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JediSage

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Join date
22-Mar-2005
Last activity
10-Jan-2011
Posts
2,109

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Post
#208674
Topic
Nintendo Wii
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/208674/action/topic#208674
Time
Chalts:

Thanks for the info. Man, I've got Nintendo fever right now!

I almost picked up Wind Waker last week but opted to wait. I have also seen Four Swords and was under the impression it was multiplayer.

I'll probably wait for the Wii in terms of playing the old-school stuff (1 & 2) instead of beating my head against the wall for the collector's disc.

Yes, I have two young kids. They really enjoy Mario Sunshine and Power Tennis. I'd also like to get Strikers as I tried it at Toys-R-Us and was impressed.
Post
#208581
Topic
A Series of Questions for Socialism's Proponents
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/208581/action/topic#208581
Time
Originally posted by: theredbaron
All I'm going to add to this discussion right now is that Fascism and Communism are diametrically opposed both historically and ideologically. I'm not going to go into it, but check out an encyclopedia and read about each of them. If I remember correctly, Fascism was developed as a reaction to Communism in the first place.


Does it really matter when their just different means to the same end and is socialism any better than facism given it's propensity to result in totalitarianism?

Post
#208580
Topic
A Series of Questions for Socialism's Proponents
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/208580/action/topic#208580
Time
Originally posted by: oojason
1. Since socialst nations have existed in the past and failed, what do you attribute their failure to? Is it reasonable to believe that these "obstacles" can be overcome in the short term?

some have failed - some have succeeded. The UK is governed by a socialist based party, as are other countires around the world. It is intersting to note that some countries that have enforced a system upon it's inhabitants have rebelled against it.

The UK is currently quasi-socialist, however I think it's safe to say Labor is on the way out. That being said, the people of Cuba don't have that choice. It's socialism to the end. Also, whatever happens in the UK in the short-term is a moot point due to it's membership in the EU, which is totally socialist.

2. Were any of these nations imperialistic in nature, meaning did they expand beyond their national borders and conquer territory not in their possession prior to the Bolshevic revolution of the early part of the 20th century?

Have a look at the British Commonwealth and just how many countries are part of it - could add the USA to it on past criteria.

This is somewhat irrelevant to my question. I'm not denying that other countries/systems are/were imperialistic, I'm just trying to discern whether or not socialism as it has been implemented is also imperialistic.

3. Were there "exceptions" to the socialist philosophies of these countries, meaning did any of the ruling class own nice automobiles or houses that were well beyond "....his needs"?

Probably so - the idea of socialism is to work together and help those around you to better everyon'e lives. It does not mean people should not have 'nice things'.

I think that's an over-simplification. The central tenent of socialism is "each according to his needs", not the president can drive a limo while everyone else has a bicycle. If it's to be implemented it should be implemented evenly for everyone regardless of station.

Is brute labor the only force that is essential to the prosperity and equality of a society?

No, of course not. People voluntarily working together to acheive a goal can accomplish a lot.

But that's not what socialism is. You're talking about a co-operative society where people do this without coersion. In a socialist society, if I have a farm that produces food at the expense of my labor, that food can and most likely will be taken from me and distributed to someone else. Who does this? The state. Not me.

6. If wealth were to be "redistributed" from the "20%" of the world's population that control it, and then given to the other 80%, will despotic rulers and tyrants be disposed to give this wealth to their people, or keep it for themselves?

Are the 80% all despotic leaders and tyrants? - what of 20% leaders? Do you give the leaders the money and say 'here it is' and leave them to it, or do you agree schemes and projects that help the most needy and take an active role in how it' is allocated.

"Schemes and projects" are a sure way to have a repeat of Oil for Food scandals (hard to believe given how noble the UN is and all). The starvations in Ethiopia and Somalia were addressed with massive amounts of food and such from many countries, but it never got to it's people because of the governments of these countries.

7. If they did give the money to their citizens, would the social and physical infrastructure of these other nations immediately improve? If so, how?

Immediately? Possibly not - such an underastking takes time. If a hosptial can buy several £million of new equipment for it's patients it will still need to train technicians and and staff on how to use them etc

Again assuming it even gets past the governments in the first place. I think it's fair to say that many governments have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo in their socio-politcal constructs, if not outright oppressing opposition and people in their societies

9. For socialism to be truly implemented, the government must assume vast powers. Once assumed, what guarantee is there that the government will not abuse these powers?

