What, no Rand Paul thread?

[notdrunk]

Rand Paul introduces ‘fetal personhood’ bill to outlaw abortion:

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) on Friday introduced so-called “fetal personhood” legislation that would completely outlaw abortion in the United States.
The Life at Conception Act would declare that human life began at conception, providing fertilized eggs with the same legal status as born persons.

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/03/1...tlaw-abortion/

Rand Paul is full of shit. Most Americans don't believe in personhood. More people believe in restricting abortions than personhood. It is an attempt by pro-lifers to circumvent Roe v. Wade. Personhood sounds a lot better than banning all abortions. Hell, Rand Paul freely admits that is the purpose of his bill. Personhood only picked up a little steam in the last few years. It is similar to "Intelligent Design" pushed by Creationists to get their viewpoint into the classroom. Creationism became an icky word, so "Intelligent Design" replaced it. Branding is very important.

[fivekatz]

Paul is quite a character. In the same week he takes a stand on "personhood" that is radically to the right of center in its nature, he takes a stand against existing drug laws.

While just like his father his his voting record at moments conflict with the notation he is a true Libertarian his stance on drug laws is both very libertarian and IMHO realistically correct.

In a time when States and the Fed face budgetary challenges dumping a load of money into busting people for using pot is just stupid. Prohibitions never work and the expense of enforcement and the costs of incarceration do not make any sense. Instead the government should regulate and tax just like they do with booze that has a much more clear record of creating havoc in peoples lives.

I have no idea how this issue plays with greater electorate and I am not sure Paul does either, so a tip of the hat goes to him for staking out an position that cuts against convention but at least IMO makes total sense.

[trish]

If fetuses as persons we should count them in the census and charge them with criminal negligence when they cause the death of their mothers.

[fivekatz]

If fetuses as persons we should count them in the census and charge them with criminal negligence when they cause the death of their mothers.

Great take!

[Ben]

[Ben]

The Flaw in Libertarian Theology:

[Ben]

Rand Paul’s missing spine:

http://www.salon.com/2013/04/24/rand...missing_spine/

[Ben]

We should bear in mind that we don't have a capitalist system. No capitalist system has ever survived. It'd self destruct in 5 minutes. So what we have is a kind of state-capitalist system. With the state playing a substantial role. Think: bailouts, research and development etc., etc.
Without the state, well, the corporate sector wouldn't be viable.
Is there an alternative to this???

[yodajazz]

We should bear in mind that we don't have a capitalist system. No capitalist system has ever survived. It'd self destruct in 5 minutes. So what we have is a kind of state-capitalist system. With the state playing a substantial role. Think: bailouts, research and development etc., etc.
Without the state, well, the corporate sector wouldn't be viable.
Is there an alternative to this???

I agree, but your statement, should contain about 500 'etc' in order to be more accurate. I now understand that most free trade agreements, contain copyright protections for US businesses. Actually some businesses are able to keep, the state or local tax money they collect from their employees, under the name of tax credits for business development. The list goes on and on. Assuming the official version of 9/11 was correct, 19 of the 21 attackers were from Saudi Arabia, however the US has strong business ties with that nation. But the US did not have that many business ties with Iraq, before the invasion. Contracts to 'rebuild Iraq' were given to US private contractors, as well.

[Ben]

I agree, but your statement, should contain about 500 'etc' in order to be more accurate. I now understand that most free trade agreements, contain copyright protections for US businesses. Actually some businesses are able to keep, the state or local tax money they collect from their employees, under the name of tax credits for business development. The list goes on and on. Assuming the official version of 9/11 was correct, 19 of the 21 attackers were from Saudi Arabia, however the US has strong business ties with that nation. But the US did not have that many business ties with Iraq, before the invasion. Contracts to 'rebuild Iraq' were given to US private contractors, as well.

YJ, here's the economist Dean Baker on: Patents, Copyrights, & Other Protectionist Barriers: