The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

[Strangler Lewis]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

I disagree. We don't chop off hands for stealing. I'm not suggesting that we begin doing that, but I would guess that if every kid who stole from a convenience store was missing a hand, other kids might think twice about doing it. That person who has their hand chopped off doesn't go to prison in whatever country, their punishment is immediate and physical.

Just to give equal time to white collar crime, we also don't blow out the brains of corrupt executives and government officials like they do in China.

Originally Posted by scaeagles

I don't think crime is necessarily an expression of freedom, but often times occurs because of lack of fear of penalty.

I agree, but this doesn't mean that the penalty isn't there. If you're suggesting that jail isn't a harsh enough punishment, I disagree. None of my clients like being in jail or having been in jail. Nonetheless, they often have served prior jail or prison terms. They all know people in jail or prison. I think it comes down to the fact that a lot of our poor criminal class has no investment in the larger social structure, and they just can't put two and two together. I don't know that it would be meaningfully different if we started chopping off hands.

[Alex]

Local NPR morning show has Ralph Nader on and a caller just called in and talked about how they were glad that Nader was running but the caller thinks it is time for a second American Revolution and he had hoped that Ron Paul would be triggering that but since he hasn't he was glad to support Nader.

I'm just boggled trying to figure out the worldview that would result in Ron Paul and Ralph Nader both being acceptable leaders.

[scaeagles]

Originally Posted by Gemini Cricket

Leo! Why you're nothing but a long-haired, hemp smoking, Joan Baez humping, barefooted hippie caked with the mud from the grounds of Woodstock!

With the excpetion of humping Baez....

[Gemini Cricket]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

With the excpetion of humping Baez....

lol!

[Moonliner]

*sniff* *sniff*

Something is in the air. A lot of somethings. Perhaps too many somethings.

Lear Jets to be precise. Flying over my house. Why so many tonight?

Congress is already in session.

Is there a war breaking out somewhere?

[sleepyjeff]

Originally Posted by Moonliner

*sniff* *sniff*

Something is in the air. A lot of somethings. Perhaps too many somethings.

Lear Jets to be precise. Flying over my house. Why so many tonight?

Congress is already in session.

Is there a war breaking out somewhere?

Were there a lot of Lear Jets flying over last time we broke out in war?

[Moonliner]

Originally Posted by sleepyjeff

Were there a lot of Lear Jets flying over last time we broke out in war?

Pretty much every time there is a major politial crisis (or congress goes into session) you can count on that.

It's rather like the Domino effect ....

[scaeagles]

Perhaps this has something to do with the Venezuela/Columbia/Ecuador situation?

[Moonliner]

Actually if I had to bet money, I'd go with primary related travel.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Interesting. Today seems to be following the super Tuesday pattern. For whatever reason, Clinton's got a big advantage among people who make up their mind on the last day (or at least tell pollsters that they're undecided until the last day). I wonder what is it about her that attracts indecisive people?