How do you feel about Contract Law

[TheDoctorIsIn]

@WuWei

Good point. From where does this government derive that authority?

On paper, from the Constitution.

I would argue that in a more reality-based sense, from the fact the system is working.

[WuWei]

@TheDoctorIsIn

@WuWei

Good point. From where does this government derive that authority?

On paper, from the Constitution.

I would argue that in a more reality-based sense, from the fact the system is working.

And I would argue from the consent of the governed as documented in the Constitution (contract).

[TheDoctorIsIn]

@WuWei

Do all governments derive their authority from the same place?

In one sense, yes. In others, no.

[WuWei]

In what senses?

[WuWei]

I would also argue that the system is not working.

[TheDoctorIsIn]

@WuWei

In what senses?

In the sense that our government is, on paper, restricted and controlled by the Constitution, the authority comes from the Constitution - and that is not shared by all governments.

In the sense that all governments are at their most basic sense frameworks of power built by men and women, authority comes from power.

[WuWei]

@TheDoctorIsIn

@WuWei

In what senses?

In the sense that our government is, on paper, restricted and controlled by the Constitution, the authority comes from the Constitution - and that is not shared by all governments.

In the sense that all governments are at their most basic sense frameworks of power built by men and women, authority comes from power.

How many people would you say are “in government” including every level in this country?

[TheDoctorIsIn]

@WuWei

I would also argue that the system is not working.

What do you believe the end goal of the system is?

I believe it is to perpetuate itself. In that sense, it is working.

[TheDoctorIsIn]

@WuWei

How many people would you say are “in government” including every level in this country?

Including government employees, or just elected officials?

3-5 million, if we include employees. Maybe 2-3 thousand elected officials

[WuWei]

@TheDoctorIsIn

@WuWei

I would also argue that the system is not working.

What do you believe the end goal of the system is?

I believe it is to perpetuate itself. In that sense, it is working.

I can’t disagree with that. I meant it is not working according to the contract.

[WuWei]

@TheDoctorIsIn

@WuWei

How many people would you say are “in government” including every level in this country?

Including government employees, or just elected officials?

3-5 million, if we include employees. Maybe 2-3 thousand elected officials

Oh yes, including the bureaucracy, that’s the most important part.

Let’s say 7 million, I was thinking 10.

How do 7 million control the other 343 million? 49 times their number?

[TheDoctorIsIn]

7 mlion sounds right. I forgot about cops and the military.

Power, or the illusion of it.

[WuWei]

@TheDoctorIsIn

7 mlion sounds right. I forgot about cops and the military.

Power, or the illusion of it.

Who truly has the power? I disagree. It requires consent. Of the governed.

Agreement with the contract.

[WuWei]

I watched two decades of 25,000 people hold a country the size Texas and California together hostage for 100 years. A state of perpetual war for 50 years.

They refused to give their consent.

[WuWei]

Good discussion. Thanks.

[TheDoctorIsIn]

Agreed. I will try to come back to this tomorrow.

[komobu]

@TheDoctorIsIn

…
I accept the legitimacy and authority of the government. I do not accept that I am in any way under an obligation to the government.

Maybe that is clearer.

Then way pay taxes? Isnt that an obligation? Why Vote? Isnt that an obligation? Why follow driving rules? Aren’t those all obligations?