Well, the current system is a Republic, with elements of Socialism (welfare system, etc...).

I believe in capitalism, but not capitalism run amok.

There should be limits imposed on CEO pay, executive compensation, corporate welfare, etc...

The corporations in this country are becoming like the robber barons in the early part of this century, and this has got to stop.

No more corporate bailouts!

I don't think it's in our best interest to let the federal government take ownership in financial institutions, automakers or any other corporation.

After all, that's our taxes going to prop up these industries, and the taxes of all the generations to come.

Yes well govt. was suppose to be the watchdog, not take over or take advantage to grab more money. Like when they take over toll roads...or what they did to SSI.

I understand that Russian people carry their money in their coats because the govt. so FREELY confiscates wherever they find money. they don't wear those heavy coats in the summer for nuttin'!

Hell, I'm simply encouraged that there are people who know that we are in fact a republic and not a democracy. I mean NO disrespect by that comment, I am truly heartened that such is the case because it seems today that many think we are a democracy. It would be closer to say we are a representative democracy but our set-up, so to speak, is a Republic.

I am not going to delve into a communist/socialist type bashing session or rant. I don't think it is productive and I have coffee on and it's almost done. But I will say that if you look around at a lot of failed governments (realizing that historically speaking we are still very young) you'll see why a lot of the aforementioned governments have failed.

I don't believe communism and socialism truly work because I don't believe they are conducive with man's nature to both be "free" and to make choices based on free-will. The USSR collapsed for a reason and while some like to suggest that it was Ronald Reagan's fault (military build-up) that is only part of the reason. They also failed because in their hearts they did not believe in the system. People are not motivated to work when their pay may or may not come. They failed in part because communism goes against something in a man's heart. I know some will disagree but think about how many people have fled such nations, how many believed there was something better and how many risked everything to get to a better place. They knew.

I am grateful that I have no king and no queen to honor and I am grateful that we have a peaceful system of power change. I don't think that our republic is without its flaws and issues and I'll never claim that it is not something that can be improved upon. But I do think that if you look around--I mean really look around, you'll see that many, many more people want to come here than leave here. That is not meant to be glib--that is in fact a very good indicator of the opportunities that a lot of people feel this nation offers.

Great post topic.

Drew

I honestly think we have a pretty good system. But as hiker said earlier, things just got out of control.

I think capitalism, when honest, is a healthy system. It allows people to strive for success. But, now corporations infiltrated the government, and are writing laws. This is our downfall.

I would rather have no government, than a bad one. This is why i strongly believe in cutting back on it's size.

Thomas Jefferson once said "My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government."

"Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one."

-Thomas Paine



(Drew made some pretty good points about how communism and socialism don't work...)

a properly functioning republic

but the people of a republic get lax in there responsibilities

thus permitting self serving office holders

thus creating corruption

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thus the word properly being the key word

and the u s is a montage of govts including feudalism

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feu·dal·ism (fydl-zm)
n.
1. A political and economic system of Europe from the 9th to about the 15th century, based on the holding of all land in fief or fee and the resulting relation of lord to vassal and characterized by homage, legal and military service of tenants, and forfeiture.
2. A political, economic, or social order resembling this medieval system.

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try not paying the homage for the use of the land

it is confiscated and sold to someone that will pay said homage (known as proberty tax) (income tax) and what ever other tax you lose assets for not paying