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I'm sharing this because we are beset with Americans clamoring for Democratic Socialism. There's even a political party, the DSA (Democratic Socialists of America) and it claims to be the fastest growing political party in the US (which may be true inasmuch as half of millennials claim to be Democratic Socialists). Thus, you are likely to be cornered by one of these people (especially if you have millennial children (yes, "millennial children" is a redundancy). Don't bother asking them what "democratic socialism" is. They don't know. In fact, their beloved leaders, such as Bernie and Alexandria, don't know either. So, I am providing this...
Socialism
Millennials
Humor
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 12
15
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A couple of years ago my then 9th grad grandson, who lives with my wife and I said "Grandpa, I have determined I am a 'conservative'!" When I asked him "What makes you say that?" he responded this way.
"Grandpa!", with a higher voice said "My friends are stupid. They are good people, but they cannot argue their points and what arguments they try to make I destroy. They don't know what they are talking about." Of course, I smiled. A few weeks earlier, I was speaking with his world geography teacher who said "I really love having Jacob in class. He always makes well reason arguments and can backup his arguments with references and facts in such a way that others have no means to attack his position. I have often seen him sway people to his side, when they started out clearly opposite him. Even I have difficulty making effective oral arguments about his position. if anything, he has oral debt down, but he needs more work in his written argument. I great capacity, but he is not as cohesive communicating here as verbal."
As an 11th grader, he has allowed me to see some of his papers this year. Many are short arguments. We talk about them, and sometimes after he get a grade back I do a reorganization using his words and references and give it back to him in as near his voice as possible to help him with his rhetoric. Interesting enough, each time I learn something and I am able to teach something. I am so blessed to have a wonderful grandson that trust me enough to let me read his work and comment.
We'll sometimes, as a parent and a grandparent you get it right! In May 2020 he graduates from HS. While I was not prepared to raise a grandson, after raising two children, it has been a privilege I would not have traded for the world, despite the challenges it has provided!
COL Mikel J. Burroughs; Maj Marty Hogan; COL Lee Flemming; SMSGT Gerald "Doc" Thomas; SCPO Morris Ramsey; Lt Col Charlie Brown; Maj Alea Nadeem; LTC (Join to see); Maj William W. 'Bill' Price;LTC Stephen C.; LTC Stephen F.; LTC Jason Mackay; CMSgt (Join to see); MSgt Robert "Rock" Aldi
"Grandpa!", with a higher voice said "My friends are stupid. They are good people, but they cannot argue their points and what arguments they try to make I destroy. They don't know what they are talking about." Of course, I smiled. A few weeks earlier, I was speaking with his world geography teacher who said "I really love having Jacob in class. He always makes well reason arguments and can backup his arguments with references and facts in such a way that others have no means to attack his position. I have often seen him sway people to his side, when they started out clearly opposite him. Even I have difficulty making effective oral arguments about his position. if anything, he has oral debt down, but he needs more work in his written argument. I great capacity, but he is not as cohesive communicating here as verbal."
As an 11th grader, he has allowed me to see some of his papers this year. Many are short arguments. We talk about them, and sometimes after he get a grade back I do a reorganization using his words and references and give it back to him in as near his voice as possible to help him with his rhetoric. Interesting enough, each time I learn something and I am able to teach something. I am so blessed to have a wonderful grandson that trust me enough to let me read his work and comment.
We'll sometimes, as a parent and a grandparent you get it right! In May 2020 he graduates from HS. While I was not prepared to raise a grandson, after raising two children, it has been a privilege I would not have traded for the world, despite the challenges it has provided!
COL Mikel J. Burroughs; Maj Marty Hogan; COL Lee Flemming; SMSGT Gerald "Doc" Thomas; SCPO Morris Ramsey; Lt Col Charlie Brown; Maj Alea Nadeem; LTC (Join to see); Maj William W. 'Bill' Price;LTC Stephen C.; LTC Stephen F.; LTC Jason Mackay; CMSgt (Join to see); MSgt Robert "Rock" Aldi
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CPO Nate S.
Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen - Sir, he is leaning toward VT. I would welcome a letter of endorsement, if you are willing? We can chat via msg. Happy to video chat sometime!
