Originally posted by platonic:lol I hear ya, bro
in that case, I appreciate the effort on that post. I don't know if my eyes would have survived one long paragraph.
Striving eternally... that's what we gotta do. If I remember correctly, that's basically the big theme of Goethe's Faust, and I seem to have a quote to prove it:
"Who strives always to the utmost,
For him there is salvation."
Yeah definitely, I guess it's reflective of the idea of change and evolution - life is all about change, and we've been given the choice to embrace such concepts and develop with it, or alternatively sit out one's years in the hope that it'll simply pass one by because you don't want to move from your comfort zone - I know which option I prefer
Originally posted by platonic:That's quite a hardcore statement. Come to think of it, It's been too long since I read up on Voltaire. I just remember thoroughly disliking Candide.
Voltaire is someone I've always wanted to take the time to look into more thoroughly than I have, I mean there's a lot of stuff in his arsenal, as it were, that really ring true with me at first appearances, that quote included. I find myself disagreeing with a few things people around me say, but it helps you learn and accept other people by evaluating the differences in all walks of life, but I believe it's getting the balance between rights and responsibilities. I am no fan of extreme political views such as fascism or indeed Stalinist communism etc., but I also believe that everyone should be allowed to express such views. However, if by such expression one infringes the rights of others, then you forfeit such a right to free speech, and that's where the balance needs to be made and also a key point that I feel many ignore nowadays. There's always a focus on the rights of the people etc., but it is rarely pointed out that with rights comes responsibility, and as I said above, there are those in our societies who neglect to uphold their duties responsibly.
Originally posted by platonic:I need to stop you right there and ask 'can one ever completely trust one's gov't'? But I'm sure you already agree with the idea that a citizen must be well-informed and watchful - you just didn't get around to writing that in your post. No problem - I got your back.
and about the leader needing brains as well as balls: true true. I don't doubt Obama has the brains (plus all the advisors he could ever need), but why doesn't he muscle something up?? He's still got the popularity.
I do completely agree and you did certainly read in to what I forgot to say lol - the people need to feel a certain level of trust with completely trusting, which is where it is the responsibility of the people to make sure those in power are kept in check, e.g. the media.
The recent scandals we've seen in the UK concerning public expenses and politicians abusing their rights and cheating the system, whilst not exactly helpful in the short term, would have been unthinkable 40-50 years ago when the media was much more passive and obliging. It does beg the question as to how far should the mass media be allowed to dig for content and where the lines should be drawn (if any) BUT it provides a very powerful watchdog. It does hark back to the idea concerning the rights and responsibilities in society held by those within it but then I would imagine that you can also draw on the idea regarding the forfeit of rights through the abuse of responsibilities and suffering the consequences. In the case of the media, I think that the responsibility lies in keeping abuses of power in check through broadcasting information regarding the whys and wherefores etc. BUT it shouldn't abuse such responsibility to the extent of personal gain.
Originally posted by platonic:First of all, it's not everyone's calling to run a country (or should I say 'serve the people' cough cough), so don't you dare feel a sliver of shame about it.
On the last point, I would like to offer some encouragement. I know it sounds trite and naive, but maybe I've listened to too much Napalm Death, Immortal Technique, Bob Marley, The Clash and, yes, U2, but I can't believe, won't believe, that people like you and me can't make a difference. Unfortunately, I've been out of the loop for years, down with a kind of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, but I'm finally getting the hang of how to deal with it and move forward in a positive direction. Sad to say, I lost a lot of time, and I have much catching up to do, but I'll try to pour all my spirit and muscle into it and see what I can push through.
I don't think that sounds trite per se, simply idealistic, and I think we all have our ideals and ways whereby we ponder them. I know a lot of people give people like Bono grief (rightly or wrongly? Another matter I guess) but I have always had and will continue to have respect for the man in all that he does because he's got big ideas coupled with real passion to make a positive change and I think it's really fresh and positive to see, and it's examples such as himself that give me hope. He's got the status that many don't, but it's always worth remembering that he started out with nothing and through a real determination to make something of his life, he's earnt that, and I think it shows that it's possible for anyone else too.
Originally posted by platonic:I must admit, this is one delightful discussion, but I definitely have to do some research on setting up a wireless network in my home, or when my brother comes back from his business trip, he'll be on the internet all day and everyone will wonder if I died or something. Do you happen to know a reliable tech forum where I can find tips if I get stuck?
I'm afraid I haven't a clue lol, if it's technical advice you want I'd drop someone like Drew (drewhiggins - you'll find around the forum somewhere) a line, he's got a lot of nouse with regard to techno-babble
Originally posted by platonic:See, Harry (is it ok if I use your name?), that's another reason to be hopeful, when we got the next generation coming up already knowing the pantheon of progressive and humanitarian media.
Feel free m'man, most people use real names here unless someone's name is unknown
and yeah I agree, it's very encouraging 
EDIT (1) - firstly, I'm off - great chatting everyone, catch you all soon
EDIT (2) - I think I've lived up to my billing as King of the Multi-Quote
Chris is fun to watch when his giant pumpkin head turns red with rage lol
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