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> No, it's a thing that we've been inculcated into believing to be something that "just happens." Actually it happens for systematic and structural reasons. Wh

> No, it's a thing that we've been inculcated into believing to be something that "just happens." Actually it happens for systematic and structural reasons. Wha? Thousand of years of history would prove you wrong. The more laws we pass, the more people with resources can abuse the letter of these laws to seize advantages for themselves, and their friends/family. Refer to the Melian dialogue: "the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must". That's just human nature. And I'm not just saying poor as in happens to have no money. Even if I were tossed out onto the street right now with nothing, I'd do ok. I have friends and family who will look out for me and give me a place to sack out. I'm still decently young and in good health, speak english fluently, and have a good degree. Now if you have no resources, you are teetering on the brink constantly. No law or policy will be able to change that, due to human nature. No inculcation is necessary, at the root of things we're just animals squabbling over scarce resources.

kafkaesq 10y ago
Refer to the Melian dialogue: "the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must". Referring to atrocities committed by a dying empire two thousand years ago (recall that the occupation of Melos was eventually repulsed; and Classical Athens itself would ultimately collapse shortly thereafter, as a direct result of its unsustainable military expansion) doesn't seem very helpful in deciding public policy.
- jimmywanger 10y ago
  I guess you missed the main point of the quote. If you have power, and your opponents only have the moral high ground, your opponents will lose. According to the historical sources (on wikipedia), the Athenians executed all the adult males, and took everybody else into slavery. Much like the situation of the Ukraine. Russia decided it wanted a warm water port, and then took it. Nobody else said anything.

kafkaesq 10y ago

Refer to the Melian dialogue: "the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must". Referring to atrocities committed by a dying empire two thousand years ago (recall that the occupation of Melos was eventually repulsed; and Classical Athens itself would ultimately collapse shortly thereafter, as a direct result of its unsustainable military expansion) doesn't seem very helpful in deciding public policy.

jimmywanger 10y ago
I guess you missed the main point of the quote. If you have power, and your opponents only have the moral high ground, your opponents will lose. According to the historical sources (on wikipedia), the Athenians executed all the adult males, and took everybody else into slavery. Much like the situation of the Ukraine. Russia decided it wanted a warm water port, and then took it. Nobody else said anything.