from each according to his ability, to each according to his need

Wasting time on facebook, I ran across this political cartoon, and felt it was just too fitting not to share. Its ironic how socialism sounds so great to some, until you turn the tables back on themselves. Only then, when it is unfair also to them, do they disregard their own policies. NO ONE in their right mind would EVER work their butts off (like the rich have) only to have the profits of their hard work distributed to others who have not worked hard for it and don't have any sort of understanding of what hard work is. It's my recollection that Marxism failed.

(click picture to enlarge)

This is America. The land of opportunity. When did we forget this? Anyone can become anything they want to be in this country.. they only have to set their minds to it. No one is dealt an "unfair disadvantage" they aren't able to overcome through hard work and determination. Take the immensely wealthy Rush Limbaugh, who started off, not as a rich commentator, but as a poor college drop out working construction jobs.  He stayed determined to make something of himself and become better than what he was. Whether you agree or disagree with his views, his hard-work is an example that anyone can become anything they want.

Well, he is a white male so he has an "unfair advantage" which made it easier for him to succeed, you say? Well first of all, I disagree completely that anyone is dealt an unfair advantage or disadvantage that cannot be overcome, or lost, by hard work, or the lack thereof. Secondly, to give an example of a non-white person who has become extremely successful in the face of great adversity throughout his entire life is Democratic Presidential-nominee Barack Obama. While I do disagree strongly with nearly all of his policies, his story and rise to power is one to admire and seek to replicate. Obama was born to a non-existent father (as well as a polygamist and a drunk) and a mother who died when he was young. Not only the lack of true parents, he was born as a mixed race child. You can't get much more "underprivileged" than that. Yet despite ALL of these odds against him, he set out to make a name for himself and become something many only dream of. 

The difference he had was DETERMINATION and WORK ETHIC. That is exactly the thing people stricken with poverty are lacking. Get a little motivation and do something with yourself. Obama now has a 50/50 shot of being the next President of the United States of America, the leader of the free world, the most powerful position in the world. Not only the next President, but the FIRST ever black president, crossing a barrier no other person has ever done in the 230+ year history of this great country. Proving civil rights have reached a more equal state. 60 years ago, he could never have even had the dream of becoming President, or really anything for that matter. 

But times have changed, and here he is, knocking on the door of the White House. And he did it without the help of over-reaching governmental programs. Why can't he realize his own success and be an example to others to make something of themselves. Heres why: votes. A message of self-help doesn't gain voter support. A message of "I'll help you," let's get those rich whities for hoarding all that wealth, and here's some many programs to help you get a leg in society.. That gains votes.

Again, what has happened to America? Where is our "can-do" spirit? The gumption to make something of ourselves? To not just accept our situation, but to strive for more? To serve a higher purpose than merely existing? I can't ever imagine sitting at home doing absolutely nothing with my life, stealing the money of those who actually DO something with their lives. That, to me, is one of the most pathetic things ever. And I will go on to say, those who engage in this activity, or lack thereof, are part of the cause of this downfall of our great country. 

the rise of socialism

what has happened to the republican party? they sit around and argue against government abuse of power and socialism, now they are pushing for the biggest bailout in American, and probably even world, history. the republicans should be the ones trying to stop the democrats from doing this however we seem to support it just as strongly as they do. $700 billion dollars.. that is nearly $2300 in added tax liability per taxpayer. i can think of a lot of better things to do with my $2300.

bernanke is asking for this money to come and all actions to be "non-reviewable"......... if that bill passes... wow. that gives government way too much power to do as they please (i.e. not representing the wishes of the populous.. which is the grounds for democracy). this would be further proof of just how expansive our government is and we can do nothing about it, except elect new officials (and i dont mean obama). however, the new leadership always seems to fall under the same mantra as before and no real change takes place.

the financial leaders argue this bailout will fix the economy.. what happened to individual responsibility? if we can spend $700 billion now to bail out the companies, what happens down the road when other companies fail? are we going to tell them no? what makes one buy out better than another? and.. if we can spend $700 billion now, what is another say $700 million later.. it seems like chump change then. so how long with this buyout trend continue? further undermining the American spirit of individual responsibility for an individual's actions...

this argument affects many other aspects of life as well.. reaching into the welfare system, the healthcare system (and push for nationalization), the education system (by way of the welfare system), the Social Security system, and others.. its called SOCIAL security for a reason.. hence SOCIALISM. cradle to grave socialism is what runs the Democratic party and maintains their voting base for generations to come. i dont need to do anything for myself, the government will take care of me.

seriously, if i was a pathetic worthless life form with no pride or sense of self worth, i would simply sit home and mooch off the government.. why not? they'll provide what i need to live. but i dont want to just live. i want to be able to have the best life i can have. and if it means working hard, then where is the problem in that? i mean seriously, how pathetic can it be to sit at home all day and do absolutely nothing with your life? i get bored just being on summer break.. imagine an entire life (from birth to death) with no sense of worth in life.

scream your heart out

its been a long time since i've done one of these, but i've been having a lot of thoughts on my mind lately so i figured i would restart fresh and anew with a new blog, new site, new everything. xanga is dead.. or overrun by 12 year olds.. or both.

school is going well this semester. 12 hours. but likely the toughest 12 hours i've ever taken, but 9 of the most rewarding hours too. my spanish class sucks, although there is some lovely inspiration in there. the other courses are constitutional law, american foreign policy, and international terrorism.

in my international terrorism class, which is the best one this semester by far, we've had a lot of long, at length discussions on some very relevant, controversial issues. it seems to be a very rewarding class.

this post is more serious than i would have liked but.. whatev. enjoy. i shall return soon.

if terrorism is effective means for the terrorists to convey their messages and achieve their goals, does it become morally acceptable? ponder that one.