lynks66

I would once again highly recommend checking out this site or one like it.

yes. I think our tax dollars should be spent on defense instead of social services.

Did you get a chance to check out that Dave Ramsey site? I am interested to hear your thoughts on it. http://www.daveramsey.com

I feel there are a number of other places to go for assistance. I just hate to see so many people dependant on government funding. In some cases it appears that those who benefit feel they are owed the funding. I think if the assistance came from local agencies (such as churches and other private agencies) that those receiving benefits might feel more compelled to work themselves out of their current situation. With the current government assistance programs, their is little incentive to try to get out of their current situation.

Expanding or creating, it really doesn't matter. It is just a closer move to socialism.

Have you checked out the site www.daveramsey.com It has some very helpful info. regarding budgeting and finding ways to help fund insurance etc... Might be worth a look.

So do you feel that the government should bail you and your loved ones out with situations arise such as those described above?

That is the type of propaganda that liberal media has been selling for years. But if you take the time to research and study the consequences of socialization and communism, you begin to see that the results are much worse compared to capitalistic societies. As one of my good friends said, "socialism sounds good in theory, but it just won't float in the real world." He is a democrat by the way. :thumb: I have no doubt that your intentions are noble, I am just not sure if you have thought through the consequences of your viewpoint. JMHO.

Here is a list of the top 37 according to the WHO. I think I will take my chances with #37 when I look for the next place for my treatment. There is just something about saying that I am going to Coasta Rica for a heart transplant.... I think I would rather go to Louisville for this. Although, that is just my opinion. 1 France 2 Italy 3 San Marino 4 Andorra 5 Malta 6 Singapore 7 Spain 8 Oman 9 Austria 10 Japan 11 Norway 12 Portugal 13 Monaco 14 Greece 15 Iceland 16 Luxembourg 17 Netherlands 18 United Kingdom 19 Ireland 20 Switzerland 21 Belgium 22 Colombia 23 Sweden 24 Cyprus 25 Germany 26 Saudi Arabia 27 United Arab Emirates 28 Israel 29 Morocco 30 Canada 31 Finland 32 Australia 33 Chile 34 Denmark 35 Dominica 36 Costa Rica 37 United States of America

It really depends on where you get your rankings and how they are compiled. I think our health care system is the best in the world. Ask yourself this, where would you want to go for a major or minor surgery? Here or somewhere in another country. I know what my answer would be.

I would draw the line at survival of myself and my family.

I agree, and I really can't see where others can make a valid argument to defend it. Did we not all learn in middle school that socialism doesn't work?

You can have all the higher standards all you want. I, on the other hand, am a big fan of doing what it takes to survive.

I don't really see where "moral compass" comes in to play when you are dealing with terrorists. We were attacked in NYC. Not a US territory thousands of miles from the mainland. But attacked in the center of our greatest city. Therefore I feel this our greatest fight and will be for years to come. I would do much worse than waterboarding if I felt I could gain information to save mine or my families life. Just my opinion.

Away from communism.

Is it what you want to post that would get you suspended, or how you would post it? I hope that you are able to share your thoughts. I enjoy hearing other people's feelings on matters such as these, especially when they are passionate about it (as it sounds like you are).

I don't understand your point?

I don't have a dog in this fight (wow, that takes on a different tone after the M. Vick drama) but I doubt very seriously that many evangelicals will say "that the guy in scenario 2 goes to hades" I don't believe that is up for us to decide.

Just curious: Where does is the phrase "seperation of church and state" found in the constition?

I am interested to see the response you will get from this.

Is this a surprise to anyone? I would think that even the most liberal people out there knew that this movie was a series of embellishments and overexaggerations. I could be wrong though, he did win a Nobel Prize......

This sums it all up nicely. :thumb:

If you agree with what I stated above then I guess you could say we agree generally. :thumb: I was just saying that I disagreed with this statement: "My whole point is that there are very few financial rules that apply to every person and every situation. " I would say that most of DR's rules would apply to most people in most situations, just not every. Like I said earlier, excellent discussion. I enjoy talking about money and getting other people's perspectives on things.

I think it definitely factors in as well. Although, not always in the negative way that might be implied. It has to be a team effort with the kids having a role in the household wealth building along with the parents. I remember raising my first tobacco crop when I was twelve years old and receiving that first check. It was a great experience to put that money in the bank and to learn how to be responsible with it. While I was never perfect with money (and never will be) I do try to make a conscious effort before making fanancial decisions.

I would not say that we "generally" agree. I feel that there are several universal rules that DR suggests one follows if they want to be successful (live off less than you earn, if you want to get out of a rut, you need to make changes, avoid debt as much as possible, make wise purchasing decisions with you money etc...) and that there are very few exceptions to the rules. You are right, they are tough to follow, and it requires a great deal of discipline. I know people who make $200,000+ that would struggle to write a check for $500 today. While I know others who work at much lower paying jobs who know how to save and spend wisely, and have already built up healthy nest eggs and are debt free. I guess it just depends on if you make it a priority or not. For me it is. I am not debt free, and I do not follow DR's program to the letter, but I do feel there are several benefits from his program. l66