Are we a "We" society?
Or are we a "Me" society?

More " me ".Much Mores " me ".
And it's s'not juts me,me,me,me... Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
a talkin.

" In a true Society there should be neither rich nor poor. "

-- Babeuf {Article 7}

Definitely a "me" society... just turn on the tv if you want proof.

we are a they society. what will they think of us? what will they do to us? What if we make them mad at us?

We are a "me" society. (I assume that by "we" you mean America, or at least "Western" cultures.) American and European cultures are definitely more individualistic than cultures like those of certain Asian countries, although the U.S. is the most individualistic of all. In general, we value the personal freedoms of the people over the well-being of the group.

we are a they society. what will they think of us? what will they do to us? What if we make them mad at us?

Yes,I tend to agree.
Now... I wonder what "thems" here tink a me,me,me,me.... Meeeeeeee?
I mean... "they".
S'not dat I'll give a Gilhooley.

I have to agree with Trav also... we are a "Me AND MORE IMPORTANTLY they" society

I have to agree with Trav also... we are a "Me AND MORE IMPORTANTLY they" society
I disagree. The "they" preoccupation is a natural human attitude. We are always worried about what other people think about us, and I don't think that's solely an issue of our society - I think it affects the whole world.

Oh, and another thought... I think the obsession with what "they" think is an offshoot of the selfish, "me" attitude anyways. We care about our image in the eyes of others rather than how others feel. Basically, the focus is still on the individual.

Are we a "We" society?
Or are we a "Me" society?
i don't want to set the world on fire, just parts of it:banana:

I disagree. The "they" preoccupation is a natural human attitude. We are always worried about what other people think about us, and I don't think that's solely an issue of our society - I think it affects the whole world.
I somewhat see your point, however I believe caring about what other people think is pointless.

ON EDIT: For a "me" society, we gotta whole bunch of fat, happy, careless, stupid people living better than people in any "we" society. I think that speaks volumes enough.

Are we a "We" society?
Or are we a "Me" society?
Every good-Capitalist knows it's a "Me"-society.


http://www.americanrhetoric.com/images/michaeldouglaswallstreetcolor.JPG


"Greed is GOOD (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaKkuJVy2YA)!"


:worship:


......And, the "Lesser (Americans) of Us" have an obligation to die....as soon as is managable. (So sayeth the 1%ers)

well then go give your paycheck to the homeless guy on East 55th Shaman

No shit.

well then go give your paycheck to the homeless guy on East 55th Shaman
:lolhit:

And, the "Lesser (Americans) of Us" have an obligation to die....as soon as is managable. (So sayeth the 1%ers)
Well, I'm certainly not part of the 1%er crowd, but that's not such a bad suggestion for the nauseatingly diverse grab bag of genetic party favors you call 'lesser Americans'.

I am honestly surprised so many people here say they want to live in an "every man for himself" society.
No wonder our society is so screwed up. :rolleyes:

I am honestly surprised so many people here say they want to live in an "every man for himself" society.
No wonder our society is so screwed up. :rolleyes:
The point is, Dharma, and you can't deny this - our "me" society provides for people better than most (if not all) "we" societies on Earth. You point to another country where their indigent population is fat, and we'll talk. Barring someone making overtly stupid decisions in life (e.g., having children at 18, not going to school, etc.), all you have to do is lift a finger here and you can take care of yourself. I mean, seriously - don't you think people should earn their keep? If not, then I'll tell you why our society is so screwed up....because bleeding-hearts like you actually think we should take care of people who WON'T (not can't) take care of themselves. That's just a fucked mentality.

I am honestly surprised so many people here say they want to live in an "every man for himself" society.
No wonder our society is so screwed up. :rolleyes:


http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t33/texrose752/annoy.jpg

LoL....nice banner. :)

yes the thought of all "people" (not men - political correctness) holding hands and singing kum-by-yah is nice, but it's not realistic.

And it seems people like dharma will continue to spew ridicule and hate until we reach that unrealistic level.

Every good-Capitalist knows it's a "Me"-society.


http://www.americanrhetoric.com/images/michaeldouglaswallstreetcolor.JPG


"Greed is GOOD (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaKkuJVy2YA)!"


