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[–]StillLessons 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (2 children)

Sadly, I believe we are unlikely ever to come to an accurate tally of which man is more popular. There's too much vested interest involved, and neither side is interested in getting the true numbers, only winning. Because the Democratic side is dominant within the bureaucracy (Democratic philosophy believes the state is the solution, so more Democrats are naturally drawn into bureaucratic positions), they are in the position to put their thumb on the scales quite effectively. The evidence appears to show that Trump would have won absent this manipulation, but there's so many games being played, it's hard to know anything for sure. One thing is clear, based on the direction Democratic philosophy is trending (i.e. toward quasi-religious belief systems which exert overt censorship to prevent dissent): if the Democrats gain power over all the organs of .gov (House, Senate, President, SC), the US will become a single-party totalitarian state. Except that the population of guns available will lead to chaos before that outcome can solidify. It's no surprise the Chinese want Biden to win. That would be a much more familiar situation in which for them to operate. But 50% of actively political citizens hate the other 50%, and vice versa. Where can we draw a durable dividing line and pull to separate corners?

[–][deleted] 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

Democratic philosophy believes the state is the solution,

Look at the numbers, both parties have always increased government. Except I think for Jimmy Carter. Republicans talk the talk about limited gov, but they don't walk the walk. They want gov in your doctor's office, and in your bedroom. I meant abortion and fags in case it's not obvious.

[–]StillLessons 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

I actually agree with you here. De facto, anyone who supports any party to "lead us out of this" is philosophically agreeing that the government of the US is the tool they will use to that end, and that "the US" is a legitimate structure by which to arrange our affairs. I am aware of the hypocrisy of the Republicans (and equally importantly, of Trump himself) when it comes to "cutting government". It was completely obvious when Trump (correctly) pointed out the fact that the "market" was a joke under Obama only to do an instantaneous 180 upon election and declare that the exact same "market" now demonstrates the success of his complete abandonment of any tiny shred of remaining fiscal discipline. You've seen enough of my comments to know I do not give Trump any loyalty. I respect some of his base. Himself, no.

That said, what I said above does matter. There is a difference between two people doing precisely the same thing if one of them feels guilty enough about it to recognize it as sin. At least for the sinner there is an intellectual path out of the mess. Because Democrats philosophical structure is completely consistent with their actions, on the other hand, they have zero motivation to pull us back to the correct (non-coercive) path. In our current moment (this changes over time, but quite particularly now in fall 2020), Trump's Republicans have taken on at least the rhetorical role of calling out the government (and more specifically the bureaucracy) as the evil cancer it is. Whether hypocritical, two-faced, lying or not, it's better that at least someone continue to state that truth. At least then the banner is still out there, even if tattered and in shreds.