function of government

[Athena]

I am putting this under philosophy and religion, because 'democracy' is rightly being discussed in this classification, and many have democracy confused with government.
Our form of government is only one expression of democracy. Democracy is an ideology of relationships, and it would be much easier to discuss this if people were literate in Latin or at least the philosophers of Athens.

Government is what the relationship ideologies of democracy and autocracy manifest. As government is also about trade agreements and regulating commerce, it is also the manifestion of economic ideologies- capitalism, socialism, fascism, communism. Do you understand the different layers of government, regulating our relations and economics?

The bible assumes kings and slaves, and therefore, is not a book for understanding democracy. Only when there was literacracy in Greek and Roman classics were principles of democracy found in the bible, and this is found in the new testament. It is found in the new testament, because it is the result of Hebrew religious concepts blending with the Hellenistic consciousness in the beginning of Christianity. But the bible is about theology, not political organizations of human beings or a scientific world view. The result is the bible supports autocracy more strongly than democracy, unless people are literate.
Education for technology has left people illiterate of the literature essential to understanding democracy. The US is in a mess right now. One of the biggest problems is having democracy confused with government. People discuss religion or government, but don't have an understanding of democracy. We have chaos and bitter fighting, and very animalistic competition of physical forms of power, rather than reason and cogenial social agreements. Please, reread this until you grasp all the concepts, and learn to separate religion from economics, and politics from both. Then explain the function of government.

[Starboy]

Why have a government at all?

Starboy

[LetThereBe]

As time goes on, I become less and less a believer in the virtues of democracy. Why? Most people don't care and are underqualified. Too few are deserving (let alone capable) of making the decision best for them. Let the ignorant masses watch their football, play their lottery, drink their booze and be content! Most do not WANT to play an active role in the betterment of society or humanity! Democracy for far too many is just voting for the guy who will do the most for your personal interests, whether by sucking up to minority groups or by giving tax breaks. Democratic participation should be made difficult enough to discourage those who have little interest, while keeping those who truly care about its ideals.

[Scribbler1]

The big difference in this country is that people DO use the term "Democracy" to define a form of government. It doesn't mean all that much what the Dictionary may say when the people who speak the language use it to mean something else.

I'm thinking, like so many other words, Democracy has a dual meaning. Each one correct and each one acceptable depending on who says it and what they actually mean.

[ghost_stalker]

Quote by: Starboy Why have a government at all?

Without a government there would be anarchy in its place. And although there is no perfect govt (hell there isnt even a good one today), govt's still serve of the purpose of keeping at least an infantessimile amout of peace and prevent anarchy from happening.

For Example; before we invaded Iraq it had a govenrmtn and although it was corrupt and horrible, it still kept peace throughout the country, instead of the anarchy it is in now.

[Starboy]

Quote by: ghost_stalker Without a government there would be anarchy in its place. And although there is no perfect govt (hell there isnt even a good one today), govt's still serve of the purpose of keeping at least an infantessimile amout of peace and prevent anarchy from happening.

If a handful of people live in a land there is no need for government. Only when there are a whole lot of us does the need become apparent. So is the only purpose of government to avoid anarchy?

Starboy

[SteveA]

Quote by: ghost_stalker Without a government there would be anarchy in its place. And although there is no perfect govt (hell there isnt even a good one today), govt's still serve of the purpose of keeping at least an infantessimile amout of peace and prevent anarchy from happening.

Anarchy in itself isn't necessarily bad or good. It depends on what people make of it.

I agree something along the lines of government would fill the void but I'm not so certain people couldn't figure out something better.

It's been a long time since people have had to go back to square #1 and rethink what the intent of government was. A refresher course from the school of hard knocks comes with an accredited degree

[Boetie]

Government has a monopoly of force over its citizens. As for the question, "why have government?" the answer is we are stuck with having a government so all we can do is sit around and define words like, consent, authority and obligation.

[SoccerfreakAB2]

Quote by: Boetie Government has a monopoly of force over its citