Conservative or Libertarian?

[Accountable]

Sorry I did not get your response. I don't know how willing people are to help those in need. The state of Minnesota uses tax funds to insure children have medical and can eat. I don't think this would be accomplished with just donations, not enough to achieve what a State sponsored program has and continues to achieve. And yes I believe a hefty portion of those people don't like paying taxes for this purpose.

Government takeover of individual responsibility is not proof that such a takeover is necessary, nor is acquiescing to it. Do you count yourself among those unwilling to help in the absence of gov't programs?

 

[Minor Axis]

Government takeover of individual responsibility is not proof that such a takeover is necessary, nor is acquiescing to it. Do you count yourself among those unwilling to help in the absence of gov't programs?

Depends on how much we are talking about per month. I believe that taxes are a better way to accomplish the goal, not asking for donations which would be very inconsistent and difficult to manage a program based on the latter.

I can give you another example, recycling. In Minnesota the government instituted a mandatory recycling program. Now that citizens are paying for it whether they like it or not (about $5 per month) it is very easy for everyone to recycle, and in addition trash collection companies who charge by the container, do not charge extra for recycling waste. My impression is that if the goal is to effectively deal with waste, this is much more effective program, than in the Houston neighborhood where I currently live where recycling is voluntary, handled at the local Park & Ride parking lot only on the weekend. I believe a very small percentage of the community takes the time to lug their recyclables over on the weekend.

So which area is more effectively dealing with their waste? What is your read on the authoritarian nature of Minnesota's approach?

 

[Accountable]

Depends on how much we are talking about per month. I believe that taxes are a better way to accomplish the goal, not asking for donations which would be very inconsistent and difficult to manage a program based on the latter.

I can give you another example, recycling. In Minnesota the government instituted a mandatory recycling program. Now that citizens are paying for it whether they like it or not (about $5 per month) it is very easy for everyone to recycle, and in addition trash collection companies who charge by the container, do not charge extra for recycling waste. My impression is that if the goal is to effectively deal with waste, this is much more effective program, than in the Houston neighborhood where I currently live where recycling is voluntary, handled at the local Park & Ride parking lot only on the weekend. I believe a very small percentage of the community takes the time to lug their recyclables over on the weekend.

So which area is more effectively dealing with their waste? What is your read on the authoritarian nature of Minnesota's approach?

It prioritizes garbage over liberty. Not a very stellar testimony.

 

[Minor Axis]

It prioritizes garbage over liberty. Not a very stellar testimony.

You might be happier living in a commune on private land, out in the sticks away from civilization, where members see things as you do.

 

[Accountable]

You might be happier living in a commune on private land, out in the sticks away from civilization, where members see things as you do.

Hey, you asked.

 

[Tim]

It prioritizes garbage over liberty. Not a very stellar testimony.

So do you always favor individual liberty over the benefits of living in a civilized society?
Because I do not believe it's possible to live in a world as you describe. Your view of liberty would absolutely trump any sort of community.

 

[Accountable]

So do you always favor individual liberty over the benefits of living in a civilized society?
Because I do not believe it's possible to live in a world as you describe. Your view of liberty would absolutely trump any sort of community.

Trash service is really that important to you?

 

[Accountable]

So do you always favor individual liberty over the benefits of living in a civilized society?
Because I do not believe it's possible to live in a world as you describe. Your view of liberty would absolutely trump any sort of community.

Again with the "if government doesn't do it then it doesn't get done" myth. It's beginning to resemble a religion with you two.

 

[Tim]

Trash service is really that important to you?

Why can't you ever answer a direct question? I swear it's like talking to my 4 year old.

Again with the "if government doesn't do it then it doesn't get done" myth. It's beginning to resemble a religion with you two.

Once again, you don't even address the question...

And I do NOT believe that things must be done by the government if they are needed to be done.

But I do believe one of the main functions of government is the protection of it's citizens. Whether that be law enforcement, fire protection, military, protection of our borders, trade agreements, treaties, and yes making sure that garbage is collected. It doesn't mean that I want the government collecting garbage, but I want to make sure that their are laws in place to make sure that my neighbors don't build a mountain of stinking trash.
You seem to think (And I can't be sure since you never answer questions) that peoples liberty are the be all end all. That your private property is yours and you can do what ever you want. If the government tries to impose any regulations, rules or laws that pertain to your property that it's a violation of your liberty and thus not allowed... :dunno

I guess I can only speculate based on your previous posts.

 

[Minor Axis]

Trash service is really that important to you?

It's the perfect example of why we trust government with these kinds of issues.

Again with the "if government doesn't do it then it doesn't get done" myth. It's beginning to resemble a religion with you two.

Regarding recycling, I have given you an example where government made it happen and where it did not make it happen and guess what? No one else, no volunteer or business entity made it happen. This is something that requires compliance otherwise it may turn into a huge problem. It's just like required water rationing, I imagine another of your perceived authoritarian transgressions that will trash your cherished liberty. It reaches a point where hoping people will do the right thing does not work. Your wait and see what happens method of governance is not realistic.

 

[Accountable]

Why can't you ever answer a direct question? I swear it's like talking to my 4 year old.



Once again, you don't even address the question...

And I do NOT believe that things must be done by the government if they are needed to be done.

But I do believe one of the main functions of government is the protection of it's citizens. Whether that be law enforcement, fire protection, military, protection of our borders, trade agreements, treaties, and yes making sure that garbage is collected. It doesn't mean that I want the government collecting garbage, but I want to make sure that their are laws in place to make sure that my neighbors don't build a mountain of stinking trash.
You seem to think (And I can't be sure since you never answer questions) that peoples liberty are the be all end all. That your private property is yours and you can do what ever you want. If the government tries to impose any regulations, rules or laws that pertain to your property that it's a violation of your liberty and thus not allowed... :dunno

I guess I can only speculate based on your previous posts.

That is the ideal, and the ideal should be maintained whenever feasible. It's understandable that crowded areas would have to compromise some liberties, but that certainly isn't justification to make such things national policy. It certainly shouldn't be praised. It's no more praiseworthy than building an outhouse is praiseworthy; it's a compromise, nothing more. Strive to maintain the ideal, and legislate only when the ideal is not possible, rather than not convenient.

Legislation is surrender because legislation only limits liberty. Government-run garbage service is a convenience. It limits liberty, regardless of how little or how trivial. Necessary? Maybe. Convenient? Almost unarguable. Praiseworthy? Hardly.