex that fills the pockets of the 1% that owns the majority of the wealth. People need to be aware of this stuff, but it seems most just want to keep their heads in the sand. Aaron

I was walking down the road today, in my little run down middle of nowhere town (Aberdeen, WA) and what do I see, a man in brown robes walking down the street. I call out, "are you a Buddhist?" To which he replies, "Yes I am." We then proceed to have a discussion from either side of the road, until finally I run over to talk to him. Ends up he moved to the area to be a chaplain at the local prison. When he retired he remained. He told me that there were actually two temples in the area, one in Olympia and another further down south near the Columbia River Valley. The kicker was that there is a weekly meditation meeting in my town. I tell you what, that was the last thing I expected to find, but I'm certainly happy I did. I'll let you know if I end up going to the meditation meeting. Aaron

I heard about this yesterday. Made me a little melancholy.

Don't lose hope. I appreciate the work you've done over the years. I might not have mentioned it when I should've, but you certainly are among the best moderators to walk these halls and I hope you get the gratitude you deserve. It is a thankless job, but someone has to do it, or that's what they tell me anyways. Thanks again. Aaron

I may get into trouble for this, but I have to ask the question, what are the moderators doing? Recently a thread I created was sent to the Pit without any real warning. I have my own opinions as to why this happened and who the culprits are, but I will reserve that opinion until I have an answer from the moderators. I would also like to know what they're doing in general? It seems like certain people persistently derail threads without any action taken towards them. You can't have a debate on this forum without them inserting their own far right agenda. Who is suffering from this? Certainly not those individuals, but rather the rest of us. I really want to know, what are the moderators doing about this? How many more threads and important discussions are going to be sent away because they're deemed derailed? My personal opinion is that a thread should never be sent to the pit, rather those people participating in actions causing the derailment should be suspended. You're punishing everyone for what one or two people decide to do. This is not only unfair, but seriously diminishes our universal civil liberties. I would ask that you repeal your decision to move my most recent thread to the pit and instead punish those individuals responsible for it's derailment. For those who agree, but don't want to comment, please like this post to show your support. Aaron

I wrestled, played cops and robbers, cowboys and indians, had toy guns, and ran around in a cape, I grew up fine. The article is right, the basis that they're creating for the definition of normal is one created by gender bias, in particular a feminine bias created by a primarily matriarchal institution. If more men were involved in the educational system, I don't think things would have gotten to the point they are now. That isn't a misogynistic statement, but rather a consideration of how for the last few decades there was never an argument from the other side to defend a boy's right to be a boy. It's sad really, especially when one thinks of the millions of boy's who suffered needlessly because they didn't fit into their newly assigned gender role. In short, we're neutering our next generation and not very many people seem to be aware or even care. Aaron

This will probably be my final post in this thread. I've talked to some members and I wasn't aware that the Moderator staff is completely new from one year ago. I am happy that they have new blood and I hope that their able to moderate with the objectivity, compassion, and humanity that reigned in the good old days. I would also like to thank those previous moderators who did so much for us in the past, especially Mal, Apech, and Steve. You all helped me so much when I was the "Steward" of the Tao Section, but you also were great role models for how everyone should moderate. I'm glad you all stuck around, you're all valued members of this community. Also thank you Zerostao for your kind comments about my old threads. I don't think I'll be starting any new threads any time soon, but I do appreciate your kind words. Aaron

And I say this as someone who has been targeted to someone who hasn't, walk in my shoes then give me grief. My feelings about what happened are justified. Did you know that when I was banned for revealing personal information about another member, I never actually mentioned that member's name? No one knew who he was, absolutely no one. That person decided to come out and reveal it was him. If he didn't want people to know, he could've remained silent and no one would've been the wiser, but he decided to bring it out in the open and make it even nastier with his own accusations. Even after that, though I felt I shouldn't have had to, I apologized and removed everything that I'd said, per the request of a moderator, whom I wont name. I was led to believe that everything was fine and nothing would happen. The irony is that the other person involved revealed as much about me as I did him, only he mentioned me by name. The penalty, I received a 2 week suspension, he received 3 days. I wasn't just targeted and given harsher sentences, I was also harassed. When I made a comment, more often than not, one of three mods would come in and make a veiled threat about being careful with what I was saying. It got to the point that I no longer made comments, nor did I feel safe starting threads. I think the phrase is forgive, but don't forget. I have forgiven, I hold no resentment towards those people now, but at the same time if I forgot their actions that would make me a fool, because I'm just setting myself up for the same kind of treatment. I have chosen to speak out about this so people are aware of what's going on so it doesn't happen again. If I need the world's smallest violin, I will happily buy one and play 'cry me a river' until people start to listen and know what's happening, because what happened to me then, could very well happen to you in the future. Aaron

