Why DON'T they like Romney?

The problem with morality is that its individual. Sure, there are broad brush strokes almost everyone can agree on, but as definitions get more and more precise dissension becomes more and more likely. I do think most of us here would prefer to not live in a society where all behavior is dictated by the government (as we've all been guilty of thoughtcrime at one time or another). Guess we'll just have to keep wrestling with the issues and searching for the answers just like humans for all the millenia before us. I won't personally be all that worried about us unless we stop searching.

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Originally Posted by bae

Impressive. A simple question, and the responses are mostly personal attacks, straw men, and sophistry.

Very telling.

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So you are saying that you pattern your ethical foundation on the Amish?

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Originally Posted by rosebud

So you are saying that you pattern your ethical foundation on the Amish?

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I detailed what I base my ethics on in post #198 above. Which is quite different from the Amish.

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Originally Posted by bae

I detailed what I base my ethics on in post #198 above. Which is quite different from the Amish.

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Well, it is kind of funny to think about: Your ethics being informed by the Amish...since you're an atheist and you have a lot of money and guns. Just not what I think of when I think of the Amish. But, I respect the fact that you have spent a lot of time developing your moral code/ethical reasoning and certainly put a lot more thought into translating your ethics into policy positions than most people.

I have more of a utilitarian bent myself.

Have you read "The Life You Can Save" by Peter Singer?

Random thoughts:

Peter Singer is widely reviled among those who find his stand on what might be called "post-birth abortion" repugnant.

I'm not ashamed to call myself a liberal or a progressive or a democratic socialist/libertarian. Not a bit. I have no use whatsoever for strict collectivism or communism, but if others want to live communally, I have no problem with it. Totalitarianism is something else altogether.

I'm generally of the "Don't tell me what to do!" persuasion, but I recognize that societies will make collective--or representative--decisions, and levy taxes, and I have no problem with that, either.

Air America was poorly managed, that's for sure. Fortunately, most of its talent is still on the air, and I listen to them regularly. Rachel Maddow is a particular favorite of mine.

I respect Michael Moore; he's one of the few filmmakers I'll pay to watch. Roger and Me was just a sad preview of events to come.

Democrats don't stand together very well. They could take lessons from Republicans in that regard.

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Originally Posted by JaneV2.0

Random thoughts:

Peter Singer is widely reviled among those who find his stand on what might be called "post-birth abortion" repugnant.

I'm not ashamed to call myself a liberal or a progressive or a democratic socialist/libertarian. Not a bit. I have no use whatsoever for strict collectivism or communism, but if others want to live communally, I have no problem with it. Totalitarianism is something else altogether.

I'm generally of the "Don't tell me what to do!" persuasion, but I recognize that societies will make collective--or representative--decisions, and levy taxes, and I have no problem with that, either.

Air America was poorly managed, that's for sure. Fortunately, most of its talent is still on the air, and I listen to them regularly. Rachel Maddow is a particular favorite of mine.

I respect Michael Moore; he's one of the few filmmakers I'll pay to watch. Roger and Me was just a sad preview of events to come.

Democrats don't stand together very well. They could take lessons from Republicans in that regard.

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I just think it is interesting that BAE cites Singer as one of his influences. I could swear that The Life You Can Save was squarely in favor of divesting oneself of excess cash to save other people from starvation. He's arguing that we have obligations to people across the globe from us both in terms of government aid and in terms of personal responsibility. The marginal utility of owning more than one car for example for most people does not outweigh the utility of not starving to death for other people. I'm going to get that book out of the library again. I know he specifically discusses foreign aid which of course comes from taxes...

I think Democrats are doing a better job of standing together this year Republicans. The Republican primaries have been so much fun! Rachel is my favorite MSNBC host. She does her research and treats all her guests with respect.

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I think Democrats are doing a better job of standing together this year Republicans.

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I wish there was a challenger on the Dem side.

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The marginal utility of owning more than one car for example for most people does not outweigh the utility of not starving to death for other people.

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Actually technically neither does the marginal utility of owning ONE car, really. I could say just walk the mile to public transport, and then take the public transport which takes around an hour and 20 minutes to take me to work. Do the same thing going home. Perhaps 3-4 hours or so out of my day commuting. Am I going to? No :). But I must admit I'd rather do it than be someone who is starving to death. Better really to address root causes of starvation IMO, but oh that gets into a mess too (world politics, wars, etc.).