- Joined
- Jun 4, 2010
- Messages
- 133,429
- Reaction score
- 43,228
- Location
- Miami
- Gender
- Male
- Political Leaning
- Independent
The fact is that if you and I had never existed, absolutely nothing in government foreign policy would be different. You shouldn't try to claim control or ownership over something you don't even have the slightest influence over, let alone administration of. I agree with your more humane perspective over Goshin's more belligerent nationalist perspective, but you're making the same error in that sense.
I have every right to claim ownership and influence over my government. I served in the armed forces during war and I vote. I've paid my dues and made my contribution. Additionally, I pay taxes that help the whole machine run. This government belongs to me as much as anyone else. I take responsibility for it and do what I can to change the things I'd like to see changed. Stop acting like we live in a totalitarian state without control of our govenment. We live in a democracy and what we do and say matters, it changes things collectively and being a part of it makes you - well, a part of it.
Just because I don't control it does not mean that I am not a part of it.
An anecdote... In 2000, the presidential election was decided by ~500 votes in my city (Miami). If I had organized just a small 'voter transportation' drive at campus, I could have decided the election in the other way.
We never know how our actions might influence the future and resigning ourselves to just say "oh, well, I don't matter" is not only stupid, it is pathetic. It has only been a short time, historically, that people have had a voice in their government, control over their authorities and recourse against tyranny. Many people still live in the dark ages of totalitarianism. We are the few, who through the strength of our ancestors and just plain dumb luck... actually have control over our lives and laws. So many suffer horribly under tyranny, and you act like we don't got crap. That's sad.
Someday maybe you will join a cause or movement larger than yourself, and then you will realize that absolute control is not required to be a meaningful part of something.
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