ForgetItJakeItsChinatown
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Jun 11, 2013 1:59 PM
ForgetItJakeItsChinatown
36007
3474
182
jerc
Can we get a Scumbag hat?
PyroDragon
TIL imgur is full of Republicans.
superslomo
With short memories.
abean
This is so true it hurts...
Skygate217
1984 was a warning, not an instruction manual
randomasianorphan
"When governments fear the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.
ForgetItJakeItsChinatown
Relevant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWAyEzyp2xQ
CptTightPants
Neither should fear each other.
pancreas
When people love the government, there is our Glorious Leader of North Korea.
Lumberjackfirefighter
Hahahaha
waspentalive
How do you know the people don't fear the government of the Glorious Leader and feign love out of fear?
pancreas
haha, you're funny. You die a traitors death now. Goodbye.
waspentalive
Ha Ha, Glorious Leader - I am out of your reach. Even your puny missile will miss me.
AndritosRetardos
When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.
Treeboo
Yes. At this rate it seems it is inevitable.
Himser
Even here in Canada.
AndritosRetardos
New American revolution.
Olluranthel
Vote Libertarian or exacerbate the above problems. Both major political parties are to blame here, both this administration and the previous
vechs
I like how they stopped being Conspiracy Theories, and now it's just legit Conspiracy.
obamas
What is a conspiracy if not powerful people getting together? Is that so hard to believe? Powerful people aiming for more power? Believable.
imsohungryrightnow
The loaded term 'conspiracy theory' is simply applied to a question or opinion to enable one to dismiss it without thought, and to ridicule.
vechs
You're so right! I always hated that. (Also hi NSA agents, you guys having a nice shift? :D )
imsohungryrightnow
LOL, I suppose there might have been enough trigger words in my comment that a "Hello" is warranted. :)
SanityDeparted
"Some quote by someone else that's been used 10 times today in similar themed posts because it's easier than developing an original thought"
JPerrine
I hope you all realize that Government's aren't corrupt, People are. It isn't hard to find the corrupt politicians.
bleepbloopbleepbloopbleep
Blame Hobbes: http://www.college.columbia.edu/core/sites/core/files/images/Leviathan.jpg
itseemsthatnamewastaken
*Hobbes was right.
buhhdistmonk
Considering this is the Capitol Building, I would agree that our members of congress are not doing enough to reign in Executive power.
Nevv
They were all aware of it and approved it. lol.
pinkargyle
Have you not heard of checks and balances? He can't do anything without go ahead from congress.
snarker
You haven't been paying attention to the growth in executive power since Andrew Jackson's administration.
Talmorean
Take a long look at his list of executive orders, his private dealings via "Fast & Furious" and his drone strikes/Kill list.
mouschi
Considering how many executive orders Obama has signed, that is straight up bullshit.
itseemsthatnamewastaken
Checks and Balances only works when each of the branches actually fights for power with the other two. Judicial and Exec. have been winning.
imsohungryrightnow
Except issue Executive Orders, which is a pretty big 'except'.
mayiread
Scumbag Senate?
thepurplehatonthebluerack
Just a reminder, these are the people you elected. I'm ready for down votes.
JasonThorn
Depressing, but correct. Although in some places, it's just choosing who gets to screw you over. Spider Jerusalem was a PROPHET.
mingotheflamingo
If you do not like what the government is doing, do something about it: run for office, write your rep, tweet obama, etc. Just do something
DoesThisPleaseYouZobel
It'd be fantastic if it were that easy. And if you tweet something Obama doesn't agree with, he'll probably throw you in prison.
AceofShades
My theory is that no matter how good hearted you are by the time you make it some where to make a difference the system has corrupted you
mingotheflamingo
that may be true, but at least it's an attempt to be more productive than complaining on the internet
mingotheflamingo
(2) because b*tching on imgur, reddit, and facebook isn't going to do diddly-shit
imsohungryrightnow
You're totally right, but the problem is what to do? Politicians are thoroughly compromised at best, if not outright traitors. (cont'd)
imsohungryrightnow
3 ever give that impression it's because they have to. The only politicians worth a damn are MAYBE some local-level ones. Maybe. Very few.
imsohungryrightnow
2 Corruption is endemic in the system as a whole, it's the culture. Your congressman doesn't care about you, neither does Obama. If they...
albatross17
I'm unelectable, my rep doesn't read or care about my letters, and I don't have twitter. What do i do??? (seriously though.. wtf can we do?)
albatross17
I feel completely powerless in this system.
IGotFiiiveOnIt
Then they have already accomplished one of their goals.
EvilMidnightBomberWhatBombsAtMidnight
Common misconception: America is a republic, not a democracy.
tinyrye
A seemingly broader misconception is that it is one OR the other. I presume the US is both.