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MSgt Steve Sweeney
CPO Nate S. - I am sure your grandson is a fine young man. Now, as to my "definition" - RE: "Also, by your definition because I am a "Chess Player (>50 yrs playing experience)" with "Deep Thinking" skills I am, by your definition a "liberal" - really!?!?!?!? - WOuld you mind telling me my definition? I am not sure how you connected those dots or how you fell under the impression that because you like playing a game that I think you are a liberal.
Dr. Martin Luther King - Yes, a liberal. A Republican in his day, but the epitome of progressive and going against the status quo.
Thomas Jefferson - Very much a "liberal". Some would call him the father of modern liberalism. The founder of the movement. I can recommend some reading material if you like.
James Madison - Jefferson's rival. Not sure where he would fit on the spectrum. Probably had a lot of liberal tendencies as did the other Founding Fathers. One does not break off from their home country and establish a democratic form of government in the days of monarchies without being somewhat liberal. Ben Franklin certainly was. The "conservatives" of the day were Tories and Loyalists to the crown. They wanted to "conserve" the empire.
You did strike on a point though. We must first understand definitions and how people use words. Words mean things, and having a common definition of the words in use is important to avoid misunderstandings (and yet misunderstandings will happen). I would ask you to kindly refrain from assuming my definition, or making up my definitions for me. I certainly have no problem speaking for myself.
Allow me to leave you with a quote from another "liberal" - "The radical of one century is the conservative of the next. The radical invents the views. When he has worn them out the conservative adopts them." - Samuel Clemens [Mark Twain] - Notebook, 1898. Here "liberal" can substitute for "radical".
Best wishes for you and your grandson in the New Year.
Dr. Martin Luther King - Yes, a liberal. A Republican in his day, but the epitome of progressive and going against the status quo.
Thomas Jefferson - Very much a "liberal". Some would call him the father of modern liberalism. The founder of the movement. I can recommend some reading material if you like.
James Madison - Jefferson's rival. Not sure where he would fit on the spectrum. Probably had a lot of liberal tendencies as did the other Founding Fathers. One does not break off from their home country and establish a democratic form of government in the days of monarchies without being somewhat liberal. Ben Franklin certainly was. The "conservatives" of the day were Tories and Loyalists to the crown. They wanted to "conserve" the empire.
You did strike on a point though. We must first understand definitions and how people use words. Words mean things, and having a common definition of the words in use is important to avoid misunderstandings (and yet misunderstandings will happen). I would ask you to kindly refrain from assuming my definition, or making up my definitions for me. I certainly have no problem speaking for myself.
Allow me to leave you with a quote from another "liberal" - "The radical of one century is the conservative of the next. The radical invents the views. When he has worn them out the conservative adopts them." - Samuel Clemens [Mark Twain] - Notebook, 1898. Here "liberal" can substitute for "radical".
Best wishes for you and your grandson in the New Year.
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CPO Nate S.
MSgt Steve Sweeney, Thank you for your response. Have you ever read Franklin’s The Morals of Chess (https://folk.uio.no/gatandbe/chessmorals.pdf), I recommend it.
First, I took exception to your tone regarding my grandson, and frankly had you perceived what appeared to be an attack against your grandson you would have also made a defense. You’d frankly be lying if you did not. I don’t care if you attack me, but, when YOU don’t know my grandson and make what I perceived as an attack on a young man who is close to making Eagle Scout, you cross a line.
That said, I appreciate your rebuttal and how it was delivered. Frankly, I liked it! What makes our nation great isn’t “status quo” (aka remaining stagnant), never has. It is advancing the human condition, in modern terms – continual quality improvement (CQI) and recognizing that the “status quo” does not recognize the need of the human spirit to grow (aka mature), and that "status quo" never makes a nation in its past, its present or its future - great! To make our nation “…a more perfect union…(aka great)”, a little better than we found it to the best of our respective abilities is, I think, a noble objective. Difficult, yet noble. It is that nobility that is in each of us I find important. The "status quo" is boring and demeaning, as it expects people to accept their "place in line" vs "taking their place in line." Not at the back of the line or the head of the line, but having the right to be - "...in line in the first place (aka the right to Life, to Liberty and to the Pursuit of 'responsible' happiness....")
