What scares you most about where the america is headed?

[8182KSKUSH]

There seems to be a general lack of understanding about what "facism" actually is.
Ususally, the one component in facism that is always there is a dictator. That's why I laugh my ass off when I read people throwing around that word with regard to our government. If you want an example of some facist states, then look at, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Venezuala, Cuba, and so on. We are a hell of a lot closer to a socialist state than a facist one. I don't believe that you can elect leaders in a facist state, the leaders just sieze power indefinately, and if you oppose them, you die.

[BlueCat00]

A lot of people feel that Bush is skirting close when it comes to being a dictator. Some of those exec orders really make him look bad.

His latest:

[align=center]A new Executive Order which allows the government to seize the assets of anyone who interferes with its Iraq policies.

[/align]
Or how about this one?

National Security Presidential Directive/NSPD 51 puts the President in charge of ensuring constitutional government for all three branches of government in the case of a catastrophic emergency. This effectively makes the President a dictator. The directive itself is unconstitutional and ensures constitutional government wouldn't exist.

The directive defines a â??Catastrophic Emergencyâ?� as the following. "Catastrophic Emergency" means any incident, regardless of location, that results in extraordinary levels of mass casualties, damage, or disruption severely affecting the U.S. population, infrastructure, environment, economy, or government functions;

So what does this mean? This is entirely subjective and doesnâ??t provide any real concrete definition of what such an emergency would entail. Assuming that it means a disaster on the scale of the 9/11 attacks or Katrina, there is no question that the United States at some point in time will experience an emergency on par with either of those events. When one of those events takes place, the President will be a dictator in charge of ensuring a working constitutional government.
The language written in the directive is disturbing because it doesnâ??t say that the President will work with the other branches of government equally to ensure a constitutional government is protected. It says clearly that there will be a cooperative effort among the three branches that will be coordinated by the President. If the President is coordinating these efforts it effectively puts him in charge of every branch. The language in the directive is entirely Orwellian in nature making it seem that it is a cooperative effort between all three branches but then it says that the President is in charge of the cooperative effort.

[8182KSKUSH]

Ok so I guess now that all our jobs have been sent overseas and our factories are closed....

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Really? All of them? My wife and I both still have jobs, in fact I don't know anyone that is unemployed. Guess we're lucky!

You do read the paper or listen to the news I hope.....

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Sure, but I take it with a grain of salt, you should too.

Have you not noticed all the jobs being lost EVERYDAY?

No, I don't know anyone that has lost their job to be honest with you? And when people do, I don't doubt that it happens, is it possible to.....:wtf:....get a new job?

We have outsourced everything including our computer technologies! So how do you two plan on feeding the people that have no jobs. ?

Sorry, I didn't realize that it was my responsibility to feed other peoples kids?

Oh and how do you handle the families that were living the American dream when one of their kids gets really sick and the insurance company will not pay beyond the cap they set so the family loses everything trying to save their kid. It is happening everyday. Someone gets really ill and can't work so they lose it all. It could happen to YOU.

Yeah, I suppose you may be right, but I could win the lottery too, so what's your point?

You think it is ok for our country to be sliding into poverty while Exxon mobile execs are reaping in huge profits?

Yeah, actually I own stock in Exxon, so I am always glad to hear that they are doing well and taking care of their 1000s of employees and shareholders.

I think those that make billions should pony up and take some social responsibility.

Yup, redistributing money, that's called SOCIALISM, are you saying they shouldn't be allowed to make money? WTF? I bet you were all for Billary's idea to take profits from private oil companies and give them to "others" whoever they are.

They are benefiting from the huge ass gas prices after all.
People don't want hand outs they want help! They want the government to stop letting the corporations use loop holes to not pay taxes.

Coorporations DO NOT PAY TAXES, you do.

They want the insurance and drug companies to stop gouging the shit out of people.

It's called a "free market", they do as they wish. If it's as bad as you say, then they will lose money, and thus change.

Those that make over 200,000 a year SHOULD NOT get huge tax breaks. Why should the middle class be paying more taxes?!

Here's why, these stats are from the IRS:

The top 1% pay over a third, 34.27% of all income taxes. (Up from 2003: 33.71%) The top 5% pay 54.36% of all income taxes (Up from 2002: 53.80%). The top 10% pay 65.84% (Up from 2002: 65.73%). The top 25% pay 83.88% (Down from 2002: 83.90%). The top 50% pay 96.54% (Up from 2002: 96.50%). The bottom 50%? They pay a paltry 3.46% of all income taxes (Down from 2002: 3.50%). The top 1% is paying nearly ten times the federal income taxes than the bottom 50%! And who earns what? The top 1% earns 16.77% of all income (2002: 16.12%). The top 5% earns 31.18% of all the income (2002: 30.55%). The top 10% earns 42.36% of all the income (2002: 41.77%); the top 25% earns 64.86% of all the income (2002: 64.37%) , and the top 50% earns 86.01% (2002: 85.77%) of all the income.
That's why, I also attached a picture with a chart so you don't have to read if you don't like to.!

We all need to take some moral responsibility for our fellow man. Things are going to get worse before they get better.

So you prefer to watch families lose their homes and go without food. I think that pretty fucking insensitive.

This country is not drifting toward socialism it is drifting into POVERTY! Wake up.

I think that you may be a little mis informed about the reality of America, and how Americans are living. Think about everything you just said, then look around you. Does it make sense? Enough with the propaganda already sheeesh.:thumbsup:

Sorry, I wasn't able to attach the picture with the graphs, so I guess you probably won't be able to understand this and I probably just wasted my time.

[denial102]

There seems to be a general lack of understanding about what "facism" actually is.
Ususally, the one component in facism that is always there is a dictator. That's why I laugh my ass off when I read people throwing around that word with regard to our government. If you want an example of some facist states, then look at, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Venezuala, Cuba, and so on. We are a hell of a lot closer to a socialist state than a facist one. I don't believe that you can elect leaders in a facist state, the leaders just sieze power indefinately, and if you oppose them, you die.

thanks for your input man, I think we need to look at the definition of fascism a little bit more, not that I am disagreeing america is socialist as that has been outlined by you and rebgirl.

"Fascism is an authoritarian political ideology (generally tied to a mass movement) that considers the individual subordinate to the interests of the state, party or society as a whole. Fascists seek to forge a type of national unity, usually based on (but not limited to) ethnic, cultural, racial, religious attributes. The key attribute of fascism is intolerance of others: other religions, languages, political views, economic systems, cultural practices, etc. Various scholars attribute different characteristics to fascism, but the following elements are usually seen as its integral parts: nationalism, statism, militarism, totalitarianism, anti-communism, corporatism, populism, collectivism, autocracy and opposition to political and economic liberalism"

Nationalism
Statism
Militarism
Totalitarianism
anti-communism
corporatism
populism
collectivism
autocracy


out of those 11 things, I think the above 9 might apply to the US, if not now things are moving that way, have been going that way, or are now already that way, in my opinion.

Fascism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Undecided here, I will let everybody else judge for themselves..

:thumbsup:

Peace 2 all,
Denial

[8182KSKUSH]

Yeah, I would bet my life that we are not living in a facist state, wait till november i guess and see if the evil "Bush" decides to leave office or not? And also, "opposition to political and economic liberalism", um yeah....I don't think anyone that opposes liberal policy is a facist, also Wik, is by far not reputable. But at least you are getting this info out, it's pretty right on, except for the part where it says if you oppose liberals then you are a facist. :wtf:

[8182KSKUSH]

.

Really? All of them? My wife and I both still have jobs, in fact I don't know anyone that is unemployed. Guess we're lucky!


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Sure, but I take it with a grain of salt, you should too.




No, I don't know anyone that has lost their job to be honest with you? And when people do, I don't doubt that it happens, is it possible to.....:wtf:....get a new job?




Sorry, I didn't realize that it was my responsibility to feed other peoples kids?



Yeah, I suppose you may be right, but I could win the lottery too, so what's your point?




Yeah, actually I own stock in Exxon, so I am always glad to hear that they are doing well and taking care of their 1000s of employees and shareholders.



Yup, redistributing money, that's called SOCIALISM, are you saying they shouldn't be allowed to make money? WTF? I bet you were all for Billary's idea to take profits from private oil companies and give them to "others" whoever they are.



Coorporations DO NOT PAY TAXES, you do.



It's called a "free market", they do as they wish. If it's as bad as you say, then they will lose money, and thus change.



Here's why, these stats are from the IRS:

The top 1% pay over a third, 34.27% of all income taxes. (Up from 2003: 33.71%) The top 5% pay 54.36% of all income taxes (Up from 2002: 53.80%). The top 10% pay 65.84% (Up from 2002: 65.73%). The top 25% pay 83.88% (Down from 2002: 83.90%). The top 50% pay 96.54% (Up from 2002: 96.50%). The bottom 50%? They pay a paltry 3.46% of all income taxes (Down from 2002: 3.50%). The top 1% is paying nearly ten times the federal income taxes than the bottom 50%! And who earns what? The top 1% earns 16.77% of all income (2002: 16.12%). The top 5% earns 31.18% of all the income (2002: 30.55%). The top 10% earns 42.36% of all the income (2002: 41.77%); the top 25% earns 64.86% of all the income (2002: 64.37%) , and the top 50% earns 86.01% (2002: 85.77%) of all the income.
That's why, I also attached a picture with a chart so you don't have to read if you don't like to.!



I think that you may be a little mis informed about the reality of America, and how Americans are living. Think about everything you just said, then look around you. Does it make sense? Enough with the propaganda already sheeesh.:thumbsup:

Sorry, I wasn't able to attach the picture with the graphs, so I guess you probably won't be able to understand this and I probably just wasted my time.

Hey I got the pic after all!

[denial102]

Yeah, I would bet my life that we are not living in a facist state, wait till november i guess and see if the evil "Bush" decides to leave office or not? And also, "opposition to political and economic liberalism", um yeah....I don't think anyone that opposes liberal policy is a facist, also Wik, is by far not reputable. But at least you are getting this info out, it's pretty right on, except for the part where it says if you oppose liberals then you are a facist. :wtf:

I am well aware of the nuances on wikipedia, if you think part of the wikipedia definition is wrong let me/us know ;o)

I am a fan of Thomas Paines work, â??Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one.â?�

Has anyone ever read 1984?

Also Mark Twain is excellent.

"It is by the goodness of God that, in this country, we have three benefits: freedom of speech, freedom of thought, and the wisdom never to use either." - Mark Twain

Update: Changed my mind, two words, magna carta.
heh


Peace,
Denial

[BlueCat00]

You are the one that has lost touch with reality. My husband was one of those that just got laid off after 30 years. I hope to hell your next. What an insensitive jerk. At this point I think you just get your rocks off making people mad no one can be this stupid.

According to a recent report, there were 86,126 mortgage job cuts in 2007, with another 30,000 to 40,000 expected by early 2008.

30,000 Ford workers in North America, out of work. Ford's plan, announced includes the shutting of 14 plants in the next seven years,

Beazer Mortgage Corp. halts loan origination
H&R Block to cut 505 jobs related to closure of Option One
WaMu to cut 381 jobs in California

IndyMac reportedly halting construction-to-perm lending
E-Loan reportedly suspended wholesale lending
BF Saul Wholesale Group layoffs and closures
Equifirst reportedly for sale, continued layoffs
1st Choice Mortgage â?? to close, layoffs
Aames Investment Corp â?? acquired by Accredited Home Lenders
ABN Amro Mortgage â?? 1700 layoffs
Aegis Funding â?? closed, seeking bankruptcy protection
Aegis Mortgage Corp. â?? laying off 401 employees
ACC Capital Holdings â?? mass layoffs, closed Ameriquest,
Acoustic Home Loans â?? closed
ACT Mortgage Capital â?? suspended all submissions/fundings until further notice

Alliance Bancorp â?? closed, filed for Ch. 7 bankruptcy
Alliance Title Co. â?? shut down, layoffs

Allstate Home Loans â?? shut down after buyout
ALT Funding â?? believed to have ceased operations
Alterna Mortgage â?? New Jersey wholesale lender closed
Alternative Financing Corp. â?? wholesale division closed
Altivus Financial â?? closed wholesale operations, now believed to be shut down
AMC Lending â??ceases wholesale lending
AMC Mortgage â?? acquired by Transnational Financial Network Inc.
American Brokers Conduit â?? shut down all operations
American Business Financial Services â?? closed
American Equity Mortgage â?? closing 6 of 30 offices, laying off 40 employees
American Freedom Mortgage â?? filed bankruptcy
American Home Mortgage â?? closed

Ameriquest â?? closed, laid off 3,800, shut 229 retail branches
Ameritrust Mortgage Company â?? subprime wholesale division closed
AmPro Mortgage closed
Amstar Mortgage Corp. â?? most staff laid off,
Apex Financial Group/Aapex Mortgage â?? commission checks delayed, licenses suspended
Apex Mortgage/Aapex Mortgage â?? reportedly cease all operations
APS Mortgages Limited (UK) â?? independent brokerage shutting downn

Aurora Loan Services â?? 160 employees laid off
Axix Mortgage â?? closed

Bank of America â?? cutting 3,000 jobs
Bank of America â?? to cut 650 jobs, sell its prime brokerage unit
BankUnited â?? to close four wholesale mortgage sales offices, 200 layoffs

Bay Capital Corp. â?? closed
BayRock Mortgage Corp. â?? ceased wholesale lending
BB&T â?? bought Collateral Real Estate Capital
BC Bancorp â?? shut down
Bear Stearns â?? layoffs
Bear Stearns â?? closed two hedge funds after huge subprime losses, 240 subprime layoffs

Bear Stearns â?? more layoffs
Bear Stearns â?? cuts 150 jobs in Irvine, CA

Beazer Homes â?? cut 25% of staff
Belvedere Trust Mortgage â?? two default notices, unlikely to pay back loans
Beneficial Finance â?? layoffs
Blackstone Group â?? buying PHH Mortgage
BMC Capital â?? to acquire NMB Capital
BNC Mortgage LLC â?? shut down â?? consolidated with Aurora Loan Services layoffs
BNC Mortgage â?? cut 175 jobs in Nor. Cal, 400 in So. Cal
BNY Mortgage â?? changes name to EverBank Reverse Mortgage
Broad Street Mortgage â?? sold to Wausau Mortgage Corp.

and that is just the As and Bs you want the whole alphabet?...oh no it must be a newspaper conspiracy don't believe what you hear on the news every body is happy. You are living in a fantasy land. What the hell are the top economic pros in this country talking about? Can you say recession?

Bad karmas gonna get you.

[psychocat]

Blue you have hit the nail on the head , as far as the economy is concerned I would have to say that given all the premonitions of a recession coming that anyone who thinks all is well in the land of plenty really needs to take off those rose tinted glasses.
Britain and Europe will follow suit as the continued undercutting of the west by the east sees a massive shift in world wealth.

[albertwalker]

i think the most scary thing is maybe being the end. i mean clinton got us out of debt and made things right in the middle east, bush fucks it up, next presitdent...does what??? according to the bible the prophecy has almost been fulfilled so im not exactly worried for america. more about everyone as a whole is what im most concerned about.