The Bottom Line
I return after taking a short break from all the same ol', same ol' arguments that rage here on GB, in all the forums.
A short rant, if I may.....
In reflection, i've been a member of GB for approximately 6 years.
Over that time, my views have evolved in a much more 'stark' and 'it is what it is' direction, although my core beliefs have never changed.
This evolution came to pass, partly through maturing, but primarily through intent study and a deliberate focus on government actions, then applying critical thinking and assessment to the cause of those actions, the reasons they are taken and their logical 'end result', whether intended or not.
This, coupled with using the Constitution, Bill of Rights and the Founding Principal of Individualism as a measure, or as a yardstick if you will.
I have studied the argument's posed here, and the position's taken by various members and arrived at the same conclusion which I previously noted, that being, that many citizens are completely clueless about what that feeling of 'something' being wrong in America, is all about.
It seems that no matter the manner in which issues are presented and no matter how obvious the particular wrong action/issue is, that many refuse to acknowledge what is so clear to freedom minded individuals.
It is obvious that a deliberate turn from the tenants of the Constitution and Bill of Rights has occurred. Principals of Individualism have been sacrificed on the alter of collectivist thought, collectivist governance and a general collectivist belief system among the populace.
Arguments can rage over how we got here and the path taken. Arguments can be made over the reasons we as a nation have gone collectivist, AKA 'rationalizations' and 'justifications'.
The bottom line is that we are here.
The real debate and the real battle-ground, is actually in the belief system, or in the philosophy of the role of government, held by our citizens.
As long as the beliefs and philosophy of 'collectivism' are accepted, expected and practiced by the general population (and government) we are destined to continue down the road toward totalitarianism. That path is inevitable.
All the semantics over this gun right vs. that gun restriction, or this snit POTUS Candidate vs. that snit POTUS Candidate, or this tax increase vs. that tax reduction...ad nauseum, is a distraction; for unless the root cause is recognized, focused on and subsequently pointed out to the ignorant, NOTHING will ever change toward a constitutionally restrained government, nor will the founding principals of Individualism ever be recognized and subsequently, demanded.
The simple fact is, that regardless of the reasons (and there are a multitude) we are now a collectivist nation, peopled by collectivist minded citizens.
Most are completely ignorant of what the nation was founded to be.
Most are completely ignorant of what 'Individualism' requires, what it entails, and/or are abjectly ignorant of the simple fact that this 'belief' or 'philosophy' of "Individualism", is what America was founded upon.
Many will offer platitudes of believing in 'individual rights', but then in the next breath, espouse some rationalization, or justification for a collectivist policy, or for the necessity of having a collectivist belief system.
As easy as it is to get caught up in the minutia of 'side-show' debates and issues, I plan on continuing to attempt a definition on the real battle-ground, that being to illustrate examples of "Collectivism vs. Individualism".
Failure to get people to understand this 'bottom-line' philosophical fight, will ensure the death of the Republic.
I look to my Individualist Brethren and my Individualist Associates, to continue the fight for individualism and ultimately the future of the Republic.
Lets get it on. Let the games begin again.[;)]
Rant off....
A short rant, if I may.....
In reflection, i've been a member of GB for approximately 6 years.
Over that time, my views have evolved in a much more 'stark' and 'it is what it is' direction, although my core beliefs have never changed.
This evolution came to pass, partly through maturing, but primarily through intent study and a deliberate focus on government actions, then applying critical thinking and assessment to the cause of those actions, the reasons they are taken and their logical 'end result', whether intended or not.
This, coupled with using the Constitution, Bill of Rights and the Founding Principal of Individualism as a measure, or as a yardstick if you will.
I have studied the argument's posed here, and the position's taken by various members and arrived at the same conclusion which I previously noted, that being, that many citizens are completely clueless about what that feeling of 'something' being wrong in America, is all about.
It seems that no matter the manner in which issues are presented and no matter how obvious the particular wrong action/issue is, that many refuse to acknowledge what is so clear to freedom minded individuals.
It is obvious that a deliberate turn from the tenants of the Constitution and Bill of Rights has occurred. Principals of Individualism have been sacrificed on the alter of collectivist thought, collectivist governance and a general collectivist belief system among the populace.
Arguments can rage over how we got here and the path taken. Arguments can be made over the reasons we as a nation have gone collectivist, AKA 'rationalizations' and 'justifications'.
The bottom line is that we are here.
The real debate and the real battle-ground, is actually in the belief system, or in the philosophy of the role of government, held by our citizens.
As long as the beliefs and philosophy of 'collectivism' are accepted, expected and practiced by the general population (and government) we are destined to continue down the road toward totalitarianism. That path is inevitable.
All the semantics over this gun right vs. that gun restriction, or this snit POTUS Candidate vs. that snit POTUS Candidate, or this tax increase vs. that tax reduction...ad nauseum, is a distraction; for unless the root cause is recognized, focused on and subsequently pointed out to the ignorant, NOTHING will ever change toward a constitutionally restrained government, nor will the founding principals of Individualism ever be recognized and subsequently, demanded.