:worship:


......And, the "Lesser (Americans) of Us" have an obligation to die....as soon as is managable. (So sayeth the 1%ers)

As Ebeneezer Scrooge, the conservative character from A Christmas Carol, put it back in 1843, "they had better die and decrease the surplus population."

That is the kind of society we get if we choose a "me" society.

We ARE in a "me" society. Our culture is very individualistic. That doesn't mean that we don't take care of each other!

We ARE in a "me" society. Our culture is very individualistic.

The question was What kind of Society do we WANT TO live in...

That doesn't mean that we don't take care of each other!

Yes, actually it does. That is exactly what living in a "me" society means.

Yes, actually it does. That is exactly what living in a "me" society means.
That's bullshit. A "me" society, for me, means that the government doesn't take care of us and that we are not forced to take care of each other.

EDIT: Here's a simple explanation. I care more about myself than I do about anyone else (and I think most people are the same). That doesn't mean that I DON'T care about other people.

That's bullshit. A "me" society, for me, means that the government doesn't take care of us and that we are not forced to take care of each other.

I'm sorry, you are wrong.
It means we don't take care of each other. Period. It means "Every man for himself", as I already said.
I am talking about the kind of society we want to be, not just the role of government in society. I never mentioned government so stop projecting your bullshit onto my question.

I'm not projecting anything. Sorry I misunderstood your question. If I had known what you meant I would not have been able to choose any of the options, because I think we're somewhere in the middle of a "me" and a "we" society...

I'm sorry, you are wrong.
It means we don't take care of each other. Period. It means "Every man for himself", as I already said.
I am talking about the kind of society we want to be, not just the role of government in society. I never mentioned government so stop projecting your bullshit onto my question.
False dichotomy. STFU.

This is the stupidest poll we've had this year. And last year, too.

False dichotomy. STFU.

This is the stupidest poll we've had this year! And last year, too.
I dunno, some of the polls we have are pretty damn stupid... This one just wasn't extremely clear. Since it's in the POLITICS section, I figured I could include the role of government in my thoughts on the subject. Apparently that is NOT allowed in this poll. :rolleyes:

As Ebeneezer Scrooge, the conservative character from A Christmas Carol, put it back in 1843, "they had better die and decrease the surplus population."

That is the kind of society we get if we choose a "me" society.
Being that you've already determined that we live in a "me" society, your argument is moot. You wanna live in "we" society, then fine...move to Cuba. I'm sure you'll love it there - the infant mortality rate is lower than it is here, you get a free education from the most respected universities in the world, free healthcare, and everyone lives in a mansion. Head to Miami, and wait on the beach with 20 gallons of leaded gasoline (if you can find some). Within a few hours you're bound to see 10 or 12 Cubans who crudely welded iron pieces to the bottom of their '59 Chevy to "power boat" their way here from Havana. Greet them with some stolen cash (because I know you're into giving away other people's money), fuel up that 5.3-liter bad boy, and you're off.

Good luck and good riddance.

I dunno, some of the polls we have are pretty damn stupid... This one just wasn't extremely clear. Since it's in the POLITICS section, I figured I could include the role of government in my thoughts on the subject. Apparently that is NOT allowed in this poll. :rolleyes:
Only dharma can make use of government as an argument in this case because only dharma knows what role government actually plays.

Only dharma can make use of government as an argument in this case because only dharma knows what role government actually plays.

...or what role he wishes that they play.

I'm not projecting anything. Sorry I misunderstood your question. If I had known what you meant I would not have been able to choose any of the options, because I think we're somewhere in the middle of a "me" and a "we" society...

Again, the question is what kind of society do we want to be.
I am sorry you misunderstood the question. I tried to keep it simple.

False dichotomy.

Congrats on the stupidest response ever.

Only dharma can make use of government as an argument in this case because only dharma knows what role government actually plays.

There you go again, turning everything into an argument.

Please do everyone a favor and STFU.

:thumbs:
db

There you go again, turning everything into an argument.

Please do everyone a favor and STFU.

:thumbs:
db
Dharma, if you had any idea how much you unnecessarily turn discussions into moronic arguments you'd probably kill yourself in angst. Or at least eat chocolate cakes by the dozen. Then cut yourself and start listening to emo. Then get a livejournal.