ForgetItJakeItsChinatown
the concept of checks & balances is flawed. the judicial branch can never hold legislature accountable since its the executive branch that(2
ForgetItJakeItsChinatown
appoints judges in the 1st place. in the end, politicians & interest groups have full control, regardless of constitutional limits. (3)
ForgetItJakeItsChinatown
Relevant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhSqzANQvbk
ForgetItJakeItsChinatown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0_Jd_MzGCw
msommer
People who say this are idiots who add nothing to any conversation. America is both a democracy and a republic. Shock its complex (1/?)
EvilMidnightBomberWhatBombsAtMidnight
You must be a liberal, right off the bat throwing insults.
msommer
system of government cannot be boiled down into a single word. Just as America is both a country and a nation it is both a democracy (2/?)
msommer
and a republic. Even if it were merely a form of republic and not a democracy, would pointing out the semantical error really add (3/4)
msommer
anything to an intelligent debate about any important issue? (4/4)
ForgetItJakeItsChinatown
We're supposed to be republic, but it's tempting to conclude republics can't be sustained. all constitutional limits break down over time.(1
EvilMidnightBomberWhatBombsAtMidnight
Correction, America is supposed to be a republic.
Luvvie
Was gonna say...
EvilMidnightBomberWhatBombsAtMidnight
Go on, I'm listening.
ajgriffy
Every government secret has a classification limit. Most are forcibly declassified in either 25 or 50 years. (1/2)
ajgriffy
I don't have a 2/2, just wanted you to click.
DrMantisTobagganMD
Lol +1 for making me click. Also it wouldn't be good if every single classified document was made public for the entire world to see...
Clairebell
Yep. I don't think people know this. There is a reason for classification and it's not because the govt wants to hide things from the ppl.
Clairebell
I get real tired of ppl bitching because of classification when there ARE very valid reasons for it.
albatross17
I couldn't believe people got mad when Bush lied about WMDs in Iraq. I mean come on! How else could he have manipulated a country into war?
albatross17
Yeah i hated it when everyone bitched about Watergate
Clairebell
Wow. My mistake let's tell EVERYONE about strategic troop movement and the identities of spies. My bad. Rose colored glasses and shit.
albatross17
Gross... I never suggested such a thing. http://imgur.com/BtEepuj
chansuke
How do we know they declassify everything like theyre supposed to?
TaterNubbz
I hate Obama. But I honestly believe that all this would exist if Romney had been elected. Left, right, it really doesn't matter anymore.
yoshimasta
This is something we're watching all around the world, the power doesn't distinguis from sides, only hears about money...
byerss
I feel that a majority of the people voted for Obama to put a STOP to these types of abuses and now they feel betrayed.
byerss
I doubt many people are blaming Obama alone - it's mostly about a systematic growth and abuse of federal government power.
ForgetItJakeItsChinatown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWAyEzyp2xQ
obamas
Too right, that's why we must elect Rand Paul in the upcoming election and nobody else. He pisses off republicans and democrats alike.
TaterNubbz
THANK YOU SIR
PineappleEmailer
He had my partial support until he said he supported domestic drones.
Igottiredofmyusernamesoichangedit
Truth
imsohungryrightnow
I'd be careful putting your trust in any political candidate, remember they didn't get where they are by pissing people off.
Studoku
Thanks, Obama.
Jthechef
Bush started it Obama continues it - repeal the Patriot Act
pinkargyle
Except that he can't do anything without the approval of Congress?
Aldrmn
He had 2 years with a democratic controlled congress...
pinkargyle
And the Patriot Act was passed by Bush congress. Your point?
EDC1911
fast and furious
Talmorean
Oh bullshit, 3/4 of his policies have been executive orders that circumvent Congress. The whole system needs a clean sweep reboot.
pinkargyle
And the Patriot Act was passed bu Bush congress. Your point?
pinkargyle
*by
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Talmorean
Obama has ordered 400 drone strikes in 5 years. Killing 3 Americans. Bush ordered 50 drone strikes in 8 years. Fuck Obama
imsohungryrightnow
What exactly do you suggest thanking Obama for?
killerofthesky
This is what happens when the government employees are more concerned with their own wants over the needs of the people
ForgetItJakeItsChinatown
Agree, but unfortunately that's entirely natural. Self-interest is a normal human characteristic. Free mrkts render self-interest harmless.
BigSecksi
Its a symptom of career politicians. When politicians had to make their living outside of Washington they had our interests more in mind.
SurelyNotAWalrus
You know what I just hate? I hate that, as a ideological supporter of big government, I have to watch the government get big in the exact
SurelyNotAWalrus
opposite it should be
OfSkotfre
1984.
NutellaElephant
Sales of 1984 by George Orwell are up by 129% this week on Amazon.