So, if assuring “responsible-thoughtful (conservative - discerning”) freedom is a liberal idea then I am in good company with not only those men mentioned, but other men and women of quiet courage. The Founders, conservatively-liberal as they might have been, knew what they were doing and knew the consequences if they failed. But, they did not fail- thankfully; or, the world would have surely been a very different place.
BTW, “conservative” to me is to take time to think through an issue, vs my definition of liberal, which is, “rushing to judgement” and not considering the other factors at hand. Of course, my “rush to judge of you” by this definition could be music to your ears, but I think not.
Second, you are very right, for Madison and others to create a “…democratic form of government…” they must have been a little nuts (crazy like a fox I think), when they could have easily-continued under the “benevolence of an ego centric monarchy and elitist bureaucrats in the monarchy who could not give a damn, except what they could extract from the colonist for their own ends.” Humm, today's regressive tax system and spending on programs that create “governmental slaves” vs freeing human beings.
Third, regarding “…assuming your definition…” I would ask you to reflect on these words “…say what you really mean and mean what you really say with clarity, for the words you may have to eat will be your own….” That said, please be clear so that I, nor others, will have cause to misunderstand or misinterpret your meanings. Of course, we are all human, both you and me! Misunderstanding will and does happen, despite our best efforts.
In closing, I want to thank you again for the rebuttal. It was instructive! BTW, I like Samuel Clemens' satire.
COL Mikel J. Burroughs; Maj Marty Hogan; SCPO Morris Ramsey; SMSGT Gerald "Doc" Thomas; Maj William W. 'Bill' Price; CPT Jack Durish
First, I took exception to your tone regarding my grandson, and frankly had you perceived what appeared to be an attack against your grandson you would have also made a defense. You’d frankly be lying if you did not. I don’t care if you attack me, but, when YOU don’t know my grandson and make what I perceived as an attack on a young man who is close to making Eagle Scout, you cross a line.
That said, I appreciate your rebuttal and how it was delivered. Frankly, I liked it! What makes our nation great isn’t “status quo” (aka remaining stagnant), never has. It is advancing the human condition, in modern terms – continual quality improvement (CQI) and recognizing that the “status quo” does not recognize the need of the human spirit to grow (aka mature), and that "status quo" never makes a nation in its past, its present or its future - great! To make our nation “…a more perfect union…(aka great)”, a little better than we found it to the best of our respective abilities is, I think, a noble objective. Difficult, yet noble. It is that nobility that is in each of us I find important. The "status quo" is boring and demeaning, as it expects people to accept their "place in line" vs "taking their place in line." Not at the back of the line or the head of the line, but having the right to be - "...in line in the first place (aka the right to Life, to Liberty and to the Pursuit of 'responsible' happiness....")
So, if assuring “responsible-thoughtful (conservative - discerning”) freedom is a liberal idea then I am in good company with not only those men mentioned, but other men and women of quiet courage. The Founders, conservatively-liberal as they might have been, knew what they were doing and knew the consequences if they failed. But, they did not fail- thankfully; or, the world would have surely been a very different place.
BTW, “conservative” to me is to take time to think through an issue, vs my definition of liberal, which is, “rushing to judgement” and not considering the other factors at hand. Of course, my “rush to judge of you” by this definition could be music to your ears, but I think not.
Second, you are very right, for Madison and others to create a “…democratic form of government…” they must have been a little nuts (crazy like a fox I think), when they could have easily-continued under the “benevolence of an ego centric monarchy and elitist bureaucrats in the monarchy who could not give a damn, except what they could extract from the colonist for their own ends.” Humm, today's regressive tax system and spending on programs that create “governmental slaves” vs freeing human beings.
Third, regarding “…assuming your definition…” I would ask you to reflect on these words “…say what you really mean and mean what you really say with clarity, for the words you may have to eat will be your own….” That said, please be clear so that I, nor others, will have cause to misunderstand or misinterpret your meanings. Of course, we are all human, both you and me! Misunderstanding will and does happen, despite our best efforts.
In closing, I want to thank you again for the rebuttal. It was instructive! BTW, I like Samuel Clemens' satire.
