The times they are a changing. Hear him out, it's worthwhile. [youtube.com]

Fred_Snerd comments on Aug 7, 2020:

Amazing. Thank you for posting.

RoboGraham replies on Aug 7, 2020:

It's a very important message. We've got to get it out there.

The times they are a changing. Hear him out, it's worthwhile. [youtube.com]

barjoe comments on Aug 7, 2020:

I like Beau. He's a very thoughtful guy. I don't always agree with him but I usually do.

RoboGraham replies on Aug 7, 2020:

Same here, he had a lot to offer.

How to get the cleanest hair on the beach. [youtube.com]

Merseyman1 comments on Aug 5, 2020:

I wouldn't fall for that!

RoboGraham replies on Aug 5, 2020:

How can you be sure?

[fempositive.

TheInterlooper comments on Aug 3, 2020:

Your post reminded me of this Chappelle bit. https://youtu.be/fL-1kHxsavI

RoboGraham replies on Aug 5, 2020:

@VeronikaAnnJ I've been in love with that stand up special since it came out and that particular bit fit with the topic of conversation perfectly. Regardless of how I feel on the issue, I'll always be amused when Dave says "just because I'm dressed this way does not make me a police officer"

[fempositive.

Storm1752 comments on Aug 3, 2020:

Beautiful women are ogled. It doesn't matter what you're wearing. If you make yourself sexually attractive, however, you will be treated in a sexual manner, which is fine if you're out on the town, if your intent is to attract that kind of attention, but in a workplace environment the best thing to ...

RoboGraham replies on Aug 5, 2020:

@Storm1752 I'm all for people being blunt and saying what they mean. I respect that. I don't think that makes you weak at all.

[fempositive.

Storm1752 comments on Aug 3, 2020:

Beautiful women are ogled. It doesn't matter what you're wearing. If you make yourself sexually attractive, however, you will be treated in a sexual manner, which is fine if you're out on the town, if your intent is to attract that kind of attention, but in a workplace environment the best thing to ...

RoboGraham replies on Aug 5, 2020:

So you want women to stop attempting to make themselves more attractive just to relieve your own anxiety? That's a bit selfish. Why should they have to change their ways to make up for your inadequacies? I actually agree with you though. I also wish women wouldn't shave and wear makeup so much. But it's because I find them much more attractive when they don't not because I'm intimidated when they are beautiful. Your comment about them not being normal beings was hilarious. I really did LOL on that one.

[fempositive.

TheInterlooper comments on Aug 3, 2020:

Your post reminded me of this Chappelle bit. https://youtu.be/fL-1kHxsavI

RoboGraham replies on Aug 5, 2020:

I love Dave. That was the perfect bit to post for this conversation. Well done.

This sums it up nicely.

Fred_Snerd comments on Aug 5, 2020:

I see this happen all the time. Here's something else I see... Socialist: I won't pretend that the Democratic candidate is viable. Democrat: You're a fucking shithead murderer!

RoboGraham replies on Aug 5, 2020:

Socialists: The democratic candidate is pretty much a moderate republican and we take issue with his past leadership and policy positions. Democrats: TROLL!!!!!!

The drump admin reminds me more & more of cockroaches, in that when you shine a light on them they ...

MichaelSpinler comments on Jul 31, 2020:

as an independent , see both parties for what they are, while i hate trump. i also see the neoliberals as the corruption that made americans take a chance on a dumb ass game show host that gave lip service to being not an insider professional politician. when you point out all the laws bills and ...

RoboGraham replies on Aug 5, 2020:

@MichaelSpinler The pompous troll @varn always allows his inflated ego to prevent him from understanding issues and what other people are expressing. It's best not to pay him any mind. He is a TFG

There is actually a campaign, "Settle for Biden.

BitFlipper comments on Aug 4, 2020:

Are you equating BLM with this?

RoboGraham replies on Aug 5, 2020:

@Charlene I'm down with Hawkins also.

There is actually a campaign, "Settle for Biden.

BitFlipper comments on Aug 4, 2020:

Are you equating BLM with this?

RoboGraham replies on Aug 5, 2020:

@BitFlipper Why oppose Biden? Biden has done a great deal to harm black lives. The crime bill, the war on drugs, and he always sides with predatory lenders over debtors. The guy is terrible for black lives.

Husband of DA charged with criminally pulling gun on BLM protesters in LA

BitFlipper comments on Aug 4, 2020:

There is some right-wing propaganda being spread around about Kamala Harris. They say she shouldn't have prosecuted black defendants when she was DA and Attorney General. Is that where the hatred for Kamala Harris comes from?

RoboGraham replies on Aug 5, 2020:

I think you often mistake legit criticism coming from the left as right wing propaganda.

Why has the US got so many people living in poverty [youtube.com]

RoboGraham comments on Aug 3, 2020:

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, the results of an economic model known as, neoliberalism.

RoboGraham replies on Aug 4, 2020:

@dermot235 I think, because we came out of the second world war in such a dominant position, our economy was booming, our military was very strong, we had a bomb that no one else could match, our people had bountiful opportunities to collect wealth so this myth of the American dream took hold. The idea that anyone can prosper if you work hard enough and so we became very hyper focused on free market philosophies which encouraged personal responsibility and hard work. And because so many of us were able to thrive because we were in such a golden position leading the world, we just didn't need a strong labor party because our people were doing well. Add to that the systematic destruction of the left wing by powerful capitalists who wanted free markets to be as free as possible as well as media companies owned by large corporations constantly churning our propaganda and you get a society that is willing to vote against it's own interests.

Biden, Bernie forces clash during convention meeting - POLITICO

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 3, 2020:

They worked together Extensively on the Dem Platform, just recently.....Bernie people were extremely happy with how well they were heard & how much they got to contribute.

