I've heard this term used a lot on Fox News, but have no idea what they're talking about, outside what I think of as Marxist philosophy, and have suspected their use of the phrase was meant to limit serious discussion of just what kind of society we should have, and how we can get there. Am I missing something? __________________________
I think you are (missing something). There's evidence of class warfare being discussed within this thread.
There have been implications of class warfare, but I guess my reference was the first to specifically say it. For example the Democrats say that the Republicans are heartless cads who would beat up the poor and the seniors. The Republicans portray the Democrats as socialists who want to destroy the free enterprise system and redistribute all wealth. Each party is portraying the other as a tool of their political base. Republicans are the wealthy and Democrats are the have nots trying to take the wealth of the other side. Pitting one class against the other is a form of class warfare and both sides are practicing it. I'd love to see someone come out to the forefront who would say that we have to cut on the expenses of the massive entitlements and we have to raise taxes. When a business is in trouble we tell them they need to either raise revenue or cut expenses. If the business is in big trouble we tell them they have to do both. We're in big trouble so we don't have any choice but to move on both ends.
This quote reminds me of something I read, recently. A commentator had said the U.S. was becoming more and more like Latin American countries in that the gap between the truly rich and the rest of society had widen considerably in the last decade and more. This produced a firestorm of criticism in the Latin press, because the gap between rich and poor in the U.S. was already wider by some measures than that of the Latin countries! Twini, thanks for taking the time to add your thoughtful comments. I'm convinced that certain labels and slogans are being used by some to impeded real discussion of the problems the country faces, and the range of available solutions. The expression, "class warfare," is used by some in this way, and probably should not be used in a thoughtful discussion such as is taking place on this thread. As a principle, I believe there are, in every society, people with the understanding and skills necessary to garner ever increasing wealth to themselves and their heirs, to the exclusion of others. This wealth allows them to purchase ever increasing political influence, and the process accelerates, over time. With government being the only tool available to break this cycle, a decision has to be made in every society just how far they think it is desirable to allow this process to go. It is possible for a country to have great wealth while, at the same time, a large number of its' people live in squalor. Whether to accept that vision of society is a decision each society must make, or it will occur as a matter of course, in my opinion. Extreme views of economic freedom accept that that can and will happen, but believe this produces the greater good. I don't happen to agree.
V..... Please expound. If you're lending your endorsement to a system other than capitalism, please tell me what that system is..........and give a couple examples of countries where it's worked, or - is working, well. I'd like to know what we should strive towards, here in America (and elsewhere). Also, please tell me what you think about this quote....
When your personal freedoms are at the expense of another person.....they just stopped being "free". People need to come off this notion that freedom is free. It isn't. You wanna ride your motorcycle without a helmet? Ride on, brother. But, if you don't have medical insurance, you're gonna need to sign this form that says you have the funds to care for you (if you're injured, due to your choice).....or, you can sign a DNR declaration. ^^Freedom of choice isn't "free". I'm all for a woman's right to choose. I'm all for her funding her decisions. ^^Freedom isn't "free". You want to go through life without health insurance? Go ahead. Again, either sign the letter of credit.....or the DNR. It's your choice. I'm all for it, either way. THE problem I have with a lot of (notice I didn't say "all") liberals is......they want their freedoms and choices....and they don't give a damn who ends up having to pay for it. It never enters their mind. The entitlement attitude some exude disgusts me.
As for me, personally, I endorse no system, or ideology, just a rational and thoughtful approach to solving the problems the country faces, as the only way to keep minds open, and emotions in check. ________________________
