Hey so, never been great with introductions but here I am. I joined this forum because I am a young American interested in learning everything I can not only about public policy, but the history and great many issues surrounding government and politicians. I want to understand the dynamic in this country because I want to influence change, just trying to decide what will move mountains and what kind of skills I have to offer to the social revolution I dream of. Sorry for all the babble, just want to stay informed but am not sure how yet, hopefully make some new friends in the process. Sorry if this is a duplicate thread, I thought I posted one earlier but it didn't appear in the news feed so....
I've been studying politics, law, economics, etc. for about ten years now and if I could only tell you one thing about what I've learned, it's that our country's monetary system is a giant fraud. If you're looking for a starting point, then start with with the central banking system. Here's a free E-Book on the topic written by a Nobel prize-winning economist, if you're interested. A Free-Market Monetary System and The Pretense of Knowledge
Missfortune, I wouldn't start by reading a book taking an obviously skewed position. A university manual would set you in better stead.
Thank you all =) Ethereal: Thank you for your recommendation, I am quite curious about the Fed and all. Is there a way to download on the nook...? =? Liebe: Thank you for your thoughts, I am a university student and have studied some things about government. I recently took a class on Public Policy, have taken a course about the birth of democracy (the French revolution and the spread of democracy to America; Rousseau, Burke, Tocqueville). I want to become more familiar with the specifics of policies, especially more aware of politicians and their actions. I want to support the right people and know what bills are being passed, who is doing what. I guess (perhaps not the best) I use friends and Jon Stewart for most news and I just want to be a little more well read... I'd be happy to research anything you may have in my mind =) My particular interests lie in health, ties between the government and agribusiness, between the FDA and big pharmaceutical companies. Things like the Farm Bills and how we subsidize corn and things really interest me....Monsanto employees being appointed to the FDA. Nutrition is my passion
Hi MissFortune, and welcome to the forum. I trust you'll enjoy your time here, both lending and taking away something positive. ... your first few post will be censored by the mods, and will be displayed ASAP. This is standard in an effort to eliminate spammers. But after the first 10, they will be immediately viewable. Regards
A university manual is just as likely to be "skewed" in favor of the establishment. I'm simply providing an alternative viewpoint.
It's certainly an interesting topic. Admittedly, I'm biased against the central bank, but I believe my position is based upon sound economics. However, it can be difficult for some to arrive at such a conclusion given the bias of academia and government in favor of the Federal Reserve System. Yes, I think so. If you can save the file as a PDF (it's already in PDF form, so there is no need to convert it), you can copy the file to your Nook. If you need a more specific explanation, feel free to let me know. And just to clarify, the E-Book does not specifically address the Federal Reserve System but simply argues in favor of an alternative, i.e., a free-market monetary system. The reason I think you should read it is because it is a perspective you are not likely to get in college or from the media.
^ I appreciate any and all recommendations, it's nice to see things from different perspectives. Perhaps at a later date when I am more informed we can discuss it further. Thank you everyone =)
Hi MissFortune, You are interesting. What kind of social changes do you have in mind? As for me, I am an opponent of democracy and the idea of a nation state. I am kinda new too but I like at political forum that it is as good in informing you as in misinforming you. Welcome to Political Forum!
spt5: I would hope to inspire people to become more self-sufficient and and aware of the workings of everything going on to support the lifestyle we have here in America. I am not against democracy at all, I only believe it can only work if the majority of people are informed and well...more mature. Not sure I have much hope for that kind of social revolution but at least I would like to influence public policy concerning food and food production in the States. Heart disease is the number one killer in the states, closely followed by cancer and stroke - all caused by lifestyle problems. I'm not saying government needs to ban burgers and McDonald's but at least they can support polycultures (instead of growing massive fields of corn and soybean monocultures) as well as put tighter regulation on genetically engineered foods, pesticides, etc. The first step to building a "utopian" (or as close as possible) society is making sure people are healthy. It's kind of sad that there is so much opportunity to be...exceptional. Healthy people think more clearly...i'm babbling so I'll stop now... Thank you Neodoxy =)
Welcome. Perhaps I will be able to convince you that modern political theory is misguided and monarchy is the only successful political system.
