Thread: Big Government?

Originally Posted by gugi

I don't think you're using the word 'sham' correctly:

Well, I bet I would look pretty sweet as a pillow covering.

Originally Posted by Fbones24

I always take offense when people infer that America invented slavery. Slavery has been an institution for literally "thousands" of years. You fail to mention that during the 1800's, the institution of slavery ended, once and for all and our people fought a war where thousands died to make it happen. Slavery is the worst possible evil, but I am proud that our civilization is the one that ended this horrible practice.

I'm glad I didn't infer the United States invented slavery, only that we practiced it. I am very proud of the abolitionist movement which brought slavery to an end in the USA. Men and women of great courage sacrificed much in this great cause and many gave the last full measure.

The British abolished slavery in their empire in 1833 and they did so without a civil war. Wish we could have done the same.

[QUOTE=Alembic;691228]I don't know if you are aware, but up until 1913 Senators were appointed by the Governor of the state. Change your Governor and you changed your Senators. Under the Woodrow Wilson administration, the public were hoodwinked into thinking that all Americans wanted to vote for their Senators. The framers of the Constitution wanted them appointed so at least one group of Federal Representation would never fall prey to the popular people of the day.

I didn't know that. Fascinating!

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I think communism is great. Everything is shared so all of you send me all your razors so I can share them.

TBS, are you having fun now. Look what you started. LOL

Originally Posted by gugi

I don't think you're using the word 'sham' correctly:

Would misrepresentation or falsehood be better words to use?

In my view of communism the first definition of sham is a correct usage of the word. Property shared in common? Does that mean during the U.S.S.R. as an average citizen I could have decided to set up summer residence in one of the multi-million dollar Dachas? Why not?

Chris L

I thought Sham was a guy who hones razors in Missouri ?

Originally Posted by ChrisL

Would misrepresentation or falsehood be better words to use?

In my view of communism the first definition of sham is a correct usage of the word. Property shared in common? Does that mean during the U.S.S.R. as an average citizen I could have decided to set up summer residence in one of the multi-million dollar Dachas? Why not?

Chris L

No, I just don't understand where the misrepresentation or falsehood comes from. The definition (1) is a theoretical organization of society, just like any other, like say capitalism, democracy, republic, monarchy, anarchy, etc.
Or a philosophy if you want. None of these are 'cheap trick' i.e. pretending they are something they are not. They are definitions, which means they are exactly what they are described to be.

Now your example refers to something completely different. You are claiming that the system in the former U.S.S.R. was a sham, i.e. it wasn't the theoretical definition of communism, which is what commiecat and jimmyhad pointed out.

If your statement were true you would also call sham the US, your local government, and if you look closely may be even your marriage, just because they don't measure to a preset idealized version of whatever you want to call them.

Hope this clarifies the semantics.

It does. Thanks for clarifying. The realist in me was clouding my ability to fantasize about humanity achieving such an ideal.

Chris L