The people who have been killed by the American health insurance industry, for one
newfie
joined 9 months ago
I get banned from Reddit for "suggesting violence" by stating Elon Musk's assets should be liquidated, meanwhile:
I get banned from Reddit for "suggesting violence" by stating Elon Musk's assets should be liquidated, meanwhile:
I get banned from Reddit for "suggesting violence" by stating Elon Musk's assets should be liquidated, meanwhile:
You can use this for any example of self defense though. If we accept that the CEO represented an imminent threat to Luigi and to others, then the self defense was justified. The same as how it is justified for you to murder someone who is pointing a gun at your head and is moments away from killing you. You don't need to wait for a trial in that case.
The idea here is that the US health insurance system represents a constant and ceaseless threat to the entire population; and, because industries like them write our laws, lawsuits against them are impractical. There have been legal challenges to the US Healthcare system; none have resulted in structural change. Given this, the actions of Luigi (or whoever did it) are the only remaining choice left to protect the American people from this deadly threat
Although I suppose emigration to a social democracy such as Sweden is also an option. But that isn't feasible for most people. And Sweden/Norway/Finland/Denmark/etc would soon ban immigrants from the US if hundreds of millions of Americans decided to suddenly move there
Some of those people are looking at a life of medical debt induced misery for themselves and family
Right, but it benefits our ruling class for the working class to have an extremely financially precarious existence. Makes it harder for them to pay attention, help each other, start unions, rise up, etc if they're constantly focused on their immediate circumstances rather than the big picture.
Smartphone addiction also aids in this
I get banned from Reddit for "suggesting violence" by stating Elon Musk's assets should be liquidated, meanwhile:
The framing for this is that murder is bad; however there are exceptions to that. One such exception is that self defense of oneself or self defense of another provides a (morally and legally) justified basis for murder. If someone is trying to murder you or someone else, and you murder that person to prevent this, then you have engaged in self defense, which is justified.
The argument is that there is insufficent evidence to demonstrate that Luigi was the person who committed the murder at issue. However, even if it can be proved that Luigi did in fact commit this murder, the argument is that it was justified as an act of self defense to protect himself/others from being killed by the decedent's actions. This requires viewing violence as something that is structural and systemic, and not just direct and immediately physical. Under the former approach, Luigi engaged in self defense; under the latter, he did not.
The American legal system generally only recognizes the latter as a valid legal defense. But this is irrelevant to the moral question of whether it was justified; and, even to the legal question, we can ask why our system does not recognize structural violence as criminal violence. The answer to that lies in who writes the laws, or, rather, who pays for the laws to be written. All nations have a ruling class who are the principal beneficiaries of the legal system; the US is no different
Massachusetts has a higher Human Development Index (HDI) than many regions, including Denmark, but this doesn't necessarily reflect the standard of living of the average person. The HDI focuses on three main factors—income levels, education, and life expectancy—but it overlooks several key dimensions that influence everyday quality of life. Here’s how these limitations affect the interpretation of Massachusetts’ higher HDI:
- Income Levels vs. Income Inequality
While Massachusetts has a high average income, this masks the state's significant income inequality. The HDI uses GDP per capita, which can skew the overall picture because the wealth in Massachusetts is concentrated among the affluent, particularly in industries like technology and biotech. Many residents, especially in lower-income areas, may not experience the same economic prosperity. Thus, a high average income doesn’t necessarily translate to widespread financial well-being.
- Education Quality and Access Disparities
Massachusetts boasts world-class universities and a highly educated workforce, which boosts its HDI score. However, not everyone in the state has equal access to these elite educational opportunities. Public schools in wealthier districts outperform those in lower-income areas, creating disparities in educational outcomes. The HDI averages these figures, which hides the educational inequality experienced by many residents.
- Life Expectancy and Healthcare Access
Massachusetts has a high life expectancy, partly due to advanced healthcare facilities and near-universal coverage. However, this average conceals discrepancies in healthcare access and quality. People in low-income neighborhoods or those facing systemic inequalities may not have the same access to high-quality care as wealthier residents, which the HDI does not account for. Life expectancy alone does not fully capture the differences in healthcare experiences between socioeconomic groups.
- Cost of Living
The HDI doesn't factor in the cost of living, which is quite high in Massachusetts, particularly in cities like Boston. High housing costs, expensive healthcare (despite near-universal coverage), and other living expenses can strain the average person’s finances, even if their income appears high. For many residents, the high cost of living diminishes the real standard of living, something that the HDI doesn’t address.