RoboGraham replies on Aug 4, 2020:

@AnneWimsey There are parties that support positive policies such as this but for some strange reason, most people continue voting for the only two that don't support it.

Biden, Bernie forces clash during convention meeting - POLITICO

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 3, 2020:

They worked together Extensively on the Dem Platform, just recently.....Bernie people were extremely happy with how well they were heard & how much they got to contribute.

RoboGraham replies on Aug 4, 2020:

@AnneWimsey True So let's not elect people who will continue to stand in the way. Such as Joe Biden

"Settle For Biden" Campaign Launched - YouTube

VeronicaAnn comments on Aug 4, 2020:

I don’t want to settle with Biden, but it might something that we’ll have to accept. Still not voting for him though :)

RoboGraham replies on Aug 4, 2020:

I'm with ya

Why has the US got so many people living in poverty [youtube.com]

RoboGraham comments on Aug 3, 2020:

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, the results of an economic model known as, neoliberalism.

RoboGraham replies on Aug 4, 2020:

@dermot235 Exactly. The political spectrum in the usa is way off

Why has the US got so many people living in poverty [youtube.com]

RoboGraham comments on Aug 3, 2020:

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, the results of an economic model known as, neoliberalism.

RoboGraham replies on Aug 4, 2020:

@dermot235 I give credit to the democrats for the ACA. They did a great job passing the conservative healthcare reform which was beneficial to the health insurance industry. It proves my point really. Nationalized healthcare is the left position, medicare for all is the compromise position, and obamacare is the conservative position. It's basically the same as Romneycare and came from conservative think tanks. The democrats will provide some reform occasionally. There purpose is to give the people a small amount of what they want, just enough to keep them from rioting but as little as possible to keep the elite donors happy. They are like a release valve of reform. They raised minimum wage but have done so in pathetic fashion. It has fallen behind inflation to the point that it is far from being a livable wage. Those on unemployment get more than a person working full time at minimum wage. So yes, they have raised it but only by small token increments which keep the working poor desperate. I'd agree that they are slightly better than republicans. They are the moderate wing of the very conservative party that runs America at the behest of the wealthy corporatists.

Biden, Bernie forces clash during convention meeting - POLITICO

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 3, 2020:

They worked together Extensively on the Dem Platform, just recently.....Bernie people were extremely happy with how well they were heard & how much they got to contribute.

RoboGraham replies on Aug 4, 2020:

@AnneWimsey Legalization is enormously popular. Even a majority of republicans want it- https://www.rollcall.com/2018/10/22/majority-of-republicans-want-legal-marijuana-poll-shows/ The only reason that the leaders of both parties still are not supporting legalization is because they are bought by the pharmaceutical corporations.

Biden, Bernie forces clash during convention meeting - POLITICO

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 3, 2020:

They worked together Extensively on the Dem Platform, just recently.....Bernie people were extremely happy with how well they were heard & how much they got to contribute.

RoboGraham replies on Aug 4, 2020:

@AnneWimsey Both of those were major policy proposals in the Sanders campaign. So, what did they get?

Biden, Bernie forces clash during convention meeting - POLITICO

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 3, 2020:

They worked together Extensively on the Dem Platform, just recently.....Bernie people were extremely happy with how well they were heard & how much they got to contribute.

RoboGraham replies on Aug 4, 2020:

@AnneWimsey Okay but that's still not them being extremely happy. That's them being dissatisfied enough to refuse to vote for the platform. And they got next to nothing. No med4all, no cannabis legalization, no forgiveness of loans, no green new deal, still taking bribes from billionaires... What did they even get? I don't see a compromise, I see one side totally ignoring the other.

Biden, Bernie forces clash during convention meeting - POLITICO

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 3, 2020:

They worked together Extensively on the Dem Platform, just recently.....Bernie people were extremely happy with how well they were heard & how much they got to contribute.

RoboGraham replies on Aug 4, 2020:

@AnneWimsey You said that they are extremely happy. How are they extremely happy if they refuse to vote for the platform?

Biden, Bernie forces clash during convention meeting - POLITICO

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 3, 2020:

They worked together Extensively on the Dem Platform, just recently.....Bernie people were extremely happy with how well they were heard & how much they got to contribute.

RoboGraham replies on Aug 3, 2020:

@AnneWimsey This is what came up. https://www.politico.com/news/2020/07/27/bernie-supporters-medicare-single-payer-381972

Biden, Bernie forces clash during convention meeting - POLITICO

AnneWimsey comments on Aug 3, 2020:

They worked together Extensively on the Dem Platform, just recently.....Bernie people were extremely happy with how well they were heard & how much they got to contribute.

RoboGraham replies on Aug 3, 2020:

That couldn't be further from the truth.

Why has the US got so many people living in poverty [youtube.com]

RoboGraham comments on Aug 3, 2020:

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, the results of an economic model known as, neoliberalism.

RoboGraham replies on Aug 3, 2020:

@LimitedLight That's about the best we can do when both parties have abandoned us.

Why has the US got so many people living in poverty [youtube.com]

RoboGraham comments on Aug 3, 2020:

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, the results of an economic model known as, neoliberalism.

RoboGraham replies on Aug 3, 2020:

@dermot235 The democrats are absolutely onboard with neoliberal policy. They've got no issue sending jobs overseas, they no longer support unions, some of them pay lip service to increasing the minimum wage to a living wage but they are not committed to it, they don't support rational healthcare policy, They don't support UBI, even during a pandemic... basically, on all issues, they side with corporations over workers. Just look at Virginia, the state is completely controlled by the democratic party and yet it is ranked dead last in worker's rights- https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/2019-09-03/virginia-ranked-worst-state-for-workers-rights Reagan began this cruel policy and Clinton and the rest of the dems continued it. They turned their backs on the common working people and now we have two corporate parties and no labor party. The democrats will never grow a spine because it's not a lack of spine that is their problem.If you look at how they destroyed the progressive movement, you see that being strong and firm is no issue for them. Their function is to give the appearance that there is a left leaning party there to support working people and then capitulate to the republicans on nearly every issue because they are funded by the same donors and they do what makes the corporations happy. It is political theater what they do. They capture whatever enthusiasm there may be on the left and then squander it intentionally in order to neutralize the threat of an actual left wing party that will represent common people.