COL Mikel J. Burroughs; Maj Marty Hogan; SCPO Morris Ramsey; SMSGT Gerald "Doc" Thomas; Maj William W. 'Bill' Price; CPT Jack Durish
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My millennials are both in the military, so all is not lost. Too many snowflakes out there though.
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TSgt David L.
SCPO Morris Ramsey - Very true. Not my two Montana boyz though! Gun toting, bacon eating, manly men! Hahaha
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Love when they rake the ultra wealthy and follow with healthcare is a right. So I should begrudge someone working hard and achieving success- or even being born into it. Being moral with other people's money is always a great position to be in while omitting yourself from the equation....
Great post
Lt Col Scott ShuttleworthSGT Gregory Lawritson SSgt Brian BrakkeCMSgt (Join to see) LTC (Join to see) MSG Frederick Otero SSG David Andrews SCPO Morris Ramsey PO1 William "Chip" Nagel TSgt Joe C. Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. LTC Greg Henning PO2 Rick Fox Sgt Albert Castro Samantha S. CPT Scott Sharon PO3 Craig Phillips MSgt Danny Hope LTC Stephan Porter TSgt David L.
Great post
Lt Col Scott ShuttleworthSGT Gregory Lawritson SSgt Brian BrakkeCMSgt (Join to see) LTC (Join to see) MSG Frederick Otero SSG David Andrews SCPO Morris Ramsey PO1 William "Chip" Nagel TSgt Joe C. Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. LTC Greg Henning PO2 Rick Fox Sgt Albert Castro Samantha S. CPT Scott Sharon PO3 Craig Phillips MSgt Danny Hope LTC Stephan Porter TSgt David L.
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CPO Nate S.
Again, it is the "...omitting yourself from the equation..." that inspired me to create an idea for a Constitutional amendment regarding Congressional Accountability.
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Proposed Language for the: Plan for Sustainable Accountability and Responsibility in Congress (PSARC) Amendment
Section I - The Congress shall make no laws inapplicable to themselves that are otherwise applicable to the lawful Citizens and other inhabitants of the United States of America so governed. While having the same rights as enumerated elsewhere in this Constitution and among the other laws, the Congress shall not be accorded more rights or privileges than the lawful Citizens and inhabitants it governs, nor shall the Congress create such conditions or make such laws that afford more rights or privileges because of status, wealth or any other measure than to which an individual or entity shall be otherwise so entitled without full transparency and without the consent of the governed. Therefore, the establishment of laws or practices as part of Constitution of the United States known as “pay to play” shall be considered illegal and in violation of the principles of free, fair, and transparent government.
Section II – The Congress shall not misappropriate funds offered by the tax payers of the United States for the lawful and transparent operation of the Government of the United States for any purpose that supports misconduct or the concealing of misconduct by the use of taxpayer funds to achieve the same. This includes any funding intended to cover-up nefarious behaviors that are undesirable in public officials that would keep them from their duty to govern in a fair, equitable and bipartisan manner. Therefore, any member of Congress shall suffer immediate expulsion from the Congress, after immediate due process is adjudicated with findings inconsistent with expected ethical behaviors. Upon immediate explosion of a member of Congress for such individual or collective behaviors will create an immediate vacancy that the Governor of the state so effected has 30-days to fill with a qualified candidate and whose continued service shall be as their state law establishes under such conditions.
Section III - This amendment shall take immediate effect upon passage by 3/4s of the membership of the House of Representatives and 4/5s of the membership of the Senate. This shall become permanent law within 24 months of passage in the Congress or upon 3/5s approval in the several state legislatures, whichever is soonest. Upon achieving permanent status, only a national referendum with at least seventy-five percent (75%) of all lawfully registered voters participating and achieving at least ninety-five percent (95%) affirmation at the time of such a national vote will then overturn of this amendment. This stated level of participation with the corresponding voter affirmation is required to assure that neither special interests nor any given individual nor any entity with stated or unstated hostile intend to the United States of America and its population thereof are afforded any undue influence in the redirecting of taxpayers funds for purposes other than those so entrusted by the lawful Citizens and other inhabitants of the United States of America to assure their common defense, provide for their domestic tranquility or assure their rights to Life, to Liberty and to the peaceful pursuit of Happiness that does not infringe on the same for any other lawful Citizen or other inhabitant of the United States of America.
