sure complete freedom as long as others are not discriminated against on the basis of religious belief, sexual orientation, race, or gender. please remind us if I forgot one. That is one of the features of a true democracy and functional society. You learn that in any introductory legal/law class.
The basis of a true democracy and functional society ? Fair to say that most european countries rest on such laws but don t think they are much functional, and it s easy to see businesses, especially small businesses, often function on racial and religious preferences in matter of employment, even in europe. If u believe in individual freedom and private/commercial property, one should be allowed to trade with whoever he wishes, especially in premises he owns/rents .
If u believe in individual freedom and private/commercial property, one should be allowed to trade with whoever he wishes, especially in premises he owns/rents" -> yes but again, as long as it does not infringe on the basic freedoms of others. And what basic freedom is has been defined by the supreme courts in most Western societies. And I would say that this principle is very functional, you can't argue something is not functional just because you know of a few abuses or exceptions. Pretty much our whole society rests on this fundamental understanding and agreement. Imagine the US with racial or religious discrimination: Half the nation might be rejected at every airport, at every restaurant, at any other point of sale. You are arguing businesses should be allowed whom to serve and whom not... then you might never be able to leave your current location anymore just because you are a Frenchman and your means of transport rejects you on the basis of country of origin, is that the way you want it to be?
That's basically how it works from the french pov, as well as most nations, they will let people in their countries depending on the passport they hold. Or at least the conditions will be widely different depending on the passport they hold. Europe didn't come up with the worst systems to live in but repression of freedom of expression and entreprise is rampant there. And some of the worst offenders get to parade waving "antidiscrimination " flags, or even more viciously " freedom " flags, often while enjoying state subsidies.
I think we talk about different points: One is the big picture and aim, the other is implementation and results. I hope we can all agree that discrimination based on religion, sexual orientation, race, and gender is not desirable in any case. How your country reacts to such discrimination and how it targets violators is not something I concern myself with.
No argument with any of the above. The only parallel I draw between you and the nazi regime is your posting style (and ability to make friends or be civil).
A. Again, the countries that receive all the aid are probably going "I don't want more dollars, I want more dollars by capita!!". I'm sure. B. Yes, I said I would prefer it be isolationist. Not sure what Colombian jungles have to do with anything. C. I did vote for Ron Paul.
Don't forget morality. He's the great defender of that, too. "Do as I say, not as I do." And "Treat people like you, yourself, would like to be treated." That last is a Volly specialty.
B) the billions sunk into some Cocaine wars and hunt for Escobar. Each year you pour more dollars to train some special forces in Columbia, some of such trained forces turn their back and jump ship and are hired right away by the cartels. Its a war that the US will NEVER win from the supply side. Instead Americans are too proud to admit failure and snuff at Europe how some cities and countries dare to pass around fresh needles and Methadone. They conveniently ignore that crime rates have completely broken down, whole city districts have been cleaned up and the number of new drug addicts has steadily decreased. All because of a de-criminalization of junkies. But hey, keep on searching for tunnels and mules hoping this is gonna solve the problem. Awesome, finally something I can cheer you for. Ron Paul is probably the most knowledgeable politicians that the United States currently has.