I think the quality of the board has certainly declined over the last few years. I think making certain people who are known to be contentious and opinionated, who even have a history of bickering themselves, into moderators or stewards isn't going to solve things, only make it worse. Stewards aren't a solution, they're bread crumbs thrown out to appease people. In the end if there are no real consequences for your actions, then you wont change your actions. Look at me, suspended two times and I learned my lesson. You will rarely ever see me post on this forum anymore. I know others who learned their lesson as well. Don't be so reluctant, Many of these perpetrators did far worse than me, I called out someone who was making fascist statements and revealed personal information about someone on accident. Both carried hefty suspensions, even though the second offense I apologized sincerely and did everything I could to make amends. Maybe the problem has less to do with the perpetrators, but rather who they're bothering? This is certainly something to ponder. Apech's thread gets thrown in the put and you split it, mine gets thrown in the pit and you do nothing about it. I think my mistake was believing that the bounty on my head was gone. Aaron

Tyler, a member of the forum, believes he was banned, but does not know why. He's having problems posting and wanted to know if I could help him. I explained I wasn't a moderator and he should contact a mod. I don't think he's banned, because he is able to message people, perhaps there is something wrong with his account. Could someone look into this issue and see if they could help him? Aaron

The Tea Party doesn't complain that the Bush and Bin Laden's were economically and socially entwined for decades, probably still are. Nor do they complain that Reagan armed the contras and committed treason by funneling the arms through Iran. Nope. Nor do they complain that the majority of their funding comes from the Koch brothers and other billionaires and political elites. They don't complain about the secret meeting in Palm Springs either, where the Tea Party backers met to spread their agenda. No one complained that two of the people in attendance were Supreme Court justices. No one complained that Glen Beck was there either. No one complained when they set a political agenda to open free markets, not for the sake of democracy or freedom, but so they could escape any kind of oversight. No one seemed to mind that the agencies that the Tea Party wants to shut down as being needless spending also happen to be the ones that police the Tea Party backers companies. Nope. Nor do they complain that Fox News (and Bachmann) provide no actual evidence that weapons have fallen into Al Queda's hands, but only alleges that it happened. "Some people say"... who says? They never seem to tell us that. My final analysis, the Tea Party is a bunch of people who are being propelled by a media that is owned by one of the largest backers of the Tea Party, Rupert Murdoch, the news channel, in case you missed it, is Fox News. They are also accepting what Fox News tells them, even though Fox News doesn't have any journalistic integrity to speak of. The fact of the matter is most Tea Party members are backing a new government founded under the pretense of democracy, but is actually moving this country towards a fascist military industrial complex. I'm not ignorant about the Tea Party, I can provide links to news articles, documentaries, and other sources that have PROVEN all of the above to be true, what can you provide me but hyperbole? Aaron

Donnie Yen is probably my favorite martial arts actor. He's always very polite. I find it amazing that he's almost 50 and still in such good shape.

My God... So they can call themselves teabaggers, but he can't? So if a member of the Tea Party knows what it means can they use the term to describe themselves? Aaron edited- Not worth the trouble.