- Work-Life Balance and Well-Being
The HDI measures education, income, and life expectancy but ignores subjective measures of well-being, such as work-life balance, stress levels, and job satisfaction. In Massachusetts, long working hours and a competitive work culture can negatively impact quality of life, especially compared to Denmark, where work-life balance and personal well-being are prioritized. HDI doesn’t account for these quality of life factors, which may mean that even if Massachusetts has a higher HDI, the average person could feel more stressed and less satisfied compared to someone living in Denmark.
- Environmental Sustainability
Another weakness of HDI is its lack of consideration for environmental sustainability, which significantly affects long-term quality of life. Denmark excels in green policies and environmental sustainability, which improves public health and urban living conditions. Massachusetts, while making strides in sustainability, faces challenges in pollution, traffic congestion, and less environmentally-friendly urban development, all of which impact the daily lives of residents but aren’t captured by the HDI.
In conclusion, while Massachusetts has a higher HDI due to its income, education, and life expectancy metrics, this doesn’t fully reflect the standard of living for the average person. The HDI overlooks income inequality, disparities in education and healthcare, the high cost of living, work-life balance, and environmental quality. Therefore, while Massachusetts may rank higher by HDI, many residents may not experience a higher quality of life compared to people in Denmark, where equality, social welfare, and well-being are emphasized more strongly.
You seem to be unfamiliar with Denmark.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of each factor that contributes to Denmark’s high quality of life:
- Strong Social Welfare System
Denmark’s welfare model is often referred to as the "Scandinavian model," which is designed to provide a safety net for all citizens from cradle to grave. Key components include:
Universal Healthcare: Free access to healthcare means that all citizens and legal residents can receive medical treatment without worrying about costs. The healthcare system is primarily funded through taxes.
Unemployment Benefits: The state offers a generous unemployment insurance system. Individuals who lose their jobs receive financial assistance, typically amounting to up to 90% of their salary for a limited period, allowing them to live comfortably while they find new employment.
Retirement Benefits: The government provides state pensions to all senior citizens, ensuring that the elderly can live with dignity and without financial distress.
Free Education: All levels of education, including university, are free of charge, allowing everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, to pursue higher education and develop their potential.
- Work-Life Balance
Denmark is renowned for its progressive labor laws and flexible working conditions. The country promotes an ideal work-life balance, which is a core aspect of Danish culture. Here’s how:
Shorter Workweek: The average workweek is 37 hours, allowing for plenty of personal time outside of work. There’s a strong emphasis on leaving work on time and not overextending oneself.
Generous Parental Leave: Parents are entitled to up to 52 weeks of paid parental leave, which can be shared between both parents. This allows families to spend time with their newborns without sacrificing job security or income.
Flexibility: Many Danish workplaces offer flexible working hours, which allows employees to adjust their schedules to better fit their personal lives, whether that’s for family time, hobbies, or exercise.
- Education System
Denmark offers a world-class education system that prioritizes not only academic achievement but also the personal development and well-being of students. Key features include:
Free Education: All education, from primary school to university, is free for Danish citizens and residents of the EU. This ensures equal access to educational opportunities for all, regardless of financial background.
Focus on Well-Being: Danish schools emphasize student well-being, encouraging a balance between academic achievement and personal growth. The school day is shorter than in many countries, and there is a focus on interactive and creative learning.
Lifelong Learning: There’s a strong tradition of adult education and lifelong learning in Denmark. Many people pursue further education throughout their careers, contributing to personal development and adaptability in the job market.
- Environmental Sustainability
Denmark is one of the most environmentally conscious countries in the world, with sustainability playing a key role in government policy and daily life. Major factors include:
Renewable Energy: Denmark has invested heavily in renewable energy sources, particularly wind energy. As of recent years, more than 40% of Denmark's electricity comes from wind power, and the country aims to be carbon neutral by 2050.
Cycling Culture: Copenhagen, the capital city, is famous for its bike-friendly infrastructure. More than half of Copenhagen’s residents commute by bicycle, which reduces traffic, lowers pollution, and promotes a healthy lifestyle.
Green Urban Spaces: Danish cities are designed with sustainability and green living in mind. Urban planning prioritizes parks, clean waterways, and eco-friendly public transportation systems, contributing to a cleaner and more livable environment.
