Before leaving the house early one morning in 63 BC, an anxious Julius Caesar told his mother, “Today thou shalt see thy son either pontifex maximus… or an exile.”
Caesar was running for his first BIG elected office- pontifex maximus, the high priest of Rome. And he was a young upstart at the time.
His opponents were all older, more reputable men. And his chances were low.
But Caesar had an ace up his toga. Since he couldn’t win on merit, he planned to buy the election, blowing ridiculous sums of money to butter up the voters.
He spent lavishly on games, gifts, and feasts. And he borrowed nearly all of the funds to do it.
This was an enormous risk for him; if Caesar lost the election, he wouldn’t have been able to repay his financiers, and likely would have fled the city.
Caesar had borrowed so much money, in fact, that he single-handedly depleted cash reserves among Rome’s major lenders, causing a significant bump in interest rates.
Cicero remarks on this in a letter to a friend, writing: “Bribery’s thriving… the interest rate has doubled.”
Of course, it wasn’t technically ‘bribery’.
Ancient Rome had a very fine line between bribing voters (known as ‘ambitus’), and simply being a generous guy (‘benignitas’). Caesar insisted he was the latter.
When the votes were finally counted (or not counted), Caesar was declared the winner, thus continuing the long-standing tradition of buying your way into office and rewarding your benefactors with political favor.
He wasn’t the first to do this. And he certainly wouldn’t be the last.
In the Land of the Free today, the modern scion of the Republic, very little has changed from Ancient Rome.
One primary difference is that rather than spending campaign money on gifts and games to entertain voters, the election itself has become the entertainment.
Presidential races today are nothing more than a two-year, multi-billion dollar circus performance.
Mainstream election coverage already ranks among the most banal reality television, focusing on scandal, conflict, one-liner zingers, and hairstyle choices.
And now that Donald Trump has entered the race, the 2016 Presidential election will assuredly become the Greatest Show on Earth.
I can just imagine the media eating up his witty use of the phrase “You’re Fired” in campaign speeches that refer to his opponents.
But perhaps it’s America that’s fired.
Sure, you get to engage in the most demeaning exercise of casting a ballot so that one of these people can steal half of your money and use it to make you less free.
They call that ‘voting,’ and we’re told it’s our civic duty. But it’s just an illusion.
Just like in Caesar’s time, the election will go to the people who spend the most money.
But I’m not talking about the candidates. They’re just puppets. Entertainers.
I’m talking about the people who bankroll them.
These financiers have learned some valuable lessons since 63 BC: you never back just one horse.
Instead, they hedge their bets by heavily funding multiple candidates and buying influence over all of them.
One only need look at Hillary Clinton’s top donors to get a sense of who they are: Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, etc.
Anyone who strays from their interests has his/her funding cut and is pronounced ‘unelectable’ and ‘unpresidential’ early in the circus by the media ringmasters.
This makes voting nothing more than a pointless, demeaning illusion of choice between candidates who have already been preselected by their financial backers.
It reminds me of what it used to be like wandering down the grocery store’s cereal aisle when I was a kid.
Sure it seemed like there were a ton of options.
But when you really looked closely, you could see that all the products were all packed full of the same unhealthy chemical ingredients and GMO grains.
And only about three companies produced all of them– Kellogg’s, Post, and General Mills. Not much of a choice after all.
Yet people fall for this scam every single election cycle. They think that their vote matters, and then they go to the polls and ‘choose’ whoever has the best jump shot, or whoever promises them the most free stuff.
(Remember, it’s not bribery if a candidate is just being generous!)
Curiously the country always ends up worse than before– less free, and more broke.
If you really want to vote in a way that counts, you have two far more powerful ballots you can cast.
If you really want to vote in a way that counts, you have two far more powerful ballots you can cast. They’re called your feet.
The direction in which you move those feet is of the utmost importance. Instead of walking away like the author suggested:
If there really is a problem and if you really want to solve the problem….you have a more powerful action, you walk towards the problem to solve it and not away from it.
When the problem can't or won't be solved, you walk away.
Sure, you get to engage in the most demeaning exercise of casting a ballot so that one of these people can steal half of your money and use it to make you less free.
They call that ‘voting,’ and we’re told it’s our civic duty. But it’s just an illusion.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.†- Ron Paul
Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
You and Gatlin are both delusional if you think (insert Republican name here) is going to ride in on a white horse and save the Republic.