... if you had any idea how much you unnecessarily turn discussions into moronic arguments...

Nowhere near as often as you do, Nappy.

Now do everyone a favor and STFU.

:thumbs:
db

Now do everyone a favor and STFU.
Go ahead and keep saying it, dharma, but you'd never win any popularity contests around here.

Now how 'bout you go get me a cup of coffee.

Go ahead and keep saying it, dharma, but you'd never win any popularity contests around here.

Now how 'bout you go get me a cup of coffee.
do you have a Speedway/Super America near you? try the Shockwave coffee! some guy up here left it in his car overnight when we had sub-zero temps and it didn't freeze!

that's some strong coffee!http://petiteflower.homestead.com/files/Dippie.gif

Nappy, nappy, nappy.... only you would have such a low self esteem that you need to turn an intenet discussion board into a "popularity contest"...

How about you go out in the real world and make some real friends for a change?

:thumbs:

There you go, dharma. I'll take a 12 oz Shockwave with three creams and five sugars. Better write that down, you'll be doing it again.

I'm going to be pulling an all-nighter on my website, I need the buzz.

do you have a Speedway/Super America near you? try the Shockwave coffee! some guy up here left it in his car overnight when we had sub-zero temps and it didn't freeze!

that's some strong coffee!http://petiteflower.homestead.com/files/Dippie.gif

Personally, I prefer Dunkin Donuts coffee.

I'm going to be pulling an all-nighter on my website, I need the buzz.

What is your website?

What is your website?
The link is in my sig.

You had better go make a pot of coffee. You have a lot of work ahead of you.

The link is in my sig.
needs porn...or at least a hippo.

You had better go make a pot of coffee. You have a lot of work ahead of you.
You ain't lyin'.

needs porn...or at least a hippo.
I've got a buddy of mine who I could get to do the graphic design, but the budget is tight right now.

I've got a buddy of mine who I could get to do the graphic design, but the budget is tight right now.
ok, so we have to wait for hippo porn?


(i'll show some prior-restraint and hold back on mentioning DB's mom works cheap):banana:

Durr, you, uhh, oh, nevermind. :D

(i'll show some prior-restraint and hold back on mentioning DB's mom works cheap)

FYI,
My Mom died from breast cancer a couple years ago... :slap:

FYI,
My Mom died from breast cancer a couple years ago... :slap:
sorry to hear that...can we change that to your sister?

sorry to hear that...can we change that to your sister?

You might as well stick with my Mother since it makes you out to be an even bigger asshole and I know that is the effect you are going for...

You might as well stick with my Mother since it makes you out to be an even bigger asshole and I know that is the effect you are going for...
what can i say? you're my role model:thumbs:

what can i say? you're my role model

Don't worry Mike, you are still the King of Assholes.

Don't worry Mike, you are still the King of Assholes.
i win!:banana:

The student has surpassed the teacher!

The great circle of life! *tears up*

Don't worry Mike, you are still the King of Assholes.
Since we are comparing asses.... you win the title of "biggest dumb ass", Comrade dhrama.

We are a capitalist society. If you want to be a "we" country... I think that North Korea, Venezuela, and China are looking for a few good men.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but America is the current epitome of human evolution, those who want to adapt, succeed... those that want to leech from others, will get what we care to spare/share. Do we owe those that are too damn lazy to put forth an effort? No. But we will provide at least an some humanitarian help for you (until you get off your lazy ass and provide for yourself and your kin).

I pay about 50% of my income to the government... do I want to pay more so that lazy, sorry dick-weeds, can live off of my dime? No. Take what you can and then prove to me you can "make something of yourself". If not, then go away and leave my hard-working ass alone. I don't owe you anything... if the truth be known, you owe me.

The title of the thread is "What Kind of Society Are We?", and the answers start with "we ARE" so forgive me if I overlooked the fact that the question above the poll was "What kind of society do we want to be?"

Since we are comparing asses.... you win the title of "biggest dumb ass", Comrade dhrama.

Look out Mike, looks like someone is trying to compete with you for King of the Assholes.


America is the current epitome of human evolution,
ROFLMFAO!!! (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22497895/)


those who want to adapt, succeed...

Ah yes, the old fairy tale about how everyone who works hard becomes rich, everyone who is rich got there by working hard and only the lazy are poor.