The simple fact is, that regardless of the reasons (and there are a multitude) we are now a collectivist nation, peopled by collectivist minded citizens.
Most are completely ignorant of what the nation was founded to be.
Most are completely ignorant of what 'Individualism' requires, what it entails, and/or are abjectly ignorant of the simple fact that this 'belief' or 'philosophy' of "Individualism", is what America was founded upon.
Many will offer platitudes of believing in 'individual rights', but then in the next breath, espouse some rationalization, or justification for a collectivist policy, or for the necessity of having a collectivist belief system.
As easy as it is to get caught up in the minutia of 'side-show' debates and issues, I plan on continuing to attempt a definition on the real battle-ground, that being to illustrate examples of "Collectivism vs. Individualism".
Failure to get people to understand this 'bottom-line' philosophical fight, will ensure the death of the Republic.
I look to my Individualist Brethren and my Individualist Associates, to continue the fight for individualism and ultimately the future of the Republic.
Lets get it on. Let the games begin again.[;)]
Rant off....
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#3 with 24 posts you seem to be new here...however I would almost bet my life you've been reincarnated/new username.
OK guys[8D]I know I'm not the brightest candle on the cake(insert snyde comments)but what's this "canary ash" group about?
Evidently I've missed something...maybe better off I did? [:D]0 -
Sorry to be Johnny-come-lately to the party, but boy, go lay a few block and the flock grows!! I certainly hate to miss out on a chance to make MY voice heard [;)] However, all goofing aside, I have seen the posts of propective flock members of the O.B.C.A. and I can find no fault or disagreement with the aforementioned addition of numbers 6 and 7. They have my full and unequivocal support! #5 gives a resounding YES vote. 0 -
No. 4 in The Order of The Brethren of The Canary Ass says......aye to Marc becoming one of the Brethren. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by freemind
LT, GREAT to have you back friend.
Your post makes much sense. Yes WE that belive in Individualism, seem to be few.
IMO nothing will change the masses, short of something huge. I belive the "government" is allready racing into that "brickwall". Time will tell...
ALSO, I don't visit politics anymore. I hadn't the foggiest what it was about. Now I know.
IF my feathered friends would have me, #7 is my lucky number. [;)]
Thanks friend freemind.
I say "aye" to your joining The Order of The Brethren of The Canary Ass.
If accepted, No. 7 it will be.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Canary ass no. 1
It appears we have a quorum of the "The Order of The Brethren of The Canary Ass".
At the present time, we still need a unanimous decision ..perhaps it is time to merely require a majority. That brings us to a "democracy'... AND I GAG AT THAT.
Any thoughts on this subject, Canary Asses ?
I have been reading Marcs' posts for awhile ..and feel he will be a welcome addition.
Captain Jeff ..may I suggest that you post your original topic...only ..over on General ?
Certainly No. 1
A fine idea, although it will be received and commented on in a skeptical manner by the naysayers who infest GD.
Another good chance to get the message out about Collectivism vs. Individualism, perhaps.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Canary ass no. 1
It appears we have a quorum of the "The Order of The Brethren of The Canary Ass".
At the present time, we still need a unanimous decision ..perhaps it is time to merely require a majority. That brings us to a "democracy'... AND I GAG AT THAT.
Any thoughts on this subject, Canary Asses ?
I have been reading Marcs' posts for awhile ..and feel he will be a welcome addition.
Captain Jeff ..may I suggest that you post your original topic...only ..over on General ?
Bert, the deed, she is done.
The OP, she is posted in General and soon to be in need of active defense.
No. 4 has also voted to say "Aye" to Marc and to freemind joining the Brethren. As No 4's alter ego, I concur.[:o)]
No. 4 and I would also vote to extend an offer of joining the Brethren, to friend pickenup, if the Brethren concur and IF he so chooses.0 -
No.4;
I started another thread concerning inductees to avoid further hijacking of your thread. I will go with the flow.
It appears we have a complete vote of NO.6;
Marc1301, consider yourself a member in full standing of the Brethren of the Order of the Canary Asses.
Futher votes needed for No. 7...I am confident that will happen quickly.0 -
HunterMag
This is where it started: page 2, post#39, last sentence
http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3135280 -
quote:Originally posted by wsfiredude
HunterMag
This is where it started: page 2, post#39, last sentence
http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=313528
OK I remember reading that a while back.[:D]0 -
lt:
It is a shame this topic was locked over in GD, as the philosophical discussion is truly at the heart of where we are and where we are headed.
Your point is 100% correct, and the path to correction, that being the education of the masses to the simple though currently unpopular fact that a strong sense of individualism is the only means of continuing a strong and united country is true, it is pure, and it should be obvious.
Freedom in this country is currently defined as what we as individuals are allowed to do by our government. Obviously that is not the freedom intended by our Founding Fathers.0 -
Ah, but the beauty of it is ..there were several hundred 'reads' ..and there HAD to be some that learned something.
That is a rather clever fellow, in an animal cunning way. He rarely adds one single thing to a discussion of substance ..the few times he tried, he is revealed as abjectly ignorant...yet he manages to get many threads poofed or locked.