I think that you'll see a major terrorist attack on the USA that will precipitate greater involvement in the Middle East, which will eventually lead to conflict with Russia and China. It will most likely be prolonged and detracted, until one side or the other begins to lose and decides a nuclear deterrent is necessary. Neither side will back down and nukes will be launched, the devastation will send the majority of the world back into the dark ages, with society only existing in isolated places. In another twenty or thirty years one of the countries unaligned will make a play for one of the devastated countries and it will all start over. I'm not very optimistic about the future. Even if we don't destroy ourselves through war, we'll still have to face global warming which will decimate the world food supply, causing increased conflict between countries, just so their people can eat. America is pretty much doomed in all outlooks. If we don't starve, then the conservative right wing will move towards an attempted takeover of the country. The secular corporate interests will fight this, but I have a feeling that the people's support will be on the conservative side. In that scenario millions will probably die from tactical nukes and chemical weapons used against the "rebel terrorists". I really don't see any peaceful resolution to the world state of affairs and almost all signs lead to the USA's demise as a major force. We'll see in twenty years if I'm wrong. Aaron

Oh if Assad wins more than 50,000 will die annually. He'll kill the men and women that opposed him and their children too. That's how dictators work. There will be some "rumors" about the mass executions, but nothing will be known for sure until a few years later when Assad has passed and the new regime starts digging up the mass graves. But we can rest in good conscience knowing that we did our part in the conflict. I mean what do we stand to gain from going there? There's no oil, no resources, only people dying because they want an end to fear. The Syrian regime was one of the most brutal on the planet. One of the incidents that sparked the revolution was the secret police's arrest of a 13 year old boy who was castrated and tortured to death before being returned to his mother. That just tells you how much authority they believed they had, they castrated the boy, tortured him til he was unrecognizable, then returned to his parents without any worry about any repercussions. This is the government we're talking about. They did these kinds of things daily before the war. I gaurantee if this was happening in Germany, France, or some other Christian country, to Christians, we would've finished it by now, but because they're muslim and arabic, we simply don't care. Turtle Shell, if my brother and a stranger were both in danger, I would rescue the stranger, because I know my brother wouldn't forgive me if I rescued him and let some innocent person die. Oh, by the way, that boy was sent to the store by his mother to pick up food for dinner. He just happened to be passing by a place where there were protests. When the government starts picking up your children and killing them, I'm sure you'll have the same feelings. Aaron

No my brother's life, nor my own life, is more valuable than anyone else's. That's the problem with people, they don't understand that everyone on this planet is sacred, not just themselves. There are so many cases of genocide that we should've been involved in, but instead, because there was no money involved, we just chose to ignore them. Darful comes to mind. Our conviction as a nation is to our own, not to anyone we consider an outsider. Racism is the root cause, but so is spiritual ignorance. In a perfect world there would be no need for intervention, but sadly this world isn't perfect. Aaron

Hi Vortex, LMFAO! When you can start having a conversation like an adult without belittling other people, maybe then I'll talk to you. In other words, I'm not going to waste my time on someone who's chosen method of discourse is to belittle and laugh at someone else's statements. Aaron

I agree with everybody. Look at all the troops that died in the intervention in Bosnia to stop the slaughter of innocent civilians there. Sure a million Bosnians died before we intervened, but we lost seven soldiers stopping that conflict. I'm sure we can all agree seven American lives is more valuable that a million foreign lives, especial when the majority of those killed were muslims.... oh wait... I'm sorry I got the impression that some of you seem to think that American lives (or Western) are more valuable than the lives of others. I also get the feeling you have absolutely no idea what "limited air strikes" means. It means we take out their capacity to make chemical weapons and dispatch them. What happens if the shit really hits the fan there and they start launching chemicals on Turkey or Israel? Turkey is a member of NATO remember, but maybe you think they're not as valuable a member as other countries because they're predominantly muslim? So what's the level of genocide we're willing to allow before someone intervenes? 100,000 (we're already there), 250,000 (Syria will probably hit those numbers by next year if they continue to use chemical weapons), or maybe 1,000,000 which is probably how many will die if nothing is done. I think of all the crappy, half-justified wars we've gotten into, this one is probably the least unsavory, yet we're balking as a nation. Why, because despite our professed beliefs, at heart we are a Christian Nation, pushing a Christian agenda. That agenda includes only intervening in the muslim world when they are seen as a threat to us, otherwise it's just not worth it. Aaron edit- Also, if your argument is "we aren't intervening elsewhere" well my argument is that we should be. Is it Taoist? I'm not sure, but I do believe it's the compassionate thing to do.