JonKramer, CIS-HET @JonKramer@qoto.org

@joat @godpod yes, the US. And to top it off, in one of the states with absolutely the worst records of public fraud.

We are not Finland, or Japan, or places with less graft than in the majority of the 1st world.

@jamesmarshall @joat @godpod I defy you to build a supermarket chain, or a publishing house, or any other business with a massive investment. Often billions of dollars in investment, depending on how high tech the business is.

@aldente @godpod the power is the most worrisome, although I can theorize about a benevolent dictatorship, I have yet to see an example of one in all of history. The lack of transparency and accountability is definitely a major concern of mine. Although I can imagine, and have seen examples of state secrets that should remain secret.

@jamesmarshall @joat @godpod are you trying to say that monopolies are NOT created by the state??

@jamesmarshall @joat @godpod so don't complain about billionaires if you shop in thier businesses???

@jamesmarshall @joat @godpod here is the "good answer": yes, libertarians use roads and other services they pay for, without guilt. Because, they PAID for those services. This should also be blatantly obvious.

@jamesmarshall @joat @godpod monopolies are enforced by the state. I agree, that is a problem. Who do you suggest we arrest first?

@joat @godpod because of what they have in COMMON. Billions of dollars.

This should be incredibly obvious, and the similarities should be blatantly apparent. That there are differences is basically irrelevant to the issues both have. I would say that in many ways, those differences actually make the state worse, as those in the state, assuming public servants and not monarchy/dictatorship/fascism, are LESS interested in doing good things with their capital, as it won't harm them to wage war etc. Private billionaires are the preferred alternative.

If you value mankind, at least. I don't wish to make assumptions.

@godpod , on good days, you should.

@joat @godpod they aren't. States generate their funds by force. Billionaires generate their funds by selling products someone wants to buy. I would agree that billionaires that sell to states shouldn't exist... outlaw selling weapons and building prisons, for example... but a someone who gets rich selling things people want? I LOVE those guys. And to get rid of them, just stop buying from them.

@aldente @godpod should the state have access to billions of dollars to fund wars? Or to subsidize oil industries? To create a prison industrial complex compliant with the 13th amendment?? To fund police that keep us in our place?

Is the state any better than billionaires who depend on public opinion to keep their billions? I say it is FAR worse. And I LOVE roads.

@godpod , should the state have billions of dollars?

@Benji @hasmis I grew up in Venice, single pane windows, house made of redwood in the 1930s. It was drafty but never too hot or cold. I really don't remember how it was heated... but no AC.

Here in Kentucky, this house was built in 1895. 3 stories, solid brick, original windows mostly. All single pane, all drafty. And all the worse for wear after 130 years. And all "protected" by the local historical zone laws that prohibit new energy efficient affordable windows.

But, my post was mostly a joke about it being zero degrees, not so much a complaint. Just for general info, zero (f) is COLD around here. I mean really cold. 20 is cold. But, this is a new normal. In the 80s we had a solid week of -20. Climate change is real. I know my windows suck, and I know what would be best to fix/replace them. I fix things and modernize as I can afford it... but really, the house stayed 70 degrees above the outside temp, so I'm OK for now.

@mayaisloading I don't care what my bank account says, I NEEDED that ounce of cocaine.

@hasmis @Benji way ahead of you. Got a huge roll of 3 mil plastic, and thousands of staples for my staple gun. And 6 cans of spray foam.

@hasmis @Benji , I spent a day adding that to windows Wednesday. I didn't get them all before I ran out, but it sure helped.

@hasmis, my bank account sure is...

@hasmis, house built in 1895 in a "southern" state. The whole place leaks. And historic district,

@btrinen @jeremybmerrill interested.