ALL of the candidates are mere puppets who are bought and paid for and no one will be elected President unless they have sold their soul and have the approval of the corporate moneyed interests, Luciferian controllers and banksters who pull the strings and make their puppets dance to their tune.
It doesn't really matter whether a Democrat is president or a Republican is, the agenda remains the same.
This is how it works :
To give the people the illusion of political choice - at any given moment, the party in power introduces and promotes the NWO, pro-police state agenda while the party not in power opposes the agenda and criticizes the party that is in power.
Then we have a farce called "elections" where the governing party is replaced by the opposition party.
The new governing party, which opposed the agenda previously now introduces and promotes it, while the other party now opposes it.
Nothing changes - the agenda continues to be pushed forward.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.†- Ron Paul
Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Your philisophy of "I quit" "the load is to heavey" "I can't do it" is the philisophy of losers who are quitters.
My philosophy is that elections are a pointless exercise in futility and are designed to give people the illusion that there is a difference between the agenda of the D's and R's.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.†- Ron Paul
Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.†- Ron Paul
Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
You need to "man up, pull yourself together" and take back control of your life to cease letting events control you life.
I can assure you that I have my life under control and unlike you, I am aware enough to recognize that voting accomplishes nothing.
I accomplish more by NOT voting - at least this way I am not enabling the criminals and their NWO agenda.
You are really naive if you think voting makes a difference.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.†- Ron Paul
Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Calm down princess, don't worry - TrumpCruzRubioRandCarlyChristieJeb will save us!!
Stop being a miseraable ass...
I'm happy as a clam - just because I can see elections for what they are, a farce doesn't make me miserable, or an ass for that matter.
But hey man - knock yourself out, go all in for whatever Illuminati-chosen puppet floats your boat.
It ain't gonna make any difference.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.†- Ron Paul
Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Actually, Trump is the one candidate who doesn't need to ask for money in return for future favors. I can't see Trump, worth $9 billion, begging anyone for money.
If "bankrolling" really concerns the author, I assume he's going to back the man who doesn't need it?
Actually, Trump is the one candidate who doesn't need to ask for money in return for future favors.
Sorry to burst your bubble princess, but Trump ain't gonna be president.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.†- Ron Paul
Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
A recent Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll found that an overwhelming majority -- 74 percent -- of GOP primary voters said they can't see themselves supporting Trump in the race for the White House.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.†- Ron Paul
Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Sorry to burst your bubble princess, but Trump ain't gonna be president.
In a way, Trump reminds me of Ross Perot - business man, outsider, wealthy, plain spoken and a populist. He helped Slick Willie get elected IIRC; now Trump might do the same for Hitlery.
I leave “Deckard’s Downers” and go to have an enjoyable breakfast. While sitting there and before I start to eat, Ron Paul appears on the TV to pimp his new website. I pick up my plate and return to the computer room to eat….after deciding that Deckard is not the worst thing happening this morning.
While maintaining my optimism, I am however beginning to feel like the gecko:
If Perot cost Bush the election, the proof must lie somewhere else. On a statistical basis, it's essentially impossible to make a case for Perot costing Bush the 1992 presidential election. The election results show that Perot took many voters from Clinton among his supporters who demonstrated a low interest in politics by voting only for President and Governor, while taking marginally from Bush among those who demonstrated more commitment by casting ballots for Congress.
This analysis can be further confirmed by comparing the 1992 and 1996 results where Perot's vote dropped by 10 million compared to 1992. By comparing the vote totals for Clinton in both years with Bush's and Dole's (assuming Dole voters and Bush voters were the same voters) it is possible to conclude that in 1992 Perot's presence on the ballot cost Bush: Montana, North Carolina, Colorado and Georgia. However, Perot cost Clinton: Florida and Arizona in 1992. So, in 1992, Perot cost Clinton 32 electoral votes while costing Bush 37 electoral votes. Bush lost by 100 electoral votes, so 5 more would not have given him victory.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.†- Ron Paul
Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Yeah - I can see why reality can be such a downer for those like you who are saddled with cognitive dissonance.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.†- Ron Paul
Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
In any case, Trump is a bit of a lightning rod - lots of folks talking at the tavern yesterday about him with Oprah as his running mate. I know it was a joke, but some people just don't listen.
The Pubbies should load all their candidates on the short bus and tour the country. That would be entertainment for the masses.
My philosophy is that elections are a pointless exercise in futility
Then how do you suggest we pick from our peers to run the government, Einstein? Run everything by you?