Sounds nice but there is very little truth to it, since most rich people inherit their wealth and most entrepreneurs go bankrupt at least once in their lives.


I pay about 50% of my income to the government...

Doubt it. The top tax rate is only in the 30s. If you are paying more than I suggest you get yourself a new accountant who isn't ripping you off. :thumbs:



I don't owe you anything... if the truth be known, you owe me.

Nothing like a false sense of entitlement to really highlight your greed....

:slap:

...forgive me if I overlooked the fact that the question above the poll was "What kind of society do we want to be?"

You are forgiven. :rolleyes:

The title of the thread is "What Kind of Society Are We?", and the answers start with "we ARE" so forgive me if I overlooked the fact that the question above the poll was "What kind of society do we want to be?"
Dhrama want's us to be a "we" society, so that "we" can all be equal. We all know that a coffee server is equal to a Doctor/Business owner/Teacher. Stalin did a wonderful job of that, just ask the Georgians that he starved to death... if they could "speak from the grave" I'm sure they would tell us all how wonderful that the "Communist way" is.

I personally, want to be a part of a society that each person pulls their weight... if you are a dumbass, and can only make java for the professionals... I think you should make a million dollars a year... we all know that you are worth it.

:rolleyes:

This "poll" is just a excuse for Dhrama to go off on one of his "all workers are equal" in the eyes of society. Which is as stupid as saying that a great writer is the same as a comic book creator. By that token, I should bow down to my garbage man... he is much better that I can ever hope to be.:worship:

(http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22497895/) Sounds nice but there is very little truth to it, since most rich people inherit their wealth and most entrepreneurs go bankrupt at least once in their lives.

And you could not stick your finger in your ass without two hands and a funnel. So what does that prove?


[/quote]Doubt it. The top tax rate is only in the 30s. If you are paying more than I suggest you get yourself a new accountant who isn't ripping you off. :thumbs:[/quote]

Take into account sales tax (at 7% where I live) along with property and ad valorem taxes (you have to have some net worth... I would assume that you do not know what I'm talking about as yet)... let's not discount that I'm paying taxes on my investments in the market... (again you show your complete lack of any financial knowlege...).

Nah... I'm skating by just "scot free".... dumbass.







Nothing like a false sense of entitlement to really highlight your greed....

:slap:[/quote]

Dhrama want's us to be a "we" society, so that "we" can all be equal.

Equality was not the point of the poll. You have no clue what you are talking about.
If you don't believe in equality then I am sure there are other countries besides America better suited to your tastes.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.


We all know that a coffee server is equal to a Doctor/Business owner/Teacher. Stalin did a wonderful job of that, just ask the Georgians that he starved to death... if they could "speak from the grave" I'm sure they would tell us all how wonderful that the "Communist way" is.

Why do you think this has anything to do with Communism? Oh yes, because you are an idiot.


I personally, want to be a part of a society that each person pulls their weight...

And I want to be a part of a society where we help our fellow people get to their feet when they fall instead of just pointing accusatory fingers like you want to do.



This "poll" is just a excuse for Dhrama to go off on one of his "all workers are equal" in the eyes of society.

Thanks for verifying that you have no clue what my point was and you are just talking out your ass again.



Which is as stupid as saying that a great writer is the same as a comic book creator.

I take it you have never heard of Neil Gaiman, Warren Ellis or Mark Millar. There is no reason they cannot be one and the same. :rolleyes:


I should bow down to my garbage man... he is much better that I can ever hope to be.

Judging by the utter lack of intelligence in your posts, there is probably some truth to that.

:thumbs:
db

(i'll show some prior-restraint and hold back on mentioning DB's mom works cheap):banana:

Mike, let's leave people's husbands, wives, mom's and sister's out of the discussion...ok?

Jeez... That's the comment you chose to single out in this discussion? :p

Jeez... That's the comment you chose to single out in this discussion? :pWell, it's the one that involves more than just one poster insulting another.

Well, it's the one that involves more than just one poster insulting another.
Yes, I know why. I just thought that the whole exchange between Dharma/Mike/OP went a little too far, not just that one comment.

Yes, I know why. I just thought that the whole exchange between Dharma/Mike/OP went a little too far, not just that one comment.Agreed.

