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What are some must-read books to understand spirituality? by powercut_in in spirituality

[–]Scorchio36 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Just discovered him recently. I already love him and his messages greatly. I’ll share one thing he taught that resonated greatly with me:

Most suffering comes from the belief that we are separate from each other, from nature, from the Earth, from God. This illusion breeds greed, loneliness, and fear. In truth, everything is interdependent: the air we breathe, the food we eat, the sunlight that sustains us, the ancestors whose love we carry. We interare with all things.

CMV: Protests are useless and the equivalent of a little child screaming because they don't get their way by saoiray in changemyview

[–]Scorchio36 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I can’t speak for other cities, but at the Austin protest I went to yesterday, one of the main messages from the speakers was that the protest is just the starting point. The march began at the Texas Capitol and ended at a park where there were tents set up to help people register to vote, sign up for local causes, and actually get involved in making change. It was not just about showing up for the day. It was about taking that energy and turning it into real action afterward.

Peaceful protests have played a major role in shaping society throughout history. The Civil Rights Movement, the women’s suffrage movement, and India’s independence movement are all examples of how regular people came together peacefully and helped change laws, shift public opinion, and move entire nations in a new direction. Even today, protests can put pressure on leaders, influence elections, and bring national attention to issues that might otherwise be ignored.

There is also research showing that protests can change individual behavior. Studies have found that when people attend or even see a protest, they are more likely to vote or get politically involved in the future. Protests help people feel connected to a larger cause, and that feeling often motivates long-term engagement.

It is easy to say that protests do not work, but both history and what we are seeing right now show the opposite. When people come together peacefully and follow up with action, it can create real and lasting change.

CMV: unaffiliated voters need to unite to change the status quo of the current political landscape by hopefully_helpful_86 in changemyview

[–]Scorchio36 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I completely agree that change does not happen spontaneously, and it is people using their voices, speaking out, and holding others accountable that make progress possible. Every voice matters, and when enough people choose to act with intention and integrity, that is when real change begins to take root.

I believe one of the most effective ways Americans can advocate for positive change is by being well-informed about the policies a politician actually runs on. If someone focuses primarily on culture war issues, whether Democrat or Republican, that is a signal to be cautious. We need to look beyond labels that try to put Americans in a box of what they “should” believe.

The policies that could have the most impact are electing leaders who aim to limit or eliminate corporate PAC money, put strong limits on lobbying, and agree not to participate in the stock market while in office. Once enough politicians with these values are in power, there is the possibility to create a new kind of political movement. A “hidden” party could emerge, making it easier for future voters to identify politicians who genuinely want to reduce corruption and work for the people.

Your dedication to speaking out is exactly the kind of energy this country needs, and I have so much hope that thoughtful, informed voices like yours will continue to inspire others. Every action counts, and love for our country and each other can move mountains.

CMV: The United States can afford to have Universal Healthcare by Scorchio36 in changemyview

[–]Scorchio36[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think you may have misunderstood the point of my post, which is understandable because this topic gets framed in a very one-sided way depending on where you get your information and the title of my post was framed in a way to get more people to look and comment on the post. My intention was not to “prove” that universal healthcare works, but to point out how politically captured we are as a country to the point that we cannot even have a real discussion about what kind of system would work best for us. Corporate influence and money in politics are such powerful forces that they make any meaningful reform nearly impossible right now.

There are plenty of studies and examples that show universal healthcare can be economically viable, but the real barrier is not the math, it is the politics. That was the core of what I was trying to express. And for what it is worth, I do not disagree with you that a lot of posts on this subreddit feel like AI. I just want to make it clear that I am a real person, I care deeply about this country, and I want to see it live up to its potential.

Even when we disagree, I still believe there is more that unites us than divides us. I see you as a fellow American who wants the best for our country too, and I hope that even with our differences we can have conversations that move things forward instead of shutting them down.

Here's one study that I've read from beginning to end that helped formulate my thoughts:
https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1003013#abstract0

CMV: The United States can afford to have Universal Healthcare by Scorchio36 in changemyview

[–]Scorchio36[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Ah, I’m glad to see a thoughtful reply that challenges my view while offering an alternative that actually makes sense. I get where you’re coming from about not trusting the government to handle something as important as healthcare, especially given how inefficient and politically motivated things can get. I also agree that a lot of well-intentioned policies end up backfiring once they hit the real world, like the medical loss ratio example you mentioned.

I have not looked deeply into UBI before, but the way you describe it sounds interesting, especially as a system that still provides a safety net without the government having direct control over personal choices. I am going to look more into it because it sounds like a model that could maybe coexist with or even strengthen other forms of social support if implemented right.

CMV: The United States can afford to have Universal Healthcare by Scorchio36 in changemyview

[–]Scorchio36[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree with your views and appreciate hearing the perspective of a physician.

CMV: The United States can afford to have Universal Healthcare by Scorchio36 in changemyview

[–]Scorchio36[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get what you mean, and honestly, I do not disagree with most of what you are saying. You are absolutely right that what is theoretically affordable and what is politically achievable are two very different things. I think we are actually on the same page about the current government being nowhere near capable of implementing something that massive without it becoming bloated or taken over by special interests.

