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Originally Posted by Yakk
People do go into government because they want to matter. And, anyone who kept playing the economic game after they have a few million clean and clear is either an idiot or isn't playing to increase their standard of living. They are playing the game because they enjoy the game.
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That is the rational thought but human beings aren't rational. I can't explain it, but a few million isn't enough for many people once they have achieved it. Haven't you noticed that the person who earns $10,000/year wishes he made $15,000 but the person who makes $100,000 wishes he made $150,000 and so on. Not rational at all.
I spent two years roaming the halls of Ottawa because I wanted to matter - to have a positive effect - but you come to realize that the shit flows with or without you. First term politicians are there with the shield of naivety. The rest of them are there for the martini lunches - and might just fill their pockets on the way by. So, you saddle up to the bar - or get out.
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Originally Posted by Yakk
Becoming a millionare via corrupt government dealings -- there isn't all that much point, there are easier ways to get rich (another use for capitalism!)
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Again, you are too rational...
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Originally Posted by Yakk
I believe in the exploitation of capitalists. =)
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A truly great saying!
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Originally Posted by Yakk
I don't want to play the high stakes game that libertarians would turn the economy into.
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Kurt Russell will be paying you a visit!
It's far from a perfect idea. I simply embrace the philosophy of "Don't @@@@ with me, and I won't @@@ with you". It's not the way to run the world, just a consideration to be given when choosing from the range of what is practical.
It's interesting that most libertarians strongly discount Rousseau's Social Contract. I see the "Do unto others..." idea as just another angle of the "Don't do unto me..."
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Originally Posted by Yakk
You will probably be willing to do a hell of a lot of work for other people in exchange for 'owning your car', and you'll probably be made happy by 'owning your car'.
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Well I would be, but when it comes to selecting a new family vehicle, I must sacrifice considerable liberty in the name of marital harmony.