Every society gets the kind of criminal it deserves. What is equally true is that every community gets the kind of law enforcement it insists on. Robert Kennedy
The Pubbies should load all their candidates on the short bus and tour the country. That would be entertainment for the masses.
That's what it is alright - the biggest (and most expensive) reality show on the TeeBee.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.†- Ron Paul
Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Then how do you suggest we pick from our peers to run the government,
Gee whiz badge-boy - you still haven't got it yet, have you?
You really still think that there are two opposing sides.
Here's a news flash -
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.†- Ron Paul
Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Deckard wants to believe he has no control over any facet of our government, leaving him free to complain about "us vs. them".
Self-governance scares Deckard, since he'd then have to take personal responsibility for those he elects to office. He'd rather sit at his mom's computer and complain about how "government" is ruining his life.
That's obvious - although it's more of an "insanity" problem with you.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.†- Ron Paul
Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Deckard is like Capatilist Eric (if you remember him)... there's no hope, we're all finished... we will collapse by years end. THAT WAS HOW MANY YEARS AGO HE POSTED THAT BULLSHIT ON LP? Infowarrior sucked up and fed off his bullshit... and now capitalist Eric is awol and infoburger has changed names to avoid his shame.
Let's pass the hat and buy a heavy rope for Bucky and Deckard... If there's no hope and doing nothing is the answer... they might as well just end it all.
Every society gets the kind of criminal it deserves. What is equally true is that every community gets the kind of law enforcement it insists on. Robert Kennedy
The truth is, there is no right or left. There is only right and wrong. The party bosses and ardent followers would have you believe otherwise. They would have you believe that right is whatever particular party they belong to, and wrong is the political opposition. This might be true if the sides of today were genuine. Instead, both parties and most mainstream organizations funnel into the same end result: total control.
While the left and right bicker publicly on hot topics," the end result is the same, regardless of who is President, or who is in control of Congress. Less freedoms for individuals, less sovereignty for nations, losses of jobs through insane international agreements like NAFTA, the dilution of American culture, and the over extension of our military.
It's been said that if you don't like what the Republicans are doing, vote for the Democrats, and if you don't like what Democrats are doing, vote Republican.
It's set up like a game. I have my favorite team, and you have yours. I'll back my team no matter what, just as long as your team doesn't win.
The problem is, both teams are full of scandalous figures who are so busy selling you and I out for their own personal gain, they have no time or desire to help our country in this time of need.
While we Americans are busy cheering our favorite politicos and jeering our least favorites, both sides are pursuing the policy of the destruction of America.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.†- Ron Paul
Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.†- Ron Paul
Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Infowarrior sucked up and fed off his bullshit... and now capitalist Eric is awol and infoburger has changed names to avoid his shame.
Don't you ever get tired of being wrong?
Stone asked if I wanted to keep Deckard or use Bill D Berger. The second one is now unusable.
Now if you want to accuse someone of using multiple screen names, Gatlin would be the obvious choice.
He has been documented as having several.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.†- Ron Paul
Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.†- Ron Paul
Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
I know at least 10 people off the top of my head that voted Perot. They 100 percent all would have voted for Bush. I live in Ohio so that makes it more special.
I respectfully suggest that the quote "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting it to come out different" is a misattribution to both Franklin and Einstein.
According to Google news archive, the earliest news article attributing the quote to Franklin is from 2004.
The earliest attribution to Einstein is 1998. By contrast, the earliest Google news article that attributes "time is money" to Franklin is 1849
The earliest news article in Google's archives that has the quote "The definition of insanity is doing the same...." is 1991 to Zamberletti of the Vikings. He said "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing year after year and expecting different results"
The earliest reference to "insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results" is 1989 to david boswell
The earliest reference to "the definition of insanity is doing..." is 1986 to Tony Elliott of the New Orleans Saints when he said "the definition of insanity is doing over and over again things that can kill you"
A similar quote is from "Sudden Death" by Rita Mae Brown, from 1983.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.†- Ron Paul
Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Pretty sure it was among the first posts you made to me after LP closed down.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.†- Ron Paul
Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
Apparently no one knows where the quote originated.
I merely wanted to point out your ignorrance....I did that.
So sayeth the genius who believes yukon's LP account was hacked.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.†- Ron Paul
Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
It should be easy for you to look it up and then BE sure.
Look Tater, I don't have to prove ANYTHING to you.
“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.†- Ron Paul
Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.
"We (government) need to do a lot less, a lot sooner" ~Ron Paul