Why has the US got so many people living in poverty [youtube.com]

RoboGraham comments on Aug 3, 2020:

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, the results of an economic model known as, neoliberalism.

RoboGraham replies on Aug 3, 2020:

@dermot235 The democrats have done little to stop and plenty to accelerate it. They are completely onboard with this cruel policy.

Sadly accurate I'm afraid.

t1nick comments on Aug 3, 2020:

Another inaccurate meme. He won't be the progressive end all be all that Bernie's people wanted. But he will be a gradual step backward from the abyss that trump brought us to. Lay the groundwork for 2024 with a slow, but steady reclaiming of the country and the democracy. We need to be more ...

RoboGraham replies on Aug 3, 2020:

@t1nick I would feel safer and more secure with Trump out, and I'd love to see him go. But I do not trust that Biden will do no further harm. Harm is what he's been doing for his entire long career. I do believe that he would do less harm, he is the lesser evil.

Sadly accurate I'm afraid.

t1nick comments on Aug 3, 2020:

Another inaccurate meme. He won't be the progressive end all be all that Bernie's people wanted. But he will be a gradual step backward from the abyss that trump brought us to. Lay the groundwork for 2024 with a slow, but steady reclaiming of the country and the democracy. We need to be more ...

RoboGraham replies on Aug 3, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd I've seen people become much more energized and radicalized over these last four years than in the whole rest of my lifetime. If we are talking about energizing people, I think another Trump term would be much more valuable than a Biden term. If Biden wins, people who don't know better will assume that a capable, benevolent democrat is in charge so everything will be fine and they will go back to sleep. They will behave as they did under Obama, just calmly trusting that the ship of state is in good hands. Of course, another Trump term could end in disaster, so I am hoping that Biden will win because the risk is great but still, I think for the long term goal, a Trump victory would be favorable.

Sadly accurate I'm afraid.

t1nick comments on Aug 3, 2020:

Another inaccurate meme. He won't be the progressive end all be all that Bernie's people wanted. But he will be a gradual step backward from the abyss that trump brought us to. Lay the groundwork for 2024 with a slow, but steady reclaiming of the country and the democracy. We need to be more ...

RoboGraham replies on Aug 3, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd I thought building ecovillages was the way forward? How does voting for Biden help with this long term plan?

Sadly accurate I'm afraid.

t1nick comments on Aug 3, 2020:

Another inaccurate meme. He won't be the progressive end all be all that Bernie's people wanted. But he will be a gradual step backward from the abyss that trump brought us to. Lay the groundwork for 2024 with a slow, but steady reclaiming of the country and the democracy. We need to be more ...

RoboGraham replies on Aug 3, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd I know many people who will never vote for him. There is another choice

Tucker Carlson Blows Up at Rutger Bregman in Unaired Fox News Interview | NowThis - YouTube

silverotter11 comments on Aug 3, 2020:

fucker carlson is just another pimp for the propaganda porn fox media spews everyday 24/7 365. So nice to see someone calling carlson out!!

RoboGraham replies on Aug 3, 2020:

He is a millionaire mouthpiece funded by billionaires.

Shame, shame, shame on the Democrats! This is EXACTLY why many of us are no longer willing to vote ...

RoboGraham comments on Aug 2, 2020:

The party that turned it's back on working people.

RoboGraham replies on Aug 2, 2020:

@SeaGreenEyez It's going to get really rough for a lot of people soon

The drump admin reminds me more & more of cockroaches, in that when you shine a light on them they ...

MichaelSpinler comments on Jul 31, 2020:

as an independent , see both parties for what they are, while i hate trump. i also see the neoliberals as the corruption that made americans take a chance on a dumb ass game show host that gave lip service to being not an insider professional politician. when you point out all the laws bills and ...

RoboGraham replies on Jul 31, 2020:

@dermot235 You nailed it. Those who are uber successful but don't recognize that others have contributed to that success and don't give back, those are the problematic elites.

The drump admin reminds me more & more of cockroaches, in that when you shine a light on them they ...

MichaelSpinler comments on Jul 31, 2020:

as an independent , see both parties for what they are, while i hate trump. i also see the neoliberals as the corruption that made americans take a chance on a dumb ass game show host that gave lip service to being not an insider professional politician. when you point out all the laws bills and ...

RoboGraham replies on Jul 31, 2020:

@Varn I bet you think of yourself as an elite don't ya varn

The drump admin reminds me more & more of cockroaches, in that when you shine a light on them they ...

MichaelSpinler comments on Jul 31, 2020:

as an independent , see both parties for what they are, while i hate trump. i also see the neoliberals as the corruption that made americans take a chance on a dumb ass game show host that gave lip service to being not an insider professional politician. when you point out all the laws bills and ...

RoboGraham replies on Jul 31, 2020:

@dermot235 I'm glad you weren't offended by my Irish joke. Is there any truth to the stereotype of Irish being heavy drinkers?

The drump admin reminds me more & more of cockroaches, in that when you shine a light on them they ...

MichaelSpinler comments on Jul 31, 2020:

as an independent , see both parties for what they are, while i hate trump. i also see the neoliberals as the corruption that made americans take a chance on a dumb ass game show host that gave lip service to being not an insider professional politician. when you point out all the laws bills and ...