There was a lot for Vile to choose from. :)

Again, the question is what kind of society do we want to be.
I am sorry you misunderstood the question. I tried to keep it simple.
Since the title of the poll doesn't match the actual poll question we're all pretty much free to answer it the way we choose. No?

We are absolutely an "we" society as can be attested to by anyone who has a check stub attached to their paycheck each week. Many people would rather not share quite so liberally, but the society has determined how their money will be spent.

Of course there are many "me" individuals here, but it is a "we" society.

To us this is just a discussion so the best way to determine the answer is to see the way people from various nations vote with their feet. How many countries do people risk their lives to sneak into or jump through hoops to enter legally? The reason is not simply opportunity since many of them, to put it kindly, don't contribute an awful lot.

Since the title of the poll doesn't match the actual poll question we're all pretty much free to answer it the way we choose. No?

I think the title of the thread definitely confused some people. Mea Culpa on that point.
However, the question was what kind of society do we want to be, because I know there are a lot of cynical people who can make the case that we are a "me" society despite the fact many people would rather it be otherwise.


We are absolutely an "we" society as can be attested to by anyone who has a check stub attached to their paycheck each week.

I don't think that merely paying taxes makes us a "we" society, especially since much of that money is going to grease the palms of corporate sponsors of politicians instead of being spent on we the people.


Many people would rather not share quite so liberally, but the society has determined how their money will be spent.

Society does not decide how that money is spent right now and it won't until we take the corporate and monied interests out of our political system through public financing of elections.

How many countries do people risk their lives to sneak into or jump through hoops to enter legally?

Contrary to pop mythology, America is not the only country that people from poor nations immigrate to. France, for example, also has a large immigrant population.

I agree with most of that post, Dharma. Paying taxes does NOT make us a "we" society... And of course, most of the "first world" countries are immigration hot spots for the same reasons we are.

Mike, let's leave people's husbands, wives, mom's and sister's out of the discussion...ok?
ok, i'll one up you on that too, i'll just ignore him too.

And you could not stick your finger in your ass without two hands and a funnel.
I seriously doubt that....

This "poll" is just a excuse for Dhrama to go off on one of his "all workers are equal" in the eyes of society. Which is as stupid as saying that a great writer is the same as a comic book creator. By that token, I should bow down to my garbage man... he is much better that I can ever hope to be.:worship:
In a nutshell....

What Kind of Society Do We Want To Be?
We are a "Me" society. Every man for himself.
We are a "We" society. We are all in this together.

Combination answer.

Those who were born into the luxury of being white, being heterosexual, being well off, of having been taught to "believe in" the correct gawd {translation; the One True God, the xtian gawd}, very much want it to be and demand that it be a *Me* society, since they have all the advantages anyone could want in order to succeed and to have a good life. (and so it came to pass that we have the society that we have)

Some in minority groups who were not born with those advantages, along with a very small number of people who are among the well to do but who do not feel threatened by those (the status quo looks down upon as being) "inferior" people, would like to have it arranged as more of a *We* society, where everyone is given an equal chance to succeed and build a good life for themselves.

Combination answer.

Those who were born into the luxury of being white, being heterosexual, being well off, of having been taught to "believe in" the correct gawd {translation; the One True God, the xtian gawd}, very much want it to be and demand that it be a *Me* society, since they have all the advantages anyone could want in order to succeed and to have a good life. (and so it came to pass that we have the society that we have)
Not everyone's in my situation, FT. I know many (and by that, I do mean many) intelligent, self-made millionaires who came from average (or in a few cases, even below average) homes, who feel that because we're living in a "me" society, it afforded them the OPPORTUNITY through hard work to acquire their wealth. I know this because I've had lengthy conversations with many of 'em, and trust me, that sentiment isn't unique to just a "few"; it's pretty much all-inclusive. IMHO, I'll take being given that opportunity in lieu of having to live in a "socialist" (or to crib an expression from you, a "comunist-lite") society any day. You can spin this any way you want, but that's NOT what built our country.
...(the status quo looks down upon as being) "inferior" people, would like to have it arranged as more of a *We* society, where everyone is given an equal chance to succeed and build a good life for themselves.
That's all well and good, but not everyone has the raw horsepower (or drive) to EVER succeed. In short, I think that probably covers roughly 90% of the people who push for the "we" society you're talking about here.

because we're living in a "me" society, it afforded them the OPPORTUNITY through hard work to acquire their wealth. .....IMHO, I'll take being given that opportunity in lieu of having to live in a "socialist" society any day.

