Thedude86

I think big pharma is a necessary evil. Obviously we need some drugs. But they also take advantage of certain situations like Covid. As I’ve pointed out earlier… most of the worlds population has returned to normal. They only things holding us back are the ridiculous restrictions. Not the virus. They won’t lift the restrictions until everyone is vaccinated even though the data shows they haven’t made a difference. If the triple maskers were still locking themselves indoors then maybe you could blame it on the virus. But they’re not. Even the people most terrified in 2020 are ready to live a normal life now.

I used to volunteer for Susan G. Komen breast cancer fundraisers. After several years, I could tell it was strictly just a business. All they cared about was the millions in fundraising and money they made from selling t-shirts, wristbands, etc. They might be “trying” to find a cure. But they certainly aren’t motivated. There’s no money in a cure. A cure might make a bunch of money initially, but eventually it’ll be over. Not having a cure is a constant money maker.

itsmeguppy

Things fall apart. It’s the nature of the universe, dude. This country. Our “values”. Families. It’s depressing, but it is what it is.

You know who is doing okay? “Socialist” Europe. They realized that when they participate in government and reject the puritan free market approach, that they thrive and have control.

Currently taking an EASA ATPL conversion course. Done with this nonsense.


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Thedude86

Ive always been a free market, capitalist guy. But also know there’s negatives with every type of society. I’m definitely not in favor of socialism, but the last year has opened my eyes some. I wish they could limit the powers of drug companies or anyone lobbying politicians for that matter. I also don’t think that will ever happen. Again, because of money. Even if we became a socialist country I feel the leaders would still be influenced by money and maybe even more so.

itsmeguppy

That’s why it’s important that everyone should participate in government instead of the participation in rejecting it. It should be compulsory. I also think that military service should be compulsory, as well.

Again, I’m describing democratic socialism. Because it works when done right.

Free market bullsh*t sounds nice, but look where we are? The market depends on us being at each other’s throats to avoid being at the throats of the ACTUAL rich.

We evolved as a communal and social creature. You can’t escape it.


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RJSAviator76

You know the most fundamental problem with this blind trust in government? The power corrupts. Period. Full stop.

How do you think the Soviets managed to convince their people that communism was good, at least initially? How do you think they kept it going?

How about Cuba? Venezuela? North Korea? China? Hungary? Poland? East Germany? Romania? Yugoslavia?

See, one thing that people promoting communism and “democratic socialism” fail to account is human nature. I grew up in communism and the so-called “democratic socialism” and the whole concept briefed really well, much like what I listen to the “useful idiots” preaching here, but unfortunately the reality was quite different.

Point being… quit being a ‘useful idiot’ and study history, study human nature, don’t concentrate only on pros, study the cons too, talk to people who lived under this system and listen with open mind.

Not many on the left are even remotely interested…

NotMrNiceGuy

Agree and disagree. I think conscription is a good thing and I believe the country would be better for it. It’s great for people that lack the maturity to go to school at 18. Also would give people a chance to earn money for college if they came from an underprivileged background. Not to mention the real world job experience they would gain. It’s about the only socialism aspect I can get on board with in the US because it requires you to give something in return.

I disagree with mandatory voting. Let’s be honest. There’s plenty of ignorance out there. And that leads to catastrophe. If people don’t know the difference between a republic and a democracy, they can lead to more harm than good.

[/QUOTE]Again, I’m describing democratic socialism. Because it works when done right.[/QUOTE]

Strongly disagree. This is a matter of opinion. What if you wanted your government to provide more opportunity to the underprivileged? The United States is superior in this regard. You need only look to the populations of countries for this to manifest. In 1900, the population of Germany and the US was 56 million and 75 million respectively. Today, those populations are 84 million and 331 million. Just by using a simple definition that says 50% of the population is middle class, the US middle class grew by 440% in 120 years. This is compared to Germany’s growth of 150%. If we had Germany’s growth, our population would literally be a third of the size.

Democraitic socialism may “work”, but it “works” for a specific group of people. None of those countries have anywhere near the diversity of the United States. I was recently watching a special on Finland as they have the highest rated public schools in the world. In the episode, there were all of two students with dark hair. Not even dark skin. If 90% of the population agrees on values, then you can move forward in a strong and direct manner. However, the US population does not originate from a singular land. Because of this it is near impossible to reach consensus when it comes to anything ranging from healthcare to education. On a state level is one thing, and a federal level is totally different.