Babble on MissFortune, of course its not babble, all ideas are beautiful like art. One does not have to produce beautiful art for it to be art eh? All art is beautiful in that way, I mean art like music and speech are forms of communication, a language. Anyway, welcome to the forum, I enjoy hearing the perspective of a woman on all issues from political to imitate, not vulgar but rather, by imitate how a member empathizes with situations and the people caught up in them. Enjoy your stay ~ Rev A
I think I agree with you MissFortune. What is your opinion about allowing the large US monoculturist farming giants to go bankrupt under the pressure of foreign food imports, and then converting their land to small self-sustaining farming units? Considering that the US plans on all industrial operations being outsourced out of the country, it will probably be the only way in the future if US families farm small patches of lands for their own food/housing. Actually, the utopistic society sounds like Thomas Jefferson's idea, and it is in contradiction to Alexander Hamilton's future model of the economy running on trade credits and military competition. It appears, that utopistic societies worked well in history under the condition of low population density. When population density increased, those nations remained alive that managed to pay enough "protection money" to "bad guys" that successfully destroyed their neighbors. And the USA is the leader in this art form. I have been in many countries, and no country is so unhealthy as the USA, even remotely, even if you are not a doctor to look close, but only seeing the general body shapes of people. Horrible.
three_lions: =) you wouldn't have to, I see the merit in the elite ruling the sheep - efficiency and the absence of the "tyranny of the majority" are two reasons I say yes to monarchy. Especially in today's political climate, it seems like we need a savior to just take the reins away from these bumbling idiot politicians. On the other side of that coin monarchy is decided by blood, and while I see the merit in some aristocratic values (like quality over quantity), rule by one is extremely susceptible to corruption. Old honest Abe said himself, "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." Another problem with monarchy: the people are inevitably oppressed. Even if you have the public's best interests in mind, without you they are lost! If they don't understand and support your actions then everything you do as monarch is meaningless... Just a few of my personal thoughts =) spt5: I'm not sure if that would be practical farming policy considering population densities and urbanization. Admittedly people do need the knowledge of farming (maybe even everyone, like mandatory learning in public schools) however I think a more community based shared farm would be better. First because it is a little far-fetched to expect everyone to produce their own food right away, and because some are better than others. Ideally I would set up communities in a way that people could walk to the greenhouse or farm themselves, make it personal again (you know who's growing your food). The supermarket is such an unnatural abomination. In any case, something's gotta give, and soon. People can't continue this decadent lifestyle here in the USA - it goes beyond the gluttony. As for a utopian society, many believe it has to remain small but...there are too many people to try and imitate that model. This is the future, while I love history and old ideas we need to innovate! That's what people do best though, I have faith that there is a way to live that no one has experienced yet, it is the nature of evolution. RevA: Thank you =) I quite enjoy this place, even though I have been a bit of a lurker the past few days. I agree though, conversation is definitely an art, and words are my medium
Welcome MissFortune, I hope you like it here! have you ever heard of a place called Polyface, Inc. in Virginia, run by a man named Joel Salatin? His concept of running a farm is amazing, it's how farms were managed before agribusiness came along - taking care of the land, raising animals without antibiotics and/or growth hormones, and growing seasonal food. Joel is a self-described "Christian libertarian environmentalist capitalist lunatic", and I hope and pray he's the forefront of a new method of farming. Anyway, welcome to PF!
You are very welcome. I am a amateur artist and photographer (well I have sold some stuff) precisely because words, especially English words come so painfully for me. Its a long story Do you write, as in short stories etc? Just curious of course don't answer if its too personal etc ~ Rev A
SpotsCat: In fact, I have heard of Polyface Farm and Joel Salatin. Have you ever read the Omnivore's Dilemma? Or seen Food Inc? He is featured in both. I like the ideals his farm represents but am curious to see if this method can "feed the world". I suppose it would take an enormous shift in cultural practices here in America for that type of farming to work...what about urban areas? RevA: I used to try and write stories more often, but it's hard for me to complete them, I never plan them and always forget my initial direction of the plot. I like poetry, though I wouldn't brag about anything I have written. The best way to become a better writer is to read more often. Breath: Thank you I won't forget that ^_^
Learn to be an influence by becoming humble. This website (and others) are the worst sources. They only exist for people like us to exercise the information we have obtained. And not everyone here does that- some come solely to stir the pot. The best source of information is your own life experiences and your own deductions. After all, politics is completely subjective. Seeking answers through the media, college, publications, other people, internet forums, ect is just adopting another person's point of view. We call those people sheep. Welcome to the forums.