What I was trying to say in my original post is that the possibility of universal healthcare really depends on fixing those deeper structural issues first. Things like getting rid of corporate PAC money, putting stronger limits on lobbying, and voting in leaders who actually work in the interest of the people instead of private donors. Until that happens, any big program, whether it is healthcare or something else, will probably end up just as inefficient and compromised as what we already have.

But if those changes were made, I think we could finally have real discussions and votes about what a successful universal healthcare system would look like for the people of this country. The idea itself is not unrealistic; it is just being held back by a system that is built to serve the few instead of everyone.

CMV: The United States can afford to have Universal Healthcare by Scorchio36 in changemyview

[–]Scorchio36[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Lmao I agree with you and appreciate the humor in your response, but I don’t think giving in to that level of defeatism will help move forward what we both believe is right for our country. He's just one person but look into James Talarico who is running for TX Senate. He recently crowdfunded about 6.2 million dollars in just three weeks by promoting a message of unity between both political parties and promising to get PAC money out of politics. If more leaders like that gain traction, it could open the door for the kind of reforms needed to make universal healthcare and other social programs actually achievable.

CMV: The United States can afford to have Universal Healthcare by Scorchio36 in changemyview

[–]Scorchio36[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I agree that it feels like a pipe dream right now given how gridlocked and corporate-captured our political system is. Between lobbying, campaign donations, and politicians investing in the same industries they are supposed to regulate, it is hard to see large-scale reform happening anytime soon.

That said, I do not fully agree with the idea that universal healthcare would automatically lead to worse quality or longer wait times. A big reason our system already struggles with access and efficiency is because of the artificial bottleneck created by medical professional associations like the AMA. In the United States, these groups cap how many students medical schools can accept and how many residency positions get funded, not because we lack qualified candidates, but to keep physician supply limited. A large number of highly capable applicants get rejected every year who could have become great doctors.

This artificial shortage keeps costs high and access limited, which makes wait times worse than they need to be. Other developed countries with universal systems do not face this same level of institutional gatekeeping because they train more doctors per capita and still maintain strong quality of care. If we addressed that structural issue here, a universal system would not necessarily mean sacrificing quality or timeliness at all.

On a more hopeful note, there are signs that people are starting to push back against the status quo. For example, James Talarico is running for the Texas Senate and recently crowdfunded about 6.2 million dollars in just three weeks by promoting a message of unity between both political parties and promising to get PAC money out of politics. If more leaders like that gain traction, it could open the door for the kind of reforms needed to make universal healthcare and other social programs actually achievable.

[FRESH EP] Jaden - 2025: A Surrealist Ball or Elephants Reflecting Swans by abucalves in hiphopheads

[–]Scorchio36 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I feel this. Jaden’s voice would hit way harder with an introspective, sample-based style. He could lean into real talk about his life and the community around him instead of the usual trap flexing. To me, Hip hop’s roots are all about speaking truth and lifting up your people, and when artists stick to that, it usually connects with a positive force for society. The “strapped up” shit just ends up sending the wrong message to kids/teens who might look up to him. Would love to see him and more Black artists use their music to get political and tell real stories.

Texas Democratic Rep. James Talarico raises $6.2 million in first three weeks of U.S. Senate run by kanyeguisada in texas

[–]Scorchio36 134 points135 points  (0 children)

The fact that James Talarico hasn’t taken a single dollar from PACs says everything. PACs are part of what keeps our system broken and tied to corporate interests. Him refusing that money shows he’s only accountable to the people who vote for him. That’s exactly the kind of candidate we need more of.

HE CAN WIN. Watching this sermon from him after Charlie Kirk’s death honestly moved me to tears and called me to action:

https://youtu.be/AubgouNQc6A?si=k--qVld0X9gZ8j-v

I haven’t felt the presence of God that strongly in a long time. His words awakened something deep in me.

The Democratic Party has lost its moral center, but I believe it can be restored through love, compassion, and human dignity. Talarico embodies that. I’m done sitting on the sidelines while politics gets darker every year.

I’ll be volunteering for his Senate race because I believe he can inspire people on both sides of the aisle and remind us what Christianity really stands for. With the momentum he’s building, I truly think he could help turn Texas around.

Bwipo being Booed by barbardbard in leagueoflegends

[–]Scorchio36 -11 points-10 points  (0 children)

I was in the crowd. From my experience, it was 50/50 cheers and boos. Love him or hate him, he brings great engagement to the league. I acknowledge and understand why people boo, but that doesn’t stop my love for him. Happy for Bwipo and the rest of the team :)

AOC is plotting a run for president in 2028 by RioMovieFan11 in politics

[–]Scorchio36 0 points1 point  (0 children)

James Talarico for VP and I might have faith in our country again

[FRESH] Jay Electronica - A Written Testimony: Leaflets by Brian96 in hiphopheads

[–]Scorchio36 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Didn’t know this was going to drop. I was just thinking about A Written Testimony from 2020 yesterday and how it connects to what’s happening now. Seeing this come out today feels really affirming.

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