RoboGraham replies on Jul 31, 2020:

@dermot235 I've got one, The Irish 2 cow model We have to cows. Let's drink!

The drump admin reminds me more & more of cockroaches, in that when you shine a light on them they ...

MichaelSpinler comments on Jul 31, 2020:

as an independent , see both parties for what they are, while i hate trump. i also see the neoliberals as the corruption that made americans take a chance on a dumb ass game show host that gave lip service to being not an insider professional politician. when you point out all the laws bills and ...

RoboGraham replies on Jul 31, 2020:

@dermot235 Lol I remember that too. They told that communist obama to stay away from their Medicare and social security. The corporate news here is a joke. It's main objective is to keep people in the dark rather than inform them.

Should tech platforms have to pay for news content ? Why/not ?

RoboGraham comments on Jul 31, 2020:

I don't think anybody ought to have to pay for news. Information shouldn't be a commodity to be bought and sold. Everybody ought to have equal access.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 31, 2020:

@FearlessFly That sounds logical. That way, their funding isn't dependent on what they sell so they can report accurately.

Should tech platforms have to pay for news content ? Why/not ?

RoboGraham comments on Jul 31, 2020:

I don't think anybody ought to have to pay for news. Information shouldn't be a commodity to be bought and sold. Everybody ought to have equal access.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 31, 2020:

@FearlessFly I think so too. On the other end of the spectrum, I think it would be a very bad idea if news is provided by and paid for by a government program or something along those lines. So I suppose it's best to find a balance between the two.

The drump admin reminds me more & more of cockroaches, in that when you shine a light on them they ...

MichaelSpinler comments on Jul 31, 2020:

as an independent , see both parties for what they are, while i hate trump. i also see the neoliberals as the corruption that made americans take a chance on a dumb ass game show host that gave lip service to being not an insider professional politician. when you point out all the laws bills and ...

RoboGraham replies on Jul 31, 2020:

@dermot235 The south is particularly ignorant. Not everyone down there is like that but generally speaking. In America, we like to think of ourselves as hyper developed and that the rest of the world is backward. It is embarrassing to me how smug and stupid many of my countrymen are. They don't understand that capitalism on it's own leads to enormous wealth inequality between the haves and have nots. And they don't get that by introducing some socialistic elements to society, the fruits of capitalism can be used for the good of the entire society, to better us all. They refuse to even recognize that we have some socialistic programs in America currently and they are benefiting from it.

Should tech platforms have to pay for news content ? Why/not ?

RoboGraham comments on Jul 31, 2020:

I don't think anybody ought to have to pay for news. Information shouldn't be a commodity to be bought and sold. Everybody ought to have equal access.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 31, 2020:

@FearlessFly I would like to have some thoughts but I am ignorant on the subject. You think capitalistic journalism is a good idea?

The drump admin reminds me more & more of cockroaches, in that when you shine a light on them they ...

MichaelSpinler comments on Jul 31, 2020:

as an independent , see both parties for what they are, while i hate trump. i also see the neoliberals as the corruption that made americans take a chance on a dumb ass game show host that gave lip service to being not an insider professional politician. when you point out all the laws bills and ...

RoboGraham replies on Jul 31, 2020:

@dermot235 I totally agree. Society needs overachievers and it also needs to harness the production of those overachievers for the greater good. I'm all for it. Thing is, in the US, the elites have used their wealth and influence and power to buy the government and they write the laws in such a way that benefits them and screws over the rest of us. So we aren't able to use the fruits of capitalism for the benefit of all. Instead, capitalism is using all for the benefit of the capitalist elites who control everything. I'd love to see our society get the wealth inequality under control and invest in our people to make society better overall rather than allowing the greed of the 1% to dominate everything to the detriment of the working class.

Should tech platforms have to pay for news content ? Why/not ?

RoboGraham comments on Jul 31, 2020:

I don't think anybody ought to have to pay for news. Information shouldn't be a commodity to be bought and sold. Everybody ought to have equal access.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 31, 2020:

@FearlessFly I don't know how it ought to be done but I do know that this capitalistic approach is no good. The information available to people shouldn't be limited to what they can afford. A well informed populace is the cornerstone of the greater good. And the fact that the livelihood of the people who provide that information is dependent on what they are able to sell incentivizes them to sensationalism and exaggerated news. News shouldn't be entertainment, it is sacred.

Nina Turner: Voting For Biden Like Eating "Half A Bowl Of Sht" - YouTube

Apunzelle comments on Jul 31, 2020:

True. But better than eating a full bowl of shit with Trump. 😒 One thing I *truly* believe is that Biden wouldn’t be sitting president for long. His health is deteriorating. Whomever he chooses for VP is our *true* future president. My prediction.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 31, 2020:

@Apunzelle I hope I'm wrong too Trouble is, I'm not wrong

Nina Turner: Voting For Biden Like Eating "Half A Bowl Of Sht" - YouTube

Apunzelle comments on Jul 31, 2020:

True. But better than eating a full bowl of shit with Trump. 😒 One thing I *truly* believe is that Biden wouldn’t be sitting president for long. His health is deteriorating. Whomever he chooses for VP is our *true* future president. My prediction.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 31, 2020:

@Apunzelle Because the establishment used all of its power to crush the progressive movement so I highly doubt they will willingly nominate a VP pick who will actually support good policies and not be as corrupt as they are.

Nina Turner: Voting For Biden Like Eating "Half A Bowl Of Sht" - YouTube

Apunzelle comments on Jul 31, 2020:

True. But better than eating a full bowl of shit with Trump. 😒 One thing I *truly* believe is that Biden wouldn’t be sitting president for long. His health is deteriorating. Whomever he chooses for VP is our *true* future president. My prediction.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 31, 2020:

I feel pretty confident that whoever they choose as VP will be as bad or worse than Biden himself.

