On 12/4/11, Hutchings, Mat (H USA) <mat.hutchings@siemens.com> wrote:
I've got to chime in on a political statement that was made in this thread. It was said that: "The American system states that the majority shall have their way...". The American system does not state this. We are a representative republic, not a strict democracy. A representative republic protects the rights of minorities.
I agree with you, Mat, but it rarely turns out that way. I firmly believe that the purpose of a democracy is to protect the rights of the minority. But what the American system "states" isn't what happens in practice much of the time. See the entire message of my posts, not just a statement that glows red-hot when taken on it's own. I'm being a deliberate thorn in your sides here, folks. I'm not one to hold hands and sing "Kumbaya" just because it feels good. I'm trying to get people to see that you could get your butt handed to you on a platter. The world is a dangerous place. In the eternal struggle between good and evil, evil usually wins, unless good is very, very careful. And even then, it's never a sure thing. I'm at a place in life where I don't have the time or resources to take a political stand. My life is, of necessity, completely focused on survival with perhaps a few hours per week (or month) of discretionary time. I was socially active quite a lot in my younger days, (contact me off-list for details if interested) and what I learned is that you get slapped down hard almost all of the time if in the minority. I've had to take care of an extended family financially since I was 15 years old, to the detriment of my own career and lifelong, heartfelt interests and desires. I'm pretty sure few of you have had to do the same thing for a period stretching over decades. I'm not complaining, I'm grateful that the universe has allowed me the means to get done what I needed to do, and granted me good health enough to do it, but I'm telling you this so you can call upon the compassion in your hearts and understand that I'm actually, truthfully, not on the opposite side of this issue- I am trying to tell you that you face an uphill battle, and not even having the letter of the law, or a moral high ground, will entirely suffice to win the battle. Humanity isn't a noble race. We are animals, and the animalistic aspects of our nature almost always trump the efforts of those who try to rise above it. Don't expect "the system" to come to your rescue. Quoting the words and ideas of founding fathers and leaders whom we admire won't get the job done. Neither will faith in a 'higher power' alone. It may get ugly if you are in it for the long haul. Really ugly. Be ready for it.