All this not to mention opportunity cost. Would I rather give $100 to the US government or to Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk? Of course I would give it to the rich guys. I know you’re saying “How dare you” in your best Greta Thurnberg, but I give it to them because they know it’s value. They give something massive for its small value. Thousands/millions of people now have better cars and shopping experiences. They now have good paying jobs and healthcare. When the government redirects that money towards entitlements, the opportunity cost is less investment in innovation, good, and development. This means fewer jobs. It also means there are few dollars in the marketplace chasing fewer goods and this means more expensive products. It’s why Europe is more costly and why you’re seeing inflation right now. Whereas, Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk have brought down prices in the marketplace and millions have benefited. Sidenote: the US product market is significantly larger than anywhere else including Europe. The choices you have here don’t exist in other places, even on Amazon. There are no Walmart’s in Europe. The selection that exists here does not exist in other places. Your can’t go to the market and choose from 5 different types of guacamole. You might find a mixing packet if you’re lucky. Also, Mexican food doesn’t exist in Europe. Another point for capitalism.

Taxes are another place that opportunity cost comes into play. Right now, I have an HSA for my health insurance. I pay 2% of my gross salary for healthcare and that includes what I put into my account. In Germany, they charge 7% to you and 7% to your employer. I can take the difference and put into my sons’ (2) 529 plans and nearly fund Traditional IRAs for both my wife and myself. And that’s not including the money they are charging the employer.

Democratic socialism may work for some, but the middle class suffers as a result. Countries that do it will have to charge exorbitant taxes and unnecessarily burden the middle class.

[/QUOTE]Free market bullsh*t sounds nice, but look where we are? The market depends on us being at each other’s throats to avoid being at the throats of the ACTUAL rich.[/QUOTE]

We are only at each other’s throats because of the bastardization of politics. If we passed legislation as intended through the legislature, we could hold representatives accountable. Instead we have a massive bureaucracy that passes laws through fiat and nobody is held accountable for the decision. Notice how the government mandates the vaccine through OSHA or the eviction moratorium was passed through the CDC? Well, the legislature is foregoing its responsibility of making laws to avoid accountability and passing the buck to agencies that will not be held to account. This is polarizing. And the fact that the government attempts to pass more and more legislation by 51% of the vote will only add to the polarization.

[/QUOTE]We evolved as a communal and social creature. You can’t escape it.[/QUOTE]

Agree here, but on a MUCH more limited scale. We evolved in groups of closer to 100 people. That is something that can be organized and tabulated. It’s one of the reasons the Nordic countries can be nimble. That is the not United States. The sun rises in Florida seven hours before the west coast of Honolulu. You can drive across the country of Denmark in three hours. All cultures cannot be compared. Different histories make different constitutions and laws. Some things can be learned and implemented on a unique basis, but not universally applied. The smaller the constituency, the more efficient the government.

Everything here is my opinion only, and up for debate. Not trying to offend. Just offering a different perspective. I welcome more perspectives.


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usernamehere

well I did some checking and I’m wrong about the flu thing. But not in the way you think. When I did my research a few months ago it seemed like the mRNA wouldn’t be a good choice for the flu. However, now they’re looking at it because production and editing time would be able to occur much later than it has to now. So they would be able to formulate a vaccine much quicker than they can right now.

However, the current booster shot for covid is interchangeable with the first two shots you got. It’s not different.

You can do a quick search on natural immunity when it comes to covid. (Try something other than google) There are a lot of studies. And there are a lot of doctors who say natural immunity is better. You and you’re non-immunologist self have chosen to listen to certain doctors over others. Which is fine. The “you’re not an immunologist” argument is weak sauce. I, like you, am capable of gathering information and making decisions or understanding something, at least at a basic level, even if we’re not experts in the field.

Skyward

100% agree.

rickair7777

Yes mRNA will be very convenient for flu because it's easy to modify and produce within the seasonal time-frame. Also doesn't matter if it lasts for very long, since it's only intended to cover one season in your hemisphere.

I expect delta-oriented boosters to become available. Worst case might end up with a booster cocktail (perhaps 2-3 variants) every few years.

I think the original vaccine would still be holding up fine against covid 1.0, it was delta that took a bite out of vaccine efficacy.


It looks like that's the case. But that doesn't mean everyone wants to run out and get covid to acquire said immunity... it's still dangerous for some people, and it's still a couple weeks of inconvenience for everyone. You used to be able to come to work with the flu-like symptoms and only get dirty looks... today you'd get hustled out the door, probably for good.

YangGang2020

Regarding hospital workers, mandates are for all. How could the government justify a nurse’s right to personal choice, but not that of a pilot? Mandates work because of they are required across the board.