The drump admin reminds me more & more of cockroaches, in that when you shine a light on them they ...

MichaelSpinler comments on Jul 31, 2020:

as an independent , see both parties for what they are, while i hate trump. i also see the neoliberals as the corruption that made americans take a chance on a dumb ass game show host that gave lip service to being not an insider professional politician. when you point out all the laws bills and ...

RoboGraham replies on Jul 31, 2020:

@dermot235 Hmmm, I hadn't thought of it that way before. To me the elites are the capitalists. But to them, the elites are professors and hollywood stars and professionals. How do you recommend we differentiate between our elites and theirs? Because I'm going to continue talking about the dangers of the elites gaining even more wealth and influence.

The drump admin reminds me more & more of cockroaches, in that when you shine a light on them they ...

MichaelSpinler comments on Jul 31, 2020:

as an independent , see both parties for what they are, while i hate trump. i also see the neoliberals as the corruption that made americans take a chance on a dumb ass game show host that gave lip service to being not an insider professional politician. when you point out all the laws bills and ...

RoboGraham replies on Jul 31, 2020:

@dermot235 When I say elites, I'm taking about class. Not people who are the best in their professions. I have no issues with them. The elites I see as dangerous are the billionaires and corporate leaders who always get their way politically often to the detriment of the rest of us.

The drump admin reminds me more & more of cockroaches, in that when you shine a light on them they ...

MichaelSpinler comments on Jul 31, 2020:

as an independent , see both parties for what they are, while i hate trump. i also see the neoliberals as the corruption that made americans take a chance on a dumb ass game show host that gave lip service to being not an insider professional politician. when you point out all the laws bills and ...

RoboGraham replies on Jul 31, 2020:

@dermot235 In the USA, the elites have accumulated so much wealth that they effectively run the show. Their influence is enormous and they have bought the politicians so thoroughly that democracy doesn't really function as it should anymore. That's why we have issues with the elites.

The drump admin reminds me more & more of cockroaches, in that when you shine a light on them they ...

RoboGraham comments on Jul 31, 2020:

i've heard that it wasn't so much a matter of him backing down but rather he plans to up the ante by pulling the fed agents out of Portland and sending them to other cities and replace them with national guard to really crack down on the demonstrations.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 31, 2020:

@AnneWimsey According to google- "the president can activate the National Guard and place it under federal control." Hopefully the guard will defy the order.

Does the fact that both Democrats and Republicans agree that extra money should be given to ...

Varn comments on Jul 30, 2020:

Never having received any… I’ve always thought the lesser than normal pay is the incentive to find actual work.. The Pandemic is an anomaly, folks having lost their jobs by circumstance more than any other factor. Actually, I find myself agreeing with the republican’s logic that ...

RoboGraham replies on Jul 31, 2020:

@Varn Well bud, you engaged me saying I've contradicted myself, which I didn't. And you immediately declined any debate on the subject, which is mighty cowardly on your part. So I said okay, sounds good. And now you are talking about begging for attention. Yes, you are, you often do. You refuse to debate the substance of the issue, and yet you continue to engage. That's some attention seeking there. Typical varnie.

Does the fact that both Democrats and Republicans agree that extra money should be given to ...

Varn comments on Jul 30, 2020:

Never having received any… I’ve always thought the lesser than normal pay is the incentive to find actual work.. The Pandemic is an anomaly, folks having lost their jobs by circumstance more than any other factor. Actually, I find myself agreeing with the republican’s logic that ...

RoboGraham replies on Jul 30, 2020:

@Varn Sounds good varn. If I were you, I wouldn't want to debate me either.

I believe that we have much to learn from what I think of as one of the most inspiring events in ...

dermot235 comments on Jul 30, 2020:

Breaking the 2 party system would help reduce polarization and could better represent what the people want. But this would only work if you have a proportional representation system with multi seat districts. In Ireland we have a proportional representation system and now have 3 different ...

RoboGraham replies on Jul 30, 2020:

@dermot235 Sounds like people in the UK are pretty similar to people here in the US. Willing to fuck themselves over for hate of the outsiders. I'm surprised to hear that people in the south don't want the north back. I know there is a lot of bad blood there but I had thought that they wanted to reunite the Island out of national pride. I didn't realize the north was so economically and socially backward. I guess the UK will be stuck with it, serves them right the way they have treated the Irish over the centuries. So will there be a hard boarder there after the UK exits the union? I've heard that the Frenchies are very quick to strike. Sounds like a good thing to me. They and Europeans generally get a much better deal for the labor force. Here in the states, most of us have to work long hours and go deep into debt just to get by. Many have to get second and third jobs, both parents in a household have to get into the workplace usually, and we get much less leave and vacation time. And for all that hard work and dedication, we don't even get adequate heathcare. I bet a lot of the Irish who immigrated here are wishing they had stayed. My grandmother came from Germany and she regrets it every day. That's a pretty good joke.

Former presidential hopeful Herman Cain has died of COVID 19.

VeronicaAnn comments on Jul 30, 2020:

I also thought it was humerous when Trump was all disappointed that the turn out for the rally still wasn't nearly as big as he thought it was going to be!

RoboGraham replies on Jul 30, 2020:

Good thing, there'd be even more people spreading the virus around and dying.

Former presidential hopeful Herman Cain has died of COVID 19.

skado comments on Jul 30, 2020:

Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 30, 2020:

I have heard that he was a nice guy personally. I only know him by his politics.

Does the fact that both Democrats and Republicans agree that extra money should be given to ...

Varn comments on Jul 30, 2020:

Never having received any… I’ve always thought the lesser than normal pay is the incentive to find actual work.. The Pandemic is an anomaly, folks having lost their jobs by circumstance more than any other factor. Actually, I find myself agreeing with the republican’s logic that ...