Perhaps the answer is to totally ignore him ..talk right over his head to the other posters that respond ?
Whatever happens ..that thread was a WIN for the good guys ..and well worth the moving of it.
At least...in my humble opinion !! [:D][:D]0 -
I just read the moved, and locked thread in GD.
Yes,.....it is too bad that "the one" had to appear, and ruin things, but there were a lot of readers.
As I said on the other thread,.....my remaining 10% of my thinking, was changed by reading threads just like this one.
Since #1 has started a new thread, where I also responded, I will now delete all of my non-pertinent posts here, so that this thread may live on.0 -
I hadn't caught the thread in this forum, only the one by the same name in GD.
The way each thread has played out has been pretty telling.
By the way lt, welcome back. I considered leaving too.....but what the hell else was I going to do in my spare time? [:)]0 -
quote:Originally posted by Don McManus
lt:
It is a shame this topic was locked over in GD, as the philosophical discussion is truly at the heart of where we are and where we are headed.
Your point is 100% correct, and the path to correction, that being the education of the masses to the simple though currently unpopular fact that a strong sense of individualism is the only means of continuing a strong and united country is true, it is pure, and it should be obvious.
Freedom in this country is currently defined as what we as individuals are allowed to do by our government. Obviously that is not the freedom intended by our Founding Fathers.
Don, thank you for the kind words.
Actually, I am surprised that the thread in GD lasted as long as it did. I for one, was feeling a bit feisty as I had a rather large tumbler of good Scotch on the rocks keeping me company as I engaged the opposition.[:I]
I would never purport to speak for the Order, or for the Brethren, but the message of educating the masses on the tenants of individualism and on what collectivism is and how it runs contrary to our founding principals, well, that seems to be the area which needs illuminating, at least in my eyes.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Highball
Ah, but the beauty of it is ..there were several hundred 'reads' ..and there HAD to be some that learned something.
That is a rather clever fellow, in an animal cunning way. He rarely adds one single thing to a discussion of substance ..the few times he tried, he is revealed as abjectly ignorant...yet he manages to get many threads poofed or locked.
Perhaps the answer is to totally ignore him ..talk right over his head to the other posters that respond ?
Whatever happens ..that thread was a WIN for the good guys ..and well worth the moving of it.
At least...in my humble opinion !! [:D][:D]
HB, that may well keep our threads from being locked. A good idea.
In reality, I have no issue with engaging pee, but would prefer that it be in a separate thread from one where I am trying to make a specific philosophical point.
His rantings merely serve to dilute the point and to muddy the issue where focus is lost.
Food for thought....0 -
quote:Originally posted by Rack Ops
I hadn't caught the thread in this forum, only the one by the same name in GD.
The way each thread has played out has been pretty telling.
By the way lt, welcome back. I considered leaving too.....but what the hell else was I going to do in my spare time? [:)]
Thanks Rack.
I saw you were teetering on the edge also, when the newly arrived forum gestapo barged in and started kicking people in the nuts.
Glad you stayed too.[;)]0 -
lt. of course your OP is spot on. Anybody saying otherwise is a dimwit with an I.Q. in the 60's, or somebody who is feminized and refuses to admit it, because that would require a thought process foreign to them (masculine,rugged,individual, personally responsible-perish the thought) and they don't like that.
And just for the record, I am going to try to refrain from addressing the one known as PeabrainSkyking. I would suggest you all use that "ignore" button that GB never installed, as well.0 -
quote:Originally posted by jpwolf
lt. of course your OP is spot on. Anybody saying otherwise is a dimwit with an I.Q. in the 60's, or somebody who is feminized and refuses toadmit it, because that would require a thought process foreign to them, and they don't like that.
And just for the record, I am going to try to refrain from addressing the one known as PeabrainSkyking. I would suggest you all use that "ignore" button that GB never installed, as well.
jp, thanks.
We were discussing the very issue of ignoring pee in a related post.
I will engage him on occasion, but not in any of my posts where I am making a specific point, unless his comment is direct to the point being made.
Given any though to membership in the Brethren of the Canary Ass?
Based on your posting history and the positions you've taken, I'd be proud to put up the nomination for the consideration of the other Brethren.0 -
Based on your posting history and the positions you've taken, I'd be proud to put up the nomination for the consideration of the other Brethren.
"Second"
CA #20 -
lt., firedude, it would of course be an honor to be counted among the members of your codification of Constitutionalists.
There are probably a half dozen more who are equally qualified. The GD version was revealing of a few I hadn't previously thought of.
HB, where the heck is gunny??0 -
quote:Originally posted by jpwolf
lt., firedude, it would of course be an honor to be counted among the members of your codification of Constitutionalists.
There are probably a half dozen more who are equally qualified. The GD version was revealing of a few I hadn't previously thought of.
HB, where the heck is gunny??
The so far unanimous "Yea" vote, is on-going on our "Calling all O.B.C.A.s" thread.
If I am not mistaken, you will end up as No. 9 in the Brethren when voting is finished.[;)]0
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