Jeff Thomas
New member
The more I learn of the S&W settlement, and consider the implications, the more I wonder. As I consider the fight in AZ re: firearms preemption, and the incredible influence of governmental lobbyists, I wonder even more.
Fascism is a system where government strongly controls society, but does not need to technically 'own' the assets. Usually characterized as well by a dictatorial leader, nationalism, and often bigotry.
We're not fascistic, yet. But some of this is getting pretty spooky.
Consider carefully the true import of a public policy where governments tax our society, and then use some of that theft in order to hire attorneys to threaten otherwise law-abiding industry. And, with that massive hammer, they bludgeon industries, such as tobacco and firearms, into compliance with policy they couldn't pass through our democratically-elected Congress.
Consider also our experience in Arizona. I asked an important lobbyist about his experience in this procedure. He explained how, at least in Arizona, we have massive numbers of governmental lobbyists - he estimates 50% of our lobbyists work for cities, towns, state agencies, and even sheriff's departments. 50%!! So, again, governments tax us, take part of those proceeds and hire lobbyists, and then lobby for their own interests in another branch of government! Talk about incest.
So, I don't know what you call the U.S. now. A democratic republic? Not anymore, IMHO. Things have taken a dangerous turn in this country. And, for the life of me, I honestly don't know how we get it back on track.
Reform of our tort / civil justice system seems key, but the lawyers have successfully fought that for years. Outlawing governmental lobbyists also seems critical, but I'll bet that is a damn steep hill as well.
I honestly despair this evening.
Fascism is a system where government strongly controls society, but does not need to technically 'own' the assets. Usually characterized as well by a dictatorial leader, nationalism, and often bigotry.
We're not fascistic, yet. But some of this is getting pretty spooky.
Consider carefully the true import of a public policy where governments tax our society, and then use some of that theft in order to hire attorneys to threaten otherwise law-abiding industry. And, with that massive hammer, they bludgeon industries, such as tobacco and firearms, into compliance with policy they couldn't pass through our democratically-elected Congress.
Consider also our experience in Arizona. I asked an important lobbyist about his experience in this procedure. He explained how, at least in Arizona, we have massive numbers of governmental lobbyists - he estimates 50% of our lobbyists work for cities, towns, state agencies, and even sheriff's departments. 50%!! So, again, governments tax us, take part of those proceeds and hire lobbyists, and then lobby for their own interests in another branch of government! Talk about incest.
So, I don't know what you call the U.S. now. A democratic republic? Not anymore, IMHO. Things have taken a dangerous turn in this country. And, for the life of me, I honestly don't know how we get it back on track.
Reform of our tort / civil justice system seems key, but the lawyers have successfully fought that for years. Outlawing governmental lobbyists also seems critical, but I'll bet that is a damn steep hill as well.
I honestly despair this evening.