RoboGraham replies on Jul 30, 2020:

@bingst Oh, sorry. Yup, I totally agree

Does the fact that both Democrats and Republicans agree that extra money should be given to ...

Varn comments on Jul 30, 2020:

Never having received any… I’ve always thought the lesser than normal pay is the incentive to find actual work.. The Pandemic is an anomaly, folks having lost their jobs by circumstance more than any other factor. Actually, I find myself agreeing with the republican’s logic that ...

RoboGraham replies on Jul 30, 2020:

@bingst That is correct. But I'm saying it would be better if people were provided with enough to get by on until this thing is over so as many as possible could avoid going out to work and risking being exposed to the virus. That's why many countries are paying employees to stay home. They still get a pay check and they can stay safe without worry of losing their homes. This is one reason why other places have the virus under control much more so than we do.

Trump floats election ‘delay’ amid claim of voting fraud Trump tweeted Thursday: “With ...

Geoffrey51 comments on Jul 30, 2020:

How does that even work. I thought once it was set it was set. If not then the system is totally fucked and you may as well have an indefinite delay to suit whoever is in power!

RoboGraham replies on Jul 30, 2020:

It is set. It would take a Constitutional Amendment to change it. All Trump is doing here is showing how desperate he is and driving away more people who are feeling uneasy about him.

I believe that we have much to learn from what I think of as one of the most inspiring events in ...

dermot235 comments on Jul 30, 2020:

Breaking the 2 party system would help reduce polarization and could better represent what the people want. But this would only work if you have a proportional representation system with multi seat districts. In Ireland we have a proportional representation system and now have 3 different ...

RoboGraham replies on Jul 30, 2020:

@dermot235 Your people have seen true oppression in the recent past so it doesn't surprise me that they would be quick to fight back if it were to return. We in the states have grown comfortable with the idea that we are the nation of freedom. Most of us believe it whether it's true or not. A general strike is essential. I think it is the only way to get their attention and force them into compliance because profit is the language that they understand. Hit them where it hurts and they will come around. We need more people to understand that and get angry enough to do it. Perhaps this pandemic and Trump will motivate them to stand up for themselves. I've got a question for you. I haven't heard much about Brexit recently. Is that still going on and if so, will you Irish take back the Northern end of your Island?

I believe that we have much to learn from what I think of as one of the most inspiring events in ...

dermot235 comments on Jul 30, 2020:

Breaking the 2 party system would help reduce polarization and could better represent what the people want. But this would only work if you have a proportional representation system with multi seat districts. In Ireland we have a proportional representation system and now have 3 different ...

RoboGraham replies on Jul 30, 2020:

@dermot235 I completely agree. But how can we go about making those changes? We have been trying. But both parties refuse to support the initiatives that you mentioned. This is why I refuse to support them. I think the only way is to force it upon them. They need us and if we would realize that we have strength in numbers, we could shut the system down until the authorities are forced to make concessions and give us a more fair system.

Does the fact that both Democrats and Republicans agree that extra money should be given to ...

Varn comments on Jul 30, 2020:

Never having received any… I’ve always thought the lesser than normal pay is the incentive to find actual work.. The Pandemic is an anomaly, folks having lost their jobs by circumstance more than any other factor. Actually, I find myself agreeing with the republican’s logic that ...

RoboGraham replies on Jul 30, 2020:

During a pandemic, a disincentive to work is a positive thing. That's the point really. We need as many people as possible who work in non-essential positions which expose them to other people to stay home to help contain the spread of the virus. Providing these people with enough to get by on is essential.

I believe that we have much to learn from what I think of as one of the most inspiring events in ...

dermot235 comments on Jul 30, 2020:

Breaking the 2 party system would help reduce polarization and could better represent what the people want. But this would only work if you have a proportional representation system with multi seat districts. In Ireland we have a proportional representation system and now have 3 different ...

RoboGraham replies on Jul 30, 2020:

That sounds wonderful. I wish we had a system like that. Our system is inherently divisive. I don't know how to break the two party system, we certainly can't do it by working within the system. I think the only way would be for the working class to refuse cooperation until systemic change is made as the plebeians did.

I believe that we have much to learn from what I think of as one of the most inspiring events in ...

TheInterlooper comments on Jul 29, 2020:

Unfortunately, the people who see through the false dichotomy of the two-party system are outnumbered by tribalistic idiots.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 29, 2020:

You can say that again The elites of today have means of propagandizing that the romans couldn't have imagined.

I believe that we have much to learn from what I think of as one of the most inspiring events in ...

gigihein comments on Jul 29, 2020:

Wow, thanks so much for sharing this. Great example of what is needed.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 29, 2020:

Thanks, I'm glad it was meaningful to you

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

VeronicaAnn comments on Jul 29, 2020:

I am not surprised that this happened. I have ran into some very interesting people on here and I have had literally the weirdest conversations on here before. Lol. I think that you're a really nice and cool person. I have never gotten any weird or bad vibes from you. You are definitely not a ...

RoboGraham replies on Jul 29, 2020:

Thanks Veronica I think you are nice and cool too. I think this woman was in the wrong and was looking for a way out of the conversation by placing blame on me. Yes, there are some really weird conversations that go on here.

[businessinsider.

RoboGraham comments on Jul 29, 2020:

I would add the fear of challenging preconceived notions.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 29, 2020:

@Cutiebeauty Like if you were raised religious and your world view is effected by your faith. It can be scary to challenge those preconceived notions but beneficial to do so.

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Fred_Snerd comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I don't like to block people, but the staus quo crowd is annoying and useless. I've recently blocked 3 of them. They waste my time. I'd rather be fighting the right wing.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@jorj Oh, that makes way more sense.

