Theos-Talk Archives (November 1999 Message tl00289)

Randy wrote:

>Everything you discuss though is reducible to questions of:
>1.  Am I entitled to the fruits of my labors

Indeed you are, but (the big BUT), so are others.  If you invent a cure for
cancer, you are are not entitled - spiritually - to keep it only for
yourself or those you love.  In the physical realm, humans can attempt to
keep for themselves whatever they desire, but "morally" (I hate that term)
one is expected to share.  If you earn a paycheck, part of that paycheck
will always go to someone else.  Example: if you buy groceries, employees
of the grocery store will reap (albeit a small amount) of your earnings.
In order for society to exist in a peaceful manner, people must share.  The
hogging of one's fruits aids neither the hogger's growth or the growth of
other beings.  There are people in the world who have too much, and there
are people who have too little - this imbalance is the cause of much global
suffering.  The "me first" mentality creates a twisted view of one's self
in relations with others.  Its foundation is always "us vs. them."

>2...Are women different than men

Different in a few ways, yes.  The differences seem to center around
reproduction, though.  Most everything else can be balanced out.  There are
some women who are stronger physically than some men, and some men who are
physically stronger than women.  Some men are smarter than some women, and
some women are smarter than some men.  And so it goes. . ..

>3.  Do I have a right to redress if your ancestors did something to mine 200
>years ago.

Maybe - it depends on how current society is reacting to the past
injustices.  Since America continues to practice racist behavior,
affirmative action is a just and deserved redress.  Affirmative action
gives those who were discriminated against in the past a chance to "catch
up."  However, in the spiritual sense, and if one believes in reincarnation
and karma, one must always work to right the wrongs - for it really could
have been me or you that personally carried out some horrendous acts and we
are now being provided the chance to correct past "crimes."  Those who have
been persecuted also have the responsibility to forgive and to utilize
opportunites to foster peace and personal growth.  But, for me, the weight
of the work presently lies with those who have benefited the most from past
and current societal structures.  Once balance has been achieved,
responsibility for others becomes equalized.  For someone as lazy as me, I
can't wait for such equality.

>4.  Is the U.S. a constitutional republic or a socialistic/communistic state.

That's interesting, because many Americans think America is a democratic
state.  There is a difference between democracy and a republic.  In a
republic, one elects leaders to make the decisions and the public pretty
much remains back burner - in a democracy, people are supposed to have the
power and leaders are to take instruction from the public.  Obviously, we
have a bit of both in America - but we are more a republic than a
democracy.  As far as the American constitution, well, it was written
during a time much different than today.  As people change, laws need to
change.  It is still a valid document, but does not offer many of the
answers needed to deal with present day.  For some the constitution is a
holy writ, for others, such as myself, it is a document that needs to be
clarified and/or updated - example: bearing arms.  I don't know why people
assume that they cannot improve on something that was written 200 years ago
- were the "Founding Fathers" the end of the politically savvy mind?

America is surely not communist or socialist.  However, I personally prefer
democratic socialism over republic/capitalism.

>My answers in order are: yes, yes, no, the former.

Well, my answers are a bit more bombastic.

>It might be fun
>since you at least seem willing to argue substance rather than words and
seem
>real warm and cuddly as an added bonus.

Warm and cuddly?  Are you attempting cyber-homicide?  You probably made a
couple people on this list collapse into a dead faint or split their sides.
 Besides, warm and cuddly people tend to get booted out of lines and secret
meetings.  And they get all their fur rubbed off.  Not me, man - I'm dying
hairy.

Kym