Ok. We disagree. I see the many benefits we would have by having a socialist society instead of one like the one in which we live, where extreme rightwing Corporatist interests maintain iron control, where the poor and middle classes are drained dry and taxed very heavily in order to fund --to the tune of close to 3/4 of a trillion dollars per year-- a military/Indistrial complex and the machineries of endless wars.

You can spin this any way you want, but that's NOT what built our country.

If you're assertion means that *socialist polices were NOT the motivating force that built this country*, I am in complete agreement. I would have preferred that they had been that force, but they were not.

That's all well and good, but not everyone has the raw horsepower (or drive) to EVER succeed. In short, I think that probably covers roughly 90% of the people who push for the "we" society you're talking about here.

Ok....but I would point out that when you are forever looked down upon and regarded as inherantly *inferior* due to your skin color, your religion (or lack thereof) or your sexual orientation -as is the case in this country- it tends to inhibit the *horsepower* of the individual.

Ok. We disagree. I see the many benefits we would have by having a socialist society instead of one like the one in which we live, where extreme rightwing Corporatist interests maintain iron control, where the poor and middle classes are drained dry and taxed very heavily in order to fund --to the tune of close to 3/4 of a trillion dollars per year-- a military/Indistrial complex and the machineries of endless wars.
Fair enough.
If you're assertion means that *socialist polices were NOT the motivating force that built this country*, I am in complete agreement.
Exactly right.
Ok....but I would point out that when you are forever looked down upon and regarded as inherantly *inferior* due to your skin color, your religion (or lack thereof) or your sexual orientation -as is the case in this country- it tends to inhibit the *horsepower* of the individual.
A valid point, sure - but it's one in which that allows the group in question to falter indefinitely. The "horsepower" part, I'm not so sure about. I'd say persecuting these people exacerbates their desire to succeed more than it makes them inherently dumb. Typically, that's the parents' job, and more often than not, they're very adept at accomplishing that goal. I think racism is a far bigger issue in your neck of the woods, and I think that fact has affected your perceptions.

Originally Posted by Freethinker
Ok....but I would point out that when you are forever looked down upon and regarded as inherantly *inferior* due to your skin color, your religion (or lack thereof) or your sexual orientation -as is the case in this country- it tends to inhibit the *horsepower* of the individual.


A valid point, sure - but it's one in which that allows the group in question to falter indefinitely.

True.

People should not be forever permitted a free pass just because they have the excuse --"I was looked upon as inferior".

But as long as the powers-that-be in this country, and the Public whose mindset and whose opinions those powerful people control, continue to look down upon those people as inherently inferior, they will remain underachievers.

I'd say persecuting these people exacerbates their desire to succeed more than it makes them inherently dumb.

I'd agree 100%

I think racism is a far bigger issue in your neck of the woods, and I think that fact has affected your perceptions.

Racism, from every ethnic group toward most other ethnic groups, is endemic in American society. Most of the sheep in this country are born and bred tribalists; they fear and even disdain people who they perceive as being "different" than the herd they themselves are associated with or were born into.

Example; let's say that Obama wins the first five primaries and becomes the virtual lock to be the Democratic candidate. There will be millions of people in this country who prior to one week ago had ZERO support for the man, and even viewed him with distrust, who will suddenly --simply because they think the herd seems to be moving in that direction-- will become ardent fans of Obama and who will vote for him.

It's the herd mentality, and it is very much alive and well in this society, (or any other) where the average man-on-the-street is incredibly ignorant, ill-informed and unable to think critically.