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Fred_Snerd comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I don't like to block people, but the staus quo crowd is annoying and useless. I've recently blocked 3 of them. They waste my time. I'd rather be fighting the right wing.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd BBL? Brazilian butt lift?

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

RoboGraham comments on Jul 28, 2020:

**Update** I've been blocked. She decided to block without response.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@jorj I bet she thinks she really burned me by telling me to fuck off and then blocking.

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Fred_Snerd comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I don't like to block people, but the staus quo crowd is annoying and useless. I've recently blocked 3 of them. They waste my time. I'd rather be fighting the right wing.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd No but if they use their abilities to earn more then good for them.

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Fred_Snerd comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I don't like to block people, but the staus quo crowd is annoying and useless. I've recently blocked 3 of them. They waste my time. I'd rather be fighting the right wing.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd Yeah, that's why I refer to myself a democratic socialist. There are professions other than traveling salesman which may merit higher reward.

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Fred_Snerd comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I don't like to block people, but the staus quo crowd is annoying and useless. I've recently blocked 3 of them. They waste my time. I'd rather be fighting the right wing.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@jorj Same to ya, It is really nice to have open discussions with good people who don't get petty and nasty.

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Fred_Snerd comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I don't like to block people, but the staus quo crowd is annoying and useless. I've recently blocked 3 of them. They waste my time. I'd rather be fighting the right wing.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd No, it means that everyone starts at the same position. And if that concept is coupled with the idea that everyone ought to be provided the basics of a decent life, it means that no one is competing for survival. The competition aspect of it comes into play to determine who will get more than the baseline.

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Fred_Snerd comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I don't like to block people, but the staus quo crowd is annoying and useless. I've recently blocked 3 of them. They waste my time. I'd rather be fighting the right wing.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd "do u claim we are all born equal? If so explain why uaren't attracted to every single person u meet." It's an example of how we aren't born equal.

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Fred_Snerd comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I don't like to block people, but the staus quo crowd is annoying and useless. I've recently blocked 3 of them. They waste my time. I'd rather be fighting the right wing.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd That's up for debate. I surely don't know how much is too much. That's way above my pay grade. So you really believe that a society in which humans don't compete with each other is possible? Again, do you think equality of opportunity isn't a good idea?

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Fred_Snerd comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I don't like to block people, but the staus quo crowd is annoying and useless. I've recently blocked 3 of them. They waste my time. I'd rather be fighting the right wing.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd So do you think equality of opportunity isn't a good idea? "Social Darwinists believe in “survival of the fittest”—the idea that certain people become powerful in society because they are innately better. Social Darwinism has been used to justify imperialism, racism, eugenics and social inequality at various times over the past century and a half." I don't believe believe that the strong should be able to accumulate power and wealth. That's why earlier in this thread, I said that those things need to be checked. I believe that people who are more capable and/or are willing to work harder should get to have more things and get to do more of what they want. That doesn't mean they should be allowed to accumulate wealth until they have undue influence. I also don't believe that the weak should suffer. I think that everyone, regardless of ability, should have enough to live a decent happy life. There should be a minimum which no one can fall below and a maximum which no one can surpass but there should also be some wiggle room inbetween decided by meritocracy and will motivate competition and make life interesting as people strive to get ahead.

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Fred_Snerd comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I don't like to block people, but the staus quo crowd is annoying and useless. I've recently blocked 3 of them. They waste my time. I'd rather be fighting the right wing.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd I bet social darwinists also think that the sky is blue. I probably share many similar thoughts with them, doesn't make me one of them.

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Fred_Snerd comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I don't like to block people, but the staus quo crowd is annoying and useless. I've recently blocked 3 of them. They waste my time. I'd rather be fighting the right wing.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd To me, equality of opportunity is equality. I'm far from being a social Darwinist. You know me well enough to understand that so why ask the question?

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Fred_Snerd comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I don't like to block people, but the staus quo crowd is annoying and useless. I've recently blocked 3 of them. They waste my time. I'd rather be fighting the right wing.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@jorj We have certainly leveled the playing field for many factors based on identity. But the position in which a person starts out in life is still very much determined by who they happened to have been born to and which zip code they live in. I think, to have anything close to true equality of opportunity, the wealth gap would have to be massively reduced and programs that aid in the upbringing of children would have to be much more available and effective. We have made opportunity equal in the realm of identity but very little in that of economics.

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Fred_Snerd comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I don't like to block people, but the staus quo crowd is annoying and useless. I've recently blocked 3 of them. They waste my time. I'd rather be fighting the right wing.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd Equality of opportunity, no they shouldn't have to earn that, it should be a given. Equality of outcome, no it shouldn't be earned. It shouldn't be. What you manage to achieve in your life should be up to you.

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Fred_Snerd comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I don't like to block people, but the staus quo crowd is annoying and useless. I've recently blocked 3 of them. They waste my time. I'd rather be fighting the right wing.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd I think everyone should put in what they are able and that should be as equal as possible. Some jobs require more skill, more time, more effort, more intelligence and I think the outcome for performing those types of jobs should be different from others. I believe meritocracy is a good thing. The eco-village that I visited was set up like that, everything totally equal regardless of if you meet the minimum requirements of work or go above and beyond. It was the one thing I didn't like about the place.

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Fred_Snerd comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I don't like to block people, but the staus quo crowd is annoying and useless. I've recently blocked 3 of them. They waste my time. I'd rather be fighting the right wing.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd That is the sort of socialism I can get behind. Co-ops and grassroots socialized communities I think are the way forward. But those are localized solutions. I think at the same time, we should be shooting for policies at the state and federal level which regulate business, improve conditions for workers, and provide for those who need things like, education, healthcare, transportation, housing, etc...