JasonThorn
We're 30 years late, but we make up for it in ways Orwell could not have imagined in his worst nightmares.
yourdrunkirishfriend
mixed with a bit of Huxley.
Treebearded
http://www.juxtapoz.com/current/huxley-vs-orwell-in-graphic-form
yourdrunkirishfriend
Seen that before. I think it's turning mostly Huxley, but elements of 1984. Perpetual War (Socialism, Drugs, War etc) and heavy surveilence.
Treebearded
http://www.juxtapoz.com/current/huxley-vs-orwell-in-graphic-form
Klingon00
Interesting but both are right to a degree. Orwell feared TV monitors imposed by government. In reality, it's potentially worse (more)
Klingon00
(2) Instead we all carry cell phones with mic, camera and GPS that's constantly connected to a network of our own choice and pleasure.
herankoana
Actually, it's 2013.
herankoana
I forgot imgur is incapable of grasping obvious jokes.
AreThereAnyOfTheseLeft
I don't think you understand what insider trading is...
jurassicbark
TLDR: the company who was hacked by teens, has now had another leak, cashed in on insider info, freely wiretaps the world's data.
Jthechef
Chaney and Halliburton - classic!
wuttwuttinthebutt
Congress, if it were a trading group, would outperform every other hedge fund in existence.
HowMuchWoodWouldAChocoboChokeIfAChocoboCouldChokeWood
I don't know if you've been following the news...
AreThereAnyOfTheseLeft
Last I checked the government does not do stocks.
HowMuchWoodWouldAChocoboChokeIfAChocoboCouldChokeWood
Well, technically speaking, an individual doesn't have to be a part of a corporation to perpetrate insider trading...
HowMuchWoodWouldAChocoboChokeIfAChocoboCouldChokeWood
If a politician reveals information to you, which may affect an industry, and thus stock prices, that is not currently "insider trading"
HowMuchWoodWouldAChocoboChokeIfAChocoboCouldChokeWood
Politicians are solicited for, and providing, information regarding upcoming bills and legislation by traders hoping to predict movement.
gipper
Sign is unclear. Those in Congress can use their knowledge of upcoming legislation to buy/sell--an act that is illegal for private citizens.
jurassicbark
So yea high level intel staff run the leaky companies that siphon off the world's intellectual property. Already busted for insider trading.
jurassicbark
Oh almost forgot, James Clapper was bumbling Booz Allen's CEO at some point. James today was defending the right to secrecy for his company.
albatross17
It makes sense in a very broad use of the word. Many influential people in washington have investments in companies that tend to (1/2)
albatross17
benefit from certain laws (2/2)
CicholasNage
There are laws in place that freeze some of these assets while they're in office, but yes, they need to go, much, much further.
AreThereAnyOfTheseLeft
as been stated that's not insider trading but just being an ass hole
cirucci
that's self dealing
jurassicbark
"former Air Force officer hired by Booz Allen, who on his first day of work brought with him “sensitive,” non-public information"
gmarinero
I was wondering the same thing. I even thought, the term was used for something different.
AreThereAnyOfTheseLeft
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insider_trading
AreThereAnyOfTheseLeft
Its when you buy stock or invest in a company using privileged information (i.e. the will buy out a company in a week)
CrabWallet
That's close, but there's a pretty precise definition, and it's not just buying. Dumping securities on inside info causes lots of trouble
jurassicbark
Sorry for the 6hr delay, do read "Edward Snowden not Booz Allen's first leak problem." @ politico.com
AreThereAnyOfTheseLeft
Ahh, I was not aware of this. However it does not mention that the government said it's ok. I also might have missed it (skimmed it at work)
BigSecksi
I don't think that you understand that politicians use their position and information to make illegal trades and further their wealth A LOT!
Skinnyfistslifted
Honestly, you give and you take. Also, I live abroad, so none of this applies to me, so I'm perfe - *Drone strike levels house*
imsohungryrightnow
And if you are a dead adult male after that strike you are automatically labeled an enemy combatant, no questions asked.
superslomo
Also, suddenly your kids weren't there when it happened, and didn't exist.
SovietChewbacca
Remember the Patriot act was passed under the Bush administration people
JasonThorn
True, but even political leaders are now stepping forth to warn that some of Obama's policies abuse the Patriot Act.
albatross17
so what? This isn't about bush or obama. The increase in the size, power and abusiveness of this government is a trend way bigger than them
mouschi
So him resigning it into law should hold no water when he, the current president, is scrutinized after he promised to be different?
ForgetItJakeItsChinatown
Yes, I am not posting out of partisanship. Both parties facilitate the growth of government.