Section IV – The Congress, under Article I of the Constitution of the United States of America, shall retain the right and the responsibility to strengthen this process through the force of law to assure the integrity and freedom from the corruptible forces that obstruct and diminish honest self-government is enjoyed by all lawful Citizens or other inhabitants of the United States of America in the development of the goal of becoming a – more perfect union.
--------------------
Again, for those that have seen earlier versions of this, this is the latest iteration. My interest is in helping to set the tone for our nation's next 250 years of freedom with the kind of standard for those that govern that will cause us as a nation to fill in the gaps in our democratic wall such that we, as a diverse nation, are able to continue to proper to the ideal of a - "...more perfect union..." that is not FORCED rather FORGED!
CPT Jack Durish
----------------------------
Proposed Language for the: Plan for Sustainable Accountability and Responsibility in Congress (PSARC) Amendment
Section I - The Congress shall make no laws inapplicable to themselves that are otherwise applicable to the lawful Citizens and other inhabitants of the United States of America so governed. While having the same rights as enumerated elsewhere in this Constitution and among the other laws, the Congress shall not be accorded more rights or privileges than the lawful Citizens and inhabitants it governs, nor shall the Congress create such conditions or make such laws that afford more rights or privileges because of status, wealth or any other measure than to which an individual or entity shall be otherwise so entitled without full transparency and without the consent of the governed. Therefore, the establishment of laws or practices as part of Constitution of the United States known as “pay to play” shall be considered illegal and in violation of the principles of free, fair, and transparent government.
Section II – The Congress shall not misappropriate funds offered by the tax payers of the United States for the lawful and transparent operation of the Government of the United States for any purpose that supports misconduct or the concealing of misconduct by the use of taxpayer funds to achieve the same. This includes any funding intended to cover-up nefarious behaviors that are undesirable in public officials that would keep them from their duty to govern in a fair, equitable and bipartisan manner. Therefore, any member of Congress shall suffer immediate expulsion from the Congress, after immediate due process is adjudicated with findings inconsistent with expected ethical behaviors. Upon immediate explosion of a member of Congress for such individual or collective behaviors will create an immediate vacancy that the Governor of the state so effected has 30-days to fill with a qualified candidate and whose continued service shall be as their state law establishes under such conditions.
Section III - This amendment shall take immediate effect upon passage by 3/4s of the membership of the House of Representatives and 4/5s of the membership of the Senate. This shall become permanent law within 24 months of passage in the Congress or upon 3/5s approval in the several state legislatures, whichever is soonest. Upon achieving permanent status, only a national referendum with at least seventy-five percent (75%) of all lawfully registered voters participating and achieving at least ninety-five percent (95%) affirmation at the time of such a national vote will then overturn of this amendment. This stated level of participation with the corresponding voter affirmation is required to assure that neither special interests nor any given individual nor any entity with stated or unstated hostile intend to the United States of America and its population thereof are afforded any undue influence in the redirecting of taxpayers funds for purposes other than those so entrusted by the lawful Citizens and other inhabitants of the United States of America to assure their common defense, provide for their domestic tranquility or assure their rights to Life, to Liberty and to the peaceful pursuit of Happiness that does not infringe on the same for any other lawful Citizen or other inhabitant of the United States of America.
Section IV – The Congress, under Article I of the Constitution of the United States of America, shall retain the right and the responsibility to strengthen this process through the force of law to assure the integrity and freedom from the corruptible forces that obstruct and diminish honest self-government is enjoyed by all lawful Citizens or other inhabitants of the United States of America in the development of the goal of becoming a – more perfect union.
--------------------
Again, for those that have seen earlier versions of this, this is the latest iteration. My interest is in helping to set the tone for our nation's next 250 years of freedom with the kind of standard for those that govern that will cause us as a nation to fill in the gaps in our democratic wall such that we, as a diverse nation, are able to continue to proper to the ideal of a - "...more perfect union..." that is not FORCED rather FORGED!
CPT Jack Durish
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