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Fred_Snerd comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I don't like to block people, but the staus quo crowd is annoying and useless. I've recently blocked 3 of them. They waste my time. I'd rather be fighting the right wing.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@jorj I disagree that equality of opportunity is what we have now. I agree with you that there is no way to legislate equality of outcome. Even if it were possible, would we really want that? The same equal outcome for everyone regardless of individual contribution? 0% meritocracy? That sounds boring really, like you get the same outcome as everybody else regardless of what you do.

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Cutiebeauty comments on Jul 28, 2020:

Is that the member by the name of @dead? Sounds like her.. She blocked me already and I thought I was being nice although I did disagree with her 😱

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@FearlessFly I'm not able to see her threats because she blocked me. Good riddance.

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Fred_Snerd comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I don't like to block people, but the staus quo crowd is annoying and useless. I've recently blocked 3 of them. They waste my time. I'd rather be fighting the right wing.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd Maybe there is a better way, a superior system which we will implement someday in the future, but for now, I think a mixed economy is what is feasible. I think and hope that a big part of that mixed economy will be ecovillages in which people live equally. I'd join one.

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Fred_Snerd comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I don't like to block people, but the staus quo crowd is annoying and useless. I've recently blocked 3 of them. They waste my time. I'd rather be fighting the right wing.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd I've never claimed to strive for true communism. It isn't my ideology. I'm not a true socialist either in that I don't believe the government should have control over the means of production and the distribution of goods and services. I am a democratic socialist but I don't actually like that wording because I'm not a socialist, as mentioned before, but it is the ideology that best lines up with my thinking. I believe in a mixed economy with a strong social safety net and aggressive caps on wealth and power to provide at least a decent living for all and limit the influence of the elites.

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Fred_Snerd comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I don't like to block people, but the staus quo crowd is annoying and useless. I've recently blocked 3 of them. They waste my time. I'd rather be fighting the right wing.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd I'm as left as is practical. I'm not a communist.

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

FearlessFly comments on Jul 28, 2020:

. . . thought I would post this as a comment rather that a reply . . . . . . this is PMs 'after the fact' of my being 'ousted' by (one of the group) moderator I referred to below Her : "This is not verbatim from my post, but your comment was off-topic, unnecessar​y, critical and rude. The ...

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@FearlessFly Oh, I have no experience with that one. So they welcomed you back into the group then?

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Fred_Snerd comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I don't like to block people, but the staus quo crowd is annoying and useless. I've recently blocked 3 of them. They waste my time. I'd rather be fighting the right wing.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@TheInterlooper I don't believe equality of outcome is ideal either

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

FearlessFly comments on Jul 28, 2020:

. . . thought I would post this as a comment rather that a reply . . . . . . this is PMs 'after the fact' of my being 'ousted' by (one of the group) moderator I referred to below Her : "This is not verbatim from my post, but your comment was off-topic, unnecessar​y, critical and rude. The ...

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

Sounds like you were cordial and polite but still firm in standing up for your viewpoint and your dedication to critical thinking. That is exactly what we need around here. Mind if I ask which group this was?

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Cutiebeauty comments on Jul 28, 2020:

Is that the member by the name of @dead? Sounds like her.. She blocked me already and I thought I was being nice although I did disagree with her 😱

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@Cutiebeauty I spoke to her a couple of times before this. From what I remember, it was pleasant and we mostly agreed on things. It's really weird how she flipped like this.

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

barjoe comments on Jul 28, 2020:

Once she blocks somebody, it's s done deal. She's a neurotic. Why should she care? She could always unblock him to read the thread and block him again. If she had approached me with this. I'd have told her to do that. If she persisted I'd block her. I don't have time for nutcases. You're not a ...

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@barjoe Sounds like a good strategy

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Cutiebeauty comments on Jul 28, 2020:

Is that the member by the name of @dead? Sounds like her.. She blocked me already and I thought I was being nice although I did disagree with her 😱

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@dead is unavailable to me. I guess I had a similar experience but don't remember. This person goes by the name @lovinlarge

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Fred_Snerd comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I don't like to block people, but the staus quo crowd is annoying and useless. I've recently blocked 3 of them. They waste my time. I'd rather be fighting the right wing.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@TheInterlooper I like a lot in the libertarian ideology. But it isn't practical. And it's selfish, very selfish. I started out as a libertarian when I first registered to vote at 18. It's an ideology that is very appealing to young men.

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Fred_Snerd comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I don't like to block people, but the staus quo crowd is annoying and useless. I've recently blocked 3 of them. They waste my time. I'd rather be fighting the right wing.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@TheInterlooper I think you are a different sort of right winger compared to most of them. You seem to be reasonable and civil from what I've seen. Do you consider yourself libertarian rather than republican?

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Fred_Snerd comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I don't like to block people, but the staus quo crowd is annoying and useless. I've recently blocked 3 of them. They waste my time. I'd rather be fighting the right wing.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@TheInterlooper The status quo crown is centrist. They are the Biden Bros.

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Fred_Snerd comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I don't like to block people, but the staus quo crowd is annoying and useless. I've recently blocked 3 of them. They waste my time. I'd rather be fighting the right wing.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd I hear that. You do you brother Snerd.

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

xenoview comments on Jul 28, 2020:

Sounds like you need to block her.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

@xenoview Good riddance I guess

I had a conversation with a member today which I found to be rather odd.

Fred_Snerd comments on Jul 28, 2020:

I don't like to block people, but the staus quo crowd is annoying and useless. I've recently blocked 3 of them. They waste my time. I'd rather be fighting the right wing.

RoboGraham replies on Jul 28, 2020:

I feel that there isn't much point in arguing with the right wingers. They are TFG. But the status quo crowd, as you put it, some of them are open minded enough to be persuaded to support rational policies.