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Originally Posted by rationalbiker
Because the market does not need a thousand nuclear plants. If it did, I would hope that ignorant fear would not stand in the way.
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Considering how much a complete shift from coal- and oil-based power to nuclear-fuelled electric power would serve to help reverse the problems of pollution and global warming, some consider that a thousand nuclear plants is exactly what this country needs. But even in areas where people want more reliable power, and new local job sources, they still turn down nuclear plants "in their backyard."
Quote:
Originally Posted by rationalbiker
Some of them also think video games, movies and music are dangerous. They think that the content of what could be seen on TV is dangerous. So rather than accept responsibility for their own lives and children, they vote for the government to control such things and force their sense of morality on others.
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Which supports my point... people vote for the things they are concerned about. (Whether or not they should be more concerned about other things, is another matter.)
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Originally Posted by rationalbiker
Perhaps that is the problem. Not seeing anything to worry about and there not being anything to worry about are two different things.
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No argument there.
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Originally Posted by rationalbiker
On the contrary, the only "duty" I have in that respect is to serve my rational self-interest. IF informing other people serves that purpose, then yes, I have that duty. The only "duty" I have as a citizen is to avoid violating other people's rights.
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Really? Then why do you bother voting? And why do you care if other people vote?
If you were riding a motorcycle, were pulled over by the local authorities, and told that according to local laws you were violating their decibel limit laws, and you had to shut off your bike and walk it/flatbed it to the border of their state... would you really just quietly get off and start walking, to avoid violating their legally-established rights? Do you really feel that it is not worth bothering to argue? If you knew a vote on such a measure were forthcoming, wouldn't you vote against it? (I'm betting yes.)
If you didn't ride a bike... but had a friend who did, who felt these laws needed to be changed, and whom you agreed with... would you not bother to vote, just because it wasn't your problem? (I'm betting no.)
(Cue "Battle Hymn of the Republic")
If you vote, you are explicitly saying that it's
not enough to simply avoid violating other's rights... you are exercising your duty as a citizen to record your say on those rights, with the intent to have them reflect your opinion. You do have a duty, as an American citizen, to do more than just get out of other people's way. It's your duty to participate in elections, to pay your taxes, and to obey the law (even when it is not violating someone else's rights).
Saying you "don't violate other's rights" is a far cry from "doing your duty."