SovietChewbacca
I know I just want to mention it to the people who believe Obama is personally doing this
ElGrandeBanana
Is this really about the size of the government? In my opinion this liberty infringement is not the same as a larger government.
imsohungryrightnow
And renewed under the Obama administration, don't forget.
scuba7jb
Obama has been MORE than happy to keep up all of the old bush policies: Drone strikes, Gitmo, surveillance, etc. That's "Hope and change"??
scottap25
He literally held a vote to close Gitmo, it was congress that refused to appropriate the funds to close it!
epicor
But... I don't... Wouldn't cost MORE to keep it open?
scottap25
No, I mean put aside the funds needed to close it. It wasn't a cost efficiency problem, they didn't want to close Gitmo.
BigSecksi
No not when you consider the cost to build a new facility and transport all the occupants. Critical thinking is hard.
SovietChewbacca
He also must be the secret conspiracy why Tebow got signed by the Patriots
Talmorean
Obama has ordered 400 Drone Strikes in 5 years, Bush ordered 50 in 8. Obama gives 0 fucks for his constituency or his "Hope/Change"
steffdogmillionaire
Obama is a communist, a totalarian, and is going to destroy America, so you should have a picture of the White House
OnceInAWhileYouGetShownTheLight
They are complete opposite political ideals. The Soviet Union and other 'communist' states were not so. Communism according to Marx is 1/2
Scourge248
plenty more. Obama is is just as bad as Bush imo but then both parties simply blame the other so they can continue doing what they want. 2/3
Scourge248
The Patriot Act which has caused all this was passed by Bush, the whole Verizon thing also started with him, along with Guantanamo, and 1/2
snarker
What is your point? Obama gets excused because the other guy did it first? Wrong is wrong.
Scourge248
Read the whole thing bud. I want to see all of them held accountable and I personally am waiting for the revolt when they reach too far.
Scourge248
We need to actually hold them accountable rather than just blame the other party, because it does absolutely nothing. 3/3
OnceInAWhileYouGetShownTheLight
All power to the working class. Stalin and Mao hid behind the title of communism to create totalatarian dictatorships that oppressed 2/2
Scourge248
In theory that's what communism is, but as far as I know a true communist state has never existed, even though that's what most people 1/2
Scourge248
around seem to want, power to the people to the point where government won't intrude on our lives. Yet it's become something nobody 2/3
Scourge248
understands and throws around at people who they don't like in politics simply because the SU hid behind it in the Cold War. 3/3
JetFuelCantMeltRealMemes
Congratulations. Republicans = Small government, Democrats = Big Government. So to all you liberals, you have no right to complain.
alinaphoenix444
Yay black vs white thinking! So long as they keep us fighting with eachother, they keep running to the bank with all the money.
SmashingChap
Yea, simplifying matters to this level is meaningful. If you expect reps to actually reduce govt once elected then I think you're naive.
itseemsthatnamewastaken
[As a conservative] It's not that black and white. There are areas (Nat. Security, Mil., Bus.) where the Republicans are ok with big. (1/2)
itseemsthatnamewastaken
Democrats are always accused of being pro-big government because they support more spending on social programs, relief funds, etc.
gimmemoartearightnow
Except G.W. Bush started the PATRIOT act...
[deleted]
[deleted]
pinkargyle
Anyone has a right to complain if they disagree with the events taking place, regardless of their political leanings.
ForgetItJakeItsChinatown
Not true... Some of the largest expansions of Govt occurred under Republican admins. They just talk the talk. Libertarians are 4 small govt.
imsohungryrightnow
Democrats and Republicans are two sides of the same coin, used to play people off of each other and give the illusion of freedom and choice.
imsohungryrightnow
2 Anything outside the 2-party system is ignored, marginalized, or ridiculed by the press, owned by the same interests as the politicans.
mirdreams
At this point I'd say both parties are more than happy to have government grow.
JetFuelCantMeltRealMemes
I can agree to that statement. Though, Romney was more "less government" than Obama is/was.
mirdreams
I agree with that. It's just hard to reign in any bureaucracy. Like all superorganisms they grow unchecked until they exhaust all resources
imsohungryrightnow
But do we really know that? Look at the disconnect between candidate Obama and President Obama. Campaign trails are often paved by lies.
ChicagoBadger
Regulating what I do with my body and in my bedroom = small government. Got it.
AraFace
Government shouldn't be regulating much at all. Meaning, what you do with your body is not their business AT ALL either way, for or against.
BigSecksi
Not forcing me to pay for your bad decisions = small government.
mouschi
No but using the government to make me pay for it is big government. No Republican is using his power to make gay sex illegal or anything.
ChicagoBadger
Making me pay for defense spending and oil subsidies = small government. Got it.
mouschi
not agreeing with oil subsidies, but national defense is pretty much the biggest single duty of the government.
ChicagoBadger
You're on crack, heroin, speed, meth, and coke if you think we need to be spending as much as we are.