But as long as the powers-that-be in this country, and the Public whose mindset and whose opinions those powerful people control, continue to look down upon those people as inherently inferior, they will remain underachievers.
I think we're pretty much on the same page, but what proof do you have that the powers-that-be in our country are racist or bigoted??? Have you seen Bush's staff?
Racism, from every ethnic group toward most other ethnic groups, is endemic in American society.
Sure, as it will be in any multi-cultural society....it's human nature.
Most of the sheep in this country are born and bred tribalists; they fear and even disdain people who they perceive as being "different" than the herd they themselves are associated with or were born into.
That doesn't just occur in America, FT; it occurs everywhere, but thank god our forefathers embraced the concept enough to adopt it. That's a lot more than I can say for other countries.
Example; let's say that Obama wins the first five primaries and becomes the virtual lock to be the Democratic candidate. There will be millions of people in this country who prior to one week ago had ZERO support for the man, and even viewed him with distrust, who will suddenly --simply because they think the herd seems to be moving in that direction-- will become ardent fans of Obama and who will vote for him.
No doubt.
It's the herd mentality, and it is very much alive and well in this society, (or any other) where the average man-on-the-street is incredibly ignorant, ill-informed and unable to think critically.
Once again, I fully agree.

Gosh, Prae... You're being extra courteous today. First to Angelina, now to FT! Didja get a lobotomy? Some happy pills, maybe? :lolhit:

I agree with most of that post, Dharma. Paying taxes does NOT make us a "we" society... And of course, most of the "first world" countries are immigration hot spots for the same reasons we are.

Unfortunately, since many of them are still investing in their infrastructures while we have been suffering from an infection of the "government is bad" ideology for the last 27 years, many other industrialized nations have pulled ahead of us in terms of education and health care.

Gosh, Prae... You're being extra courteous today. First to Angelina, now to FT! Didja get a lobotomy? Some happy pills, maybe? :lolhit:
No way! Prae got laid! Hey everybody! Prae got laid!

Gosh, Prae... You're being extra courteous today. First to Angelina, now to FT! Didja get a lobotomy? Some happy pills, maybe? :lolhit:
Na, I just like both of 'em. ;)

No way! Prae got laid! Hey everybody! Prae got laid!
Not for 2 and a half weeks (and counting...), I haven't. :D

1. I don't think that merely paying taxes makes us a "we" society, especially since much of that money is going to grease the palms of corporate sponsors of politicians instead of being spent on we the people.
2. Contrary to pop mythology, America is not the only country that people from poor nations immigrate to.
3. France, for example, also has a large immigrant population.
1. You may not like where all the money is going, but an awful lot of it is re-distributed to people who need it more than those sending it in (as determined by the society). Our individual opinions as to how the money should be spent is irrelevant to, as your question asked, the type of "society" we are. I think there are a slew of very selfish people around, but the society is extremely generous.

2. I never said it was the only one.

3. That means they're a "we" society? Jews and Muslims are being told what they can't wear and that's a "we" society. Ok.

Hey, Brooks - clear out your PMs.

Hey, Brooks - clear out your PMs.That would be helpful. :)

We are neither a me nor a we society. We are a combination of the two. While self advancement and personal possessions are important so is helping others.

That's makes the most sense out of anything I've heard in this thread so far.

We are neither a me nor a we society. We are a combination of the two. While self advancement and personal possessions are important so is helping others.
.....As-long-as they can cover the tab (http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080108/hl_nm/deaths_rankings_dc). :rolleyes:

In Euroland most nations use a socialist type system.

Everyone pays into the one pot, supposedly to help give the less well off the same standard of living as the affluent.

Suppose it works to a degree, not many complain about it either.

1. You may not like where all the money is going, but an awful lot of it is re-distributed to people who need it more than those sending it in (as determined by the society).

I'm sorry, but I still do not believe this idea that paying taxes makes us a "we" society. The majority of what we take in is redistributed to the wealthy through corporate welfare, contracts and subsidies. All the bridges to nowhere...

I think there are a slew of very selfish people around, but the society is extremely generous.

I think that has been true at one time or another, but I think the history of America has been a constant battle between these two opposing ideologies. I agree that there are a lot of selfish people around, who will openly admit that they would rather see the needy people in our society die than partake in any government attempt to help them. But there are also a lot of selfless people who go out of their way to help those in need and and who are active in making progress towards a "We" society.

That was the point of the question. I was curious which sort of people make up this board and what kind of world they want us to be.



2. I never said it was the only one.

I took it as insinuated.


3. That means they're a "we" society?

No, I only brought them up to counter the insinuation that America is the only country people are clamoring to get into.