Michael Moore's "Sicko"

[Tref]

Originally Posted by Kevy Baby

I firmly believe that individuals are generally fairly smart, but that the masses are generally pretty stupid.

Speaking for the masses, I just want to personally thank you for showing us the way!

Say, KB, did you know we (the stupid masses) also pay 12 billion dollars a month for war?

Of course, we can pay for war, but God help those who would like us to pay for health, right Alex?

Thank you both for setting us straight!

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by Tref

Speaking for the masses, I just want to personally thank you for showing us the way!

Say, KB, did you know we (the stupid masses) also pay 12 billion dollars a month for war?

Of course, we can pay for war, but God help those who would like us to pay for health, right Alex?

Thank you both for setting us straight!

Nothing like taking a statement and blowing it completely out of context.

But I stand by my words. Individuals usually make pretty good judgments. An individual is not capable of speaking for the masses - that is the basis of the statement. It is easier for the "masses" to make blanket statements and believe Utopian dreams. This is not a political statement on one side or the other (and could be used by either side of the aisle). It is just a truism that I happen to believe.

[Tref]

Originally Posted by Kevy Baby

Nothing like taking a statement and blowing it completely out of context.

But I stand by my words. Individuals usually make pretty good judgments. An individual is not capable of speaking for the masses - that is the basis of the statement. It is easier for the "masses" to make blanket statements and believe Utopian dreams. This is not a political statement on one side or the other (and could be used by either side of the aisle). It is just a truism that I happen to believe.

Well, hmm, masses do a democracy make ... but I am not sure if that is what you mean. Your masses are made up of individuals, correct? And these individuals can make "pretty good judgments, right? Or, maybe you are suggesting these masses are a separate entity, that dream of utopia and "make blanket statements" as one. Wow. Hmm. Methinks, KB, ye watch too much Star Trek.

But at any rate, FREE HEALTH CARE FOR ALL*

[Alex]

Originally Posted by Tref

Of course, we can pay for war, but God help those who would like us to pay for health, right Alex?

Yes, to a degree (though since I don't pay directly out of pocket for it, per the definition offered in this thread I would like to point out that our nation offers free warfare). War is most certainly a government function, one of the few specific ones written into the constitution for our government.

Now, whether this war is a good use of money is an altogether different this.

But I really don't see the argument you're making. Just because I like something better than war is not a justification for the government paying for it. I like Snickers bars and blow jobs better than war too but so far I still pay for those out of my own pocket.

We won't change anybody's minds. I am essentially a liberal libertarian and see as a net bad thing the exact same thing you likely see as a net good thing. There is no common ground on which to build a consensus other than to either just all shut up or just enjoy the process of explaining ourselves.

But that is mostly moot. If I though Moore's suggestions would actually result in a massive improvement I might support it anyway. But I don't think that, in fact I think if the choice is that or the status quo then the status quo is preferable.

That's just me, though. I don't think the people who disagree with me are stupid, evil, immoral, ignorant, fascists, communists, etc. (though they might be any of these things). I just think we disagree. And that is what makes talking about it interesting.