Vote them in, vote them out - they don't need to be all powerful - tghe electorate (the people) still have ultimate power.

Do they have this power in North Korea, Cuba, or China?

10. Do people try to accumulate more or less power?


As a whole? I don't know. It seems politicians cancertainly lose sight of issues for personal gain.


But can politicians be divorced from the political process? Can there be government without politicians?

11. What if 1 or 2 people in said country decided they didn't feel socialism was right for them. Would the government be justified in using any and all means to implement the system for the greater good?


They are free to live wherever they feel as long as they abide by the people's wishes. They do not have to stay where they do not agree with how things are being run.


This is coersion.

12. Is force justifiable in the redistribution of wealth?


Ask the IRS, or the taman, or the parking wardens.


Correct. The IRS is the enforcement arm of a quasi-socialist (for now) system.

15. Of the examples the world has known so far, socialism as implemented in Cuba, China, North Korea, Soviet Union, etc; and capitalism as seen in the US, UK, Australia, etc: Which has offered the greater personal liberties to it's citizens?


I disagree - Communism has been implemented in some of those countries you mentioned - not socialism.


What is the difference?

16. Given that the socialist death toll is at 100 million and counting, vastly outpacing "facist" numbers, does socialism get a free pass because it's more "altruistic"...at least on the surface? Can any ideology that results in the death of even one life be considered to be altruisitic?


Again, that is not a socilaist death toll - it a commnist based one and enforced on the people.


See above

17. What is the difference between Facism and Communism? Do they not both lead to state control of the economy, thus making ideologies irrelevant?


That really isn't about socialism, but is you wish I'll come back to it later.


Please do...

18. What is the difference between Marxist-Leninism vs Communism and can the more "pure" forms be implemented without innevitably deteriorating to totalitarianism?


That really isn't about socialism, but is you wish I'll come back to it later.


Please do...

JediSage - what is your definition of socialism? and how does it differ from Communism?


socialism = an economic system in which the existing system is abandoned in favor of a system of "...to each according to his needs". In this situation the government must assume near totalitarian powers to administer the economy and ensure that nobody is cheating the system. The government must also take steps to make sure that the system is perpetuated as it would be too difficult to continually switch back and forth between socialism and a market economy. As with pregnancy, there's no such thing as being 1/2 way. Either you are totally or are on your way to being totally socialist.

Difference between socialism and communism: I asked you first
Post
#208553
Topic
Nintendo Wii
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/208553/action/topic#208553
Time
Originally posted by: ricarleite
Holy crap dude! Solid Snake shooting Mario, how bizarre will that be?!


I'm looking forward to this big time. The only console I purchased in the past 10-12 years on opening day was the Sega Saturn, and I regret that tremendously. I don't know why I ever abandoned Nintendo after the NES, but I'm glad to be back now and am looking forward to downloading some of the stuff I missed with the SNES and N64 over the years, as well as getting back some NES games! I've been trying to tell my kids that even though the graphics are not as good as other stuff for the GC, the games are of great quality and will still be enjoyable. I've been DVR'ing G4's live coverage of E3. I will say that it seems Nintendo is getting shafted on coverage compared to PS3, which is a joke considering how expensive that piece of junk will be.

Can't believe we've got another 6 months before we can get this thing. ARRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!
Post
#208166
Topic
Pizza Stone v.2
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/208166/action/topic#208166
Time
Originally posted by: ricarleite
Here's a curious discussion I'd like to propose. Pizzas ALWAYS have tomatoe sauce, right? Well, here in Brazil, only the state I live in - in which a massive ammount of italian immigrants and further generations live - pizza is done the traditional italian way. With tomatoe sauce, on a proper log oven (not propane or electric), with the proper dough...

Now, if you eat a pizza OUTSIDE this state (São Paulo), you'll get a thin, crappy pizza with NO sauce on it, cheese directly into the dough, on electric ovens, and get this... people smear ketchup, mustard and even mayonase on it. If you do that here, where I live, people will think you are some sort of lunatic (or an outsider). It is even considered bad etiquette on some pizza places around here, to ask for ketchup.

So, my question is, HOW are pizzas prepared where you live, and do you commit the CRIME of putting ketchup, or... God forbid, mayonase on it??


My Gosh, that would probably get a person hung where I live...

Lots of sauce, lots of cheese, I'm getting hungry! They use propane mostly where I live, but there are 1 or 2 places that do Brick Oven with hot coals and such, which I guess is more traditional than gas. There's a place right down the street from where I live that's been there since 1991, and we go there once a week like clockwork!