- Healthcare
Denmark’s healthcare system is publicly funded and ensures that everyone has access to necessary medical services, regardless of income. Some key highlights:
Universal Coverage: Healthcare is accessible to everyone, financed through taxes. This means that there are no out-of-pocket expenses for services like doctor visits, hospital stays, or emergency treatment.
Preventive Care: The Danish system emphasizes preventive care to avoid more serious and costly medical issues down the line. Regular checkups and early interventions are encouraged.
Mental Health Services: Mental health care is integrated into the system, with access to psychological and psychiatric services. This focus on mental well-being complements the physical healthcare provided to citizens.
- High Levels of Trust
Trust is a key component of Danish society, and it manifests in both governmental institutions and interpersonal relationships:
Trust in Government: Danish citizens have a high level of trust in their government institutions, thanks to transparency and low levels of corruption. Denmark consistently ranks as one of the least corrupt countries in the world.
Social Trust: People in Denmark generally trust each other, whether it’s leaving babies unattended in strollers outside cafes or relying on community support. This level of trust reduces societal tensions and creates a sense of safety and mutual respect.
Transparency and Accountability: The government is open about its workings, and public services are delivered efficiently. This enhances public confidence in the system.
- Economic Stability
Denmark boasts a strong and stable economy with low unemployment rates, high wages, and a robust social safety net:
High GDP Per Capita: Denmark is one of the wealthiest countries in the world in terms of GDP per capita. The economy is well-diversified, with strengths in sectors like renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and high-tech industries.
Low Unemployment Rates: Unemployment is consistently low in Denmark, thanks to a combination of a well-educated workforce and active labor market policies that encourage retraining and reintegration into the workforce.
Fair Distribution of Wealth: Income inequality in Denmark is among the lowest in the world. This is largely due to progressive taxation and generous welfare programs that redistribute wealth effectively.
- Equality and Gender Parity
Denmark is a global leader in gender equality, and this emphasis on fairness is deeply embedded in the country's values and policies:
Equal Pay: Gender pay gaps in Denmark are among the smallest in the world, and there are strong laws against discrimination based on gender.
Women in Leadership: Denmark has a high percentage of women in leadership roles, both in the private and public sectors. This has contributed to a more equitable workplace environment.
Parental Leave: Both men and women are encouraged to take parental leave, which fosters gender equality in both professional and domestic settings.
- Safety
Denmark is known for its low crime rates and sense of security:
Low Crime Rate: Denmark has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, making it a very safe country to live in. Violent crime is rare, and the police are highly trusted by the public.
Focus on Rehabilitation: Denmark’s criminal justice system is focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment, helping offenders reintegrate into society successfully and reducing recidivism.
Safe Public Spaces: The country is designed with safety in mind, with well-lit public spaces, safe neighborhoods, and reliable public transport, contributing to the overall sense of security.
These factors combine to create a strong foundation for Denmark’s high quality of life, contributing to the nation’s reputation as one of the happiest and most prosperous countries globally. The balance between individual well-being, societal support, and sustainable living has made Denmark a model of modern, high-quality living.
If you’re pro-democracy, the renewal of two sane choices battling for ideas ought to be a good thing.
I’m sure I also would disagree with those ideas, but I welcome the competition, I welcome the possibility of respecting g our national leaders.
If you're pro democracy then the restoration of the pre Trump GOP is a terrible thing. They were always this bad on policy, if not worse re: Iraq. It's just now Trump has taken the mask off.
It is in the interest of the American people for the GOP to permanently stay Trumpist, or get even more extreme. They can't win national elections when they are like this. Whereas the neocons and the Bushes are capable of winning. And they're drastically more effective and competent and harmful than Trump
If Kamala does anything to restore the GOP then she is a fool. Liz Cheney is competent which makes her more dangerous than Trump
"Welcoming the competition" is insanely out of touch. This isn't a game. This isn't a show. This is about power and how the American people are treated. We have terrible standards of living for a first world country. The GOP would make it even worse. Doing anything to strengthen them needs to be opposed. Otherwise we will never have the quality of life of Denmark. And if thats the case then every American with a brain should just emigrate to Scandinavia now
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No it isn't, unless you think the Sons of Liberty were bad. And if it wasn't for them there wouldn't be a United States to begin with. This country was founded through targeted murders and terror campaigns waged against a structural oppressor. It's literally what it means to be an American