[DrCaleb]

Brenda Brenda:

DrCaleb DrCaleb:

Don't even get me started about the Broadway version of Security Theatre as seen in airports everywhere.

Talking about that... I flew from Las Vegas to Spokane a while ago, and forgot to put my toothpaste in my luggage. It was in my carry on. As were a couple of phone chargers.
They wanted to open my bag. Okay, whatever. They didn't care about the chargers (that showed up as wires on the x-ray thingy.) They cared about the toothpaste because it was 5 ml bigger than was 'allowed'. I told them they could have it. They didn't take it. They apparently felt like they needed to show their 'authority' or something.

Idiots.

And everyone felt a little safer knowing your toothpaste was the allowable size.

[PublicAnimalNo9]

I was wondering how the assholes figured they could enforce US tax laws on other countries. I guess I got my answer, BLACKMAIL!

$1:

If banks refuse to comply, they face severe financial penalties — a 30 per cent withholding tax on all American-sourced income or sales of American-based assets.

What would be hilarious to see is all those banks saying "FU" and dumping any and all of their current American-based assets.

[BartSimpson]

Public_Domain Public_Domain:

Does anyone say that? I just think they're idiots because they only see a problem with the state. The private industry masters get a pass, despite being who the state fucks us over with hand-in-hand.

You don't see the ties between the Uniparty and Wall Street? I'm surprised.

The reason that Wall Street can abuse people the way they have is because they have a monolithic state backing them. It's all about power.

[BartSimpson]

Brenda Brenda:

DrCaleb DrCaleb:

Don't even get me started about the Broadway version of Security Theatre as seen in airports everywhere.

Talking about that... I flew from Las Vegas to Spokane a while ago, and forgot to put my toothpaste in my luggage. It was in my carry on. As were a couple of phone chargers.
They wanted to open my bag. Okay, whatever. They didn't care about the chargers (that showed up as wires on the x-ray thingy.) They cared about the toothpaste because it was 5 ml bigger than was 'allowed'. I told them they could have it. They didn't take it. They apparently felt like they needed to show their 'authority' or something.

Idiots.

Some years ago I had to travel and the TSA confiscated my nail clippers because they might be dangerous.

The .45 that was on my belt was okay because I had my Federal permit for it.

So I was good to go with the .45 and two extra mags but the nail clippers? Sweet Jesus! Those might be dangerous!

[DrCaleb]

It was common knowledge that Slobovian separatists were hijacking planes with the little file on the clippers. Many planes loads of pigs and watermelons ended up in Upper Elbonia before the screeners caught on.

[ShepherdsDog]

BartSimpson BartSimpson:

Anyone care to tell me again how the Tea Party's complaints about the US government being arrogant, too powerful, and bullying are just paranoid rants?

An almond tree versus a walnut tree.....still nuts

[BartSimpson]

ShepherdsDog ShepherdsDog:

BartSimpson BartSimpson:

Anyone care to tell me again how the Tea Party's complaints about the US government being arrogant, too powerful, and bullying are just paranoid rants?

An almond tree versus a walnut tree.....still nuts

And you're defending the walnut tree.

[Public_Domain]

[BartSimpson]

Public_Domain Public_Domain:

What are you talking about? I don't see the "ties"?

http://www.opensecrets.org/overview/topcontribs.php

http://www.motherjones.com/politics/201 ... e-sponsors

Both articles source to public records.

[Public_Domain]

[BartSimpson]

Public_Domain Public_Domain:

I don't understand why you think I'm disagreeing with you on this.

My apologies...I suppose I'm just not used to that!



I still maintain that the main issue is an all-too-powerful government. Absent the power there'd be less reason for industry to try to buy influence.

[Public_Domain]

[PluggyRug]

LoL

[BartSimpson]

Public_Domain Public_Domain:

And less to slow them down (from hurting society).

Conversely, an all-powerful government that tries to run a command economy also has nothing to slow it down.

To be blunt, the butcher's bill of the past 100 years clearly demonstrates that people have far more to fear from governments that are excessively powerful as opposed to corporations that are not adequately regulated.

I'll err on the side of liberty every time.

Doing anything else gives me a government that dictates terms to good people like you find in Canada.

[Public_Domain]