A lot of places do make what's called a White Pizza, which is dough covered with olive oil and such, instead of red sauce. They then cover it with vegetables, mostly either spinach or broccoli.

Post
#207996
Topic
Comics Fans
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/207996/action/topic#207996
Time
Originally posted by: Han Solo VS Indiana Jones
Originally posted by: JediSage
Has anyone heard about Gaiman's latest project? He's doing some type of series about The Eternals. This is a series originally created by Jack Kirby in the 70's. Was just doing some reading on them...seems to be right up Gaiman's alley.

So is it a remake or a continuation?


Nothing specific, but here's a link to a brief blurb on his home page:



Gaiman and The Eternals
Post
#207629
Topic
A Series of Questions for Socialism's Proponents
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/207629/action/topic#207629
Time
Originally posted by: Yoda Is Your Father
Looks like Sage and Ric have both sides of this argument well under control, which leaves me to add what seems to have become my catch phrase when discussing politics - it all comes down to human nature, and human nature sucks.

In short, it would be great if we could all get along and share, but we can't, so we won't.


To quote Roger Reese and Dom Delouise from Robinhood: Men in Tights - "You put that Succinctly" "Suck what?"

Well said YIYF.

My point of contention has always been that if we know the system won't work, why waste the resources trying to achieve it? Instead, work the current system to make it as equitable as possible while maintaining individual liberties.
Post
#207618
Topic
A Series of Questions for Socialism's Proponents
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/207618/action/topic#207618
Time
Originally posted by: ricarleite


That was quite one-sided, but it's ok.

I wasn't trying to be even-handed. I thought the title made it clear.

It dosen't work because there IS capitalism around

So it doesn't work because of a competing system?

1. Since socialst nations have existed in the past and failed, what do you attribute their failure to? Is it reasonable to believe that these "obstacles" can be overcome in the short term?

Failed due to economical imbalance, improper investments in a war machine, personal greed, tyrany, inability to cope with today's globalized market.

Does the system's obvious weaknesses (failure to meet changing market forces, inability to cope with human nature(greed, laziness, etc)) not mean that it's NOT the best system? Or are we talking "theory" or "on paper" socialism?

2. Were any of these nations imperialistic in nature, meaning did they expand beyond their national borders and conquer territory not in their possession prior to the Bolshevic revolution of the early part of the 20th century?

USSR did but not after the period you have mentioned

What about the BLOC states it obsorbed during and after WWII (Hungary, Romania, East Germany, Ukraine, etc)?

China did

North Korea and Vietnam as well.

4. If inequitable distribution of wealth is the cause of crime and social injustice, how do you explain people who are wealthy that committ crimes?

Drugs, greed, passion crimes, and insanity. Pretty much it.

Is there a moral component in society that gives people a sense of right and wrong or is that a state issue?

5. Is brute labor the only force that is essential to the prosperity and equality of a society?

Uh... no. Point is?

See point below re: incentive to strive.

8. What incentive does a person who has guaranteed health care, housing, food, water, and clothing have to strive for a better life?

If they have that, not only as a guarantee on a paper, why would they need it?


Because in a system in which everyone gets "...according to his needs", why would anyone need.....the new Power MAC or Nintendo Revolution (I refuse to call it Wii) when the Commodore 64 will do the job? According to his needs puts a glass ceiling on innovation. The progress the soviets made in the space race was due to the needs of the state, not the needs of any individual.

9. For socialism to be truly implemented, the government must assume vast powers. Once assumed, what guarantee is there that the government will not abuse these powers?

None. Ethics. That's why it dosen't work.


Should it continue to be persued given it's shortcomings?

10. Do people try to accumulate more or less power?

More power, less responsability. Power is not the problem. I would love if we had a single tyrant that ruled the world, but did good things.


I've had that discussion as well. A benevolent dictator....sadly not to happen (in our lifetime, at least).

11. What if 1 or 2 people in said country decided they didn't feel socialism was right for them. Would the government be justified in using any and all means to implement the system for the greater good?

No. But they could say "If you are not happy, get out of here and go live in France!", sounds familiar anyway.


Is coersion via "Go live in France" an acceptable substitute for violence?

13. In a socialist system, who's interests should/will take precedence in case of child rearing? Parents, or the State?

At school, state. Outside school, parents.


