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Originally Posted by gumsie  That's the way everywhere in the western world I'm afraid. We do it already but all to differing degrees. That's why we have different classifications for trucks buses, HGVs and the like. They are alll wheeled vehicles but all fall under slightly different rules and regulations to restrict and disuade. Tell that to your capitalist government. Even in a free society nobody can do what they want. They only think they can.
A socialist society restricts by law, a capitalist one by stealth. |
having been born and raised in canada which is a very socialistic country, i would never EVER go back to canada. the social political repressive atmosphere and environment is so overtly overwhelming present that i was dying every minute i was there.
i would have to say a big N-O to your point that capitalistic societies restrict by stealth. i have had more freedom of opinion and expression than i have ever ever had while living in canada.
canada and other commonwealth country citizens i have come across are literally prudish about earnings. they feel embarrassment and shame if they earn a good living. most of them hide their wealth by living as modestly as they can. they almost feel embarrassed to be seen by others if they show any sign of affluence. i see no enjoyment from the efforts of their hard labor. perhaps it was just my family, friends and those i associated with...but this was the general attitude that i constantly got.
not only do i not work as hard as i would if i were in canada, i enjoy a MUCH higher standard of living. not just materially...but, like i said, a positive and optimistic outlook on life and health care! yes, health care. that idiot michael moore can make all the right wing biased movies he wants about the poor health care in america...but there is no other country in the world i would rather be sick in than america.
when i had a hernia, i went in to see my general doctor who then sent me to see the surgeon...all in the same day! then i was scheduled for surgery in two weeks. why two weeks? because the following week i wanted to go to vegas for a party i had planned a while back. my surgery was flawless and i had THREE post op nurses tend me as i was waking up. all this cost SIGNIFICANTLY less than if i were constantly contributing my 50-60% income tax to the horrifically overused and abused social welfare system and profoundly inadequate medical system of canada. i am not telling you this to brag. here is the contrast with my friend in canada who had a DOUBLE hernia. he went to see his gp, he was told to make an appointment with a surgeon. it took 3 MONTHS to see him. the surgeon sees him and says 'yep, you need surgery'. he got it...but that was 8 months later. it took 11 MONTHS for him to receive routine surgery. btw, he makes more money than i do...and he he is taxed accordingly...and ironically, i received faster and better care.
as for freedom. yes, here in america, we can not do everything we like. that is a very unrealistic thing to say. no country is lawless. what i enjoy about america is the most freedom i have ever lived in. i have true freedom of speech. the 'freedom' when i was present in canada was no where near free. it was shaped by opinionated, one sided and near slanderous twists of truths to make america (for some reason) look like a bullying power obsessed monster.
does america have problems? you bet she does! but does great britain and other members of the g8 have problems? oh yeah...and in my opinion, a whole lot more than america!!! but that is just my point of view from personal experience...not from watching the news or some movie.