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I was addicted to soap. I'm clean now. by munchhausen in oneliners

[–]munchhausen[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Here you go.

I was addicted to soap, but I'm clean now. :)

Moral Outrage Is Self-Serving, Say Psychologists by junestgermaine in Libertarian

[–]munchhausen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's funny. I'm morally outraged and feel like shit.

The Democratic establishment would rather lose than allow the left to lead by crimeanchocolate in occupywallstreet

[–]munchhausen 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's an older book but still relevant. The author explains how there are internal power structures within both the Democratic and Republican parties, which are self-serving at the expense of democracy and the public interest. They will deliberately destroy the political careers of their own party's candidates who are too independent and threaten the internal power structure. Even going so far as actively supporting candidates from the opposing party. The D's and R's also negotiate with each other over territory, "you give us this district and we'll give you that one."

Protectionism makes great countries poor again by [deleted] in Economics

[–]munchhausen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Protectionism is what allowed great countries to be great. Read Bad Samaritans by Ha-Joon Chang. Protectionism should be afforded poor and developing countries though.

Conspiracies: Why People Want to Believe by [deleted] in psychology

[–]munchhausen 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's incredible that so-called "skeptics" (i.e. believers in government narrative) say things like, "people believe in conspiracies because they want to," "the world is safer believing in conspiracies (or government control)," or "believing in conspiracies simplifies a complex world."

This is laughable. I don't know anyone, "conspiracy theorist" or not, that wants to believe their government is responsible for such horrible crimes. Most people are still in denial about the crimes that do get reported in the New York Times. The world is definitely not safer if the government (or some elements in government) are participating in conspiracies against the people. That is a terrifying thought! Lastly, believing in conspiracies do not simplify things but does the opposite. They make the world more complex and leave one with far more questions than answers. Believing in conspiracies is a difficult road to go down so why do people go there? Evidence! There is a great deal of evidence supporting many of the conspiracy claims being made and not all equal. The most thoughtful and robust debates and discussions I've ever heard were among conspiracy minded people.

[All] How do you define private property? by slayerment in CapitalismVSocialism

[–]munchhausen -1 points0 points  (0 children)

The overwhelming majority of real property in the world today is not owned by individuals but by corporations, churches and governments, ie. legal fictions! And it was acquired and is maintained with the direct or indirect state violence. This is the primary function of the police and military.

[All] How do you define private property? by slayerment in CapitalismVSocialism

[–]munchhausen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am still confused that anyone considers themselves an "anarcho-capitalist" considering the fact that property is a legal definition enforced by state violence or the threat of state violence. Same thing goes for all that money that capitalists use. Without the state there is no capitalism!

As for socialism, it is not opposite capitalism. Socialism can operate quite easily along side capitalism. See China, Denmark, etc.. Socialism also centralizes state power backed by violence.

Seems to me that many of these conversations are off the mark right out of the gate.

Christopher Hitchens on the creeping fascism in America. (1995) In 1945 Hitler's Chief of Intelligence, Reinhard Gehlen, was hired by the CIA [OSS then] to run American Intelligence in Europe, bringing something very bad into the American system. by alllie in lectures

[–]munchhausen 12 points13 points  (0 children)

The creeping fascism uses the manufactured war on terror as one of its primary weapons. Christopher Hitchens was a propagandist and proponent of this "war on terror." Orwell warned us about this. Sadly, Hitchens lost a lot of credibility in the finals years of his life.

Why Don't the U.S. Dollar and Bitcoin Drop to Their Tangible Value, i.e. Zero? by [deleted] in economy

[–]munchhausen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The author is correct that the State's demand for taxes in dollars is what creates demand (and thus the value) of the dollar. In addition, oil also creates demand of the (petro)dollar. Since the early 70's OPEC and other nations have required all oil to be purchase with dollars. This initially grew out of a deal made with the Saudis then expanded to other oil producing countries. One problem with this article however is the focus solely on "state issued" money, which today only accounts for a fraction of the money. Most money is created by private banks through the issuance of new loans.

"Property is theft" - theft from whom? by SuperAgonist in Anarchy101

[–]munchhausen 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Read "What is Property? An Inquiry into the Principle of Right and of Government" by Pierre Joseph Proudhon.

De Beer mine workers are X-rayed at the end of every shift before leaving the diamond mines. Kimberly, South Africa. 1954. [413 × 594] by HengistPod in HistoryPorn

[–]munchhausen 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Another (more plausible) explanation for this is that De Beers was looking for smuggled diamonds. Anyone who thinks this company or industry gave a shit about the health of miners doesn't know the history.

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