BIGUN

We are not talking about different things. That is called - democratic socialist. While that may be your choice - please understand that is what those of us on the right wish not to happen. And personally; I hope the democratic party continues down that path. .

You simply refuse to acknowledge that it's not.

It was in this thread and you are commingling points that I was trying to make. What I said was the, "semi-presidential representative democratic republic" of Portugal as your go-to example demonstrates a true lack of political and socio-economic understanding. You are placing that "look a good thing" right up their with the same forms of government as Russia, China, Syria, Palestine, etc". Within the semi-presidential system: there are two sub-types. Look it up and you will find that one of them is the president-parliamentary system. And, I was addressing the fallacy of what was presented to me in the previous thread. I know it can be difficult now that there is no longer a "in reply to" function - but, it was the post right above mine. SkyDekker threw out some silliness about the semi-presidential system and pointed to Portugal.

I can see where it might be confusing to you.

https://www.themonastery.org/blog/2019/02/americas-first-all-muslim-police-force-draws-backlash/

Socialism is not Democratic.To use the, "semi-presidential representative democratic republic" of Portugal as your go-to example demonstrates a true lack of political and socio-economic understanding. You are placing that "look a good thing" right up their with the same forms of government as Russia, China, Syria, Palestine, etc. Do you really think that's a good direction to go - cause if so; by all means move to one of those countries to enjoy and prosper (well, not so much on prosper) Many countries can claim to be a "Democratic Republic" in their constitution, but not every government conducts itself in that constitutional manner. Even the U.S. is not a true direct democracy - it is a representative democracy. Please go back and start with Aristotle's "Politics" and work your way forward.

I know, right? The Liberals in NYC had a fit about it earlier this year.

Let's slow down, guys. It is a police force. Security can only make a citizen's arrest (just like anyone can). It's a megachurch (they have 4-20k followers) and within that they have a school. Since they cannot use public funds - it is their form of campus police. BTW: This isn't the first time a church has done this.

I gotta admit - she did good with that one.

Food-fight fun or put food on the table fun.

I can more than agree that both sides need some serious education.

You "scientist" types need to study up on Political Science. Just cause AOC and Bernie point to Nordic countries and call them "Socialist" doesn't make it true. The Nordic countries are NOT socialist. When the conversation starts out on a ridiculous note; it remains ridiculous. Long as you're there; how about you run up to Erna and ask her and her conservative party what type of government Norway is - she'll respond that we're just right of center. In fact; why don't you just stay and learn just how well a free-market capitalist society works. While you're there you might also learn that the nordic countries are in the top three true democracies in the world.

If the "Illegals" were from Norway instead of "shithole countries" both you and Trump would be welcoming them. You do realize the U.S. has five times as many illegal aliens as the entire population of Norway, right?

Socialism and social programs have practically nothing to do with one another and people who scream about the former whenever they see the latter have nothing to contribute. Just cause you want it to be - doesn't mean it is. Feel free to go do some reading and perhaps some learning and then come back and apologize. I'll wait.

Well said.

There is no means test for this program. It's about helping those injured in the line of duty. 'One of the authors of the Social Security Act, Senator Walter F. George (Democrat of Georgia), asserted, "Social security is not a handout; it is not charity; it is not relief.... As an earned right, the individual is eligible to receive his benefit in dignity and self-respect."' In my opinion, if you pay for groceries; you expect to have dinner that night, I said I wouldn't vote for Mr. Stewart because he's a self-avowed Socialist. I've been to Socialist countries (not on vacation).and, my fear is when those who tout themselves as "socialist" really don't know what it is - and then they want to impart that self-proclaimed wisdom on the rest of America - in office. I didn't say his going to congress was a bad idea or that he's a bad person. I think he'd be refreshing to have in the room as an advisor just to get a different perspective from his views. He was effective and the next day. The Next Day. Congress approved the act (neither the left or right did that - he did. One man). I don't see it as any different than my agreeing with the other posters on here regarding specific points of regard - climate change, responsible gun ownership, etc. That doesn't make them socialists - it just means they give a shit about this country. This argument is getting silly.. I don't mind people who have a different political philosophy, or who believe in a different religion or who don't even believe - period. People have a right to differing viewpoints and our constitution guarantees it.. What I don't want to see here in the U.S. is a migration of capitalism towards socialism. I get that it's a cool new buzzword; but the reality is - socialism really really sucks. You've got to ask yourself why countries like China; Vietnam; Cuba are moving more towards capitalism every day. If your interested; feel free to read the following hyperlink. Of course; I'm sure someone will be along shortly to say that I'm just "copying/pasting more bullshit from the internet." https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/081514/socialist-economies-how-china-cuba-and-north-korea-work.asp

Good to know that so many think they can speak AND interpret for me. Let me educate you a little bit; cause those from Canada, Britain and some here in the US seem to think they know what they're talking about - when they don't. . What Mr. Stewart was arguing for wasn't pay, wasn't healthcare. It was about the disability fund for those first responders. If you are injured or get a disease in the service of your country there is a fund set up to ensure you remain whole. If you get too sick or your injuries begin to affect the way you can perform which jeopardizes your ability to work; it can have an effect on you and your family's livelihood. Firefighters, police officers, and some other vocations cannot purchase long-term disability like those in other jobs because their jobs are too dangerous and there is an exclusion clause. Try being a professional skydiver and try to get long-term disability insurance. Heck, try to get life insurance. Not going to happen. And, social security - even after paying 100% of the committed amount for it for years and receiving $2,000/mo is not going to pay the rent or groceries in New York City. Remember that the U.S. got the idea for a social-security system from 19th century Germany. That very capitalist monarchy launched an old-age social insurance program in 1889 at the behest of Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, partly to stave off radical socialist ideas being floated at the time. The original social security was actually an anti-socialist maneuver by a conservative government. Again, it's not about Pay or Healthcare; it's about extending a disability fund specific for those heroes. It's not a socialist program. But, I'm sure some very educated people and foreigners will be here shortly to attempt to correct me or throw out some one-liners.

I never said, "always good" and was thinking more along the lines of US SOCOM.

Well, Space Corps now. So, when the USAF Space Command, United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Naval Network Warfare Command, and the United States Space Surveillance Network which (one going back to 1947) as individual entities are good. When all are joined together for better communication and the ability to employ economies of scale - bad. My only regret is him not combining all sixteen intelligence-gathering agencies with a separate DNI - under one roof at the same time.

Bill, it was not my intention to completely derail the Mass Shootings thread, but it seems that's where it wound up. May I suggest a separate and distinct thread for that?

This is a situation in which both are neither right or wrong. Drugs are "illegal" in Amsterdam.They took a harder stance on all drugs, but turn a blind eye to the "soft drugs" like marijuana and hash. You can still buy mj & hash in a local coffee shop.

It's not a metaphor; nor was it intended to be one. It's a really bad example of an ethymeme. I thought the liberals could relate better if I spoke as they do.

Unfortunately, Mr. Stewart identifies with being a socialist. I'd have to pass.

I accept your offer. My side will agree to unconditionally ban guns and your side will agree to unconditionally ban abortions,

Admittedly, I don't always agree with Mr. Stewart, but when a man speaks with this much logic and conviction - keep your mouth shut and listen. Which is exactly what congress did.