Does the state's interests lie in perpetuation of the system in spite of it's shortcomings? Should the state provide moral or ethical teachings that contradict those of a parent?

14. Should religious institutions be permitted in socialist societies?

Why not?


Because they teach that there's a higher power than the state, and typically socialist countries are unwelcoming to religious insitutions.

16. Given that the socialist death toll is at 100 million and counting, vastly outpacing "facist" numbers, does socialism get a free pass because it's more "altruistic"...at least on the surface? Can any ideology that results in the death of even one life be considered to be altruisitic?

I don't remember reading on Karl Marx works that genocide was necessary. Don't mix up the system, to whom has tried to apply it.


No, but Marx's disciples have been implementing murder on a massive scale since the October Revolution.

17. What is the difference between Facism and Communism? Do they not both lead to state control of the economy, thus making ideologies irrelevant?

Who do you think controls the economy in the US? Or UK? Or Australia? Facism is a ruling policy, comunism is an economical and social system.


Right, but they both result in totalitarian control OF the economy.

"Supporting socialism for fear of facism is suicide for fear of death" - Not sure who said it but I LOVE it.
Post
#207594
Topic
A Series of Questions for Socialism's Proponents
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/207594/action/topic#207594
Time
Since the Politics thread seems to be dead and buried, I thought I'd post this outside of it's confines.

There has been an ongoing debate on this board about the "workability" of socialism v capitalism, and vise versa. It's no secret that I'm utterly in the camp of the latter, so you all know where I'm coming from.

Here I propose a series of questions for the proponents of socialism on the board. I'm not trying to start flame wars, etc. I'm sincerely interested in your answers to these questions. Lets keep it civil.

1. Since socialst nations have existed in the past and failed, what do you attribute their failure to? Is it reasonable to believe that these "obstacles" can be overcome in the short term?

2. Were any of these nations imperialistic in nature, meaning did they expand beyond their national borders and conquer territory not in their possession prior to the Bolshevic revolution of the early part of the 20th century?

3. Were there "exceptions" to the socialist philosophies of these countries, meaning did any of the ruling class own nice automobiles or houses that were well beyond "....his needs"?

4. If inequitable distribution of wealth is the cause of crime and social injustice, how do you explain people who are wealthy that committ crimes?

5. Is brute labor the only force that is essential to the prosperity and equality of a society?

6. If wealth were to be "redistributed" from the "20%" of the world's population that control it, and then given to the other 80%, will despotic rulers and tyrants be disposed to give this wealth to their people, or keep it for themselves?

7. If they did give the money to their citizens, would the social and physical infrastructure of these other nations immediately improve? If so, how?

8. What incentive does a person who has guaranteed health care, housing, food, water, and clothing have to strive for a better life?

9. For socialism to be truly implemented, the government must assume vast powers. Once assumed, what guarantee is there that the government will not abuse these powers?

10. Do people try to accumulate more or less power?

11. What if 1 or 2 people in said country decided they didn't feel socialism was right for them. Would the government be justified in using any and all means to implement the system for the greater good?

12. Is force justifiable in the redistribution of wealth?

13. In a socialist system, who's interests should/will take precedence in case of child rearing? Parents, or the State?

14. Should religious institutions be permitted in socialist societies?

15. Of the examples the world has known so far, socialism as implemented in Cuba, China, North Korea, Soviet Union, etc; and capitalism as seen in the US, UK, Australia, etc: Which has offered the greater personal liberties to it's citizens?

16. Given that the socialist death toll is at 100 million and counting, vastly outpacing "facist" numbers, does socialism get a free pass because it's more "altruistic"...at least on the surface? Can any ideology that results in the death of even one life be considered to be altruisitic?

17. What is the difference between Facism and Communism? Do they not both lead to state control of the economy, thus making ideologies irrelevant?

18. What is the difference between Marxist-Leninism vs Communism and can the more "pure" forms be implemented without innevitably deteriorating to totalitarianism?

I'm sure more questions will come to me, but for now I think that's enough.

Reminder: Let's keep it civil and have a nice discussion. I'm looking forward to the answers.
Post
#207140
Topic
Comics Fans
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/207140/action/topic#207140
Time
Originally posted by: Darth Chaltab
What is Free Comic Book Day??


Dude, don't tell me you haven't heard of it!

It's an industry wide thing that is in it's 5th year. The publishers send out free books to the shops to give away as promos to get people in the door. It's been quite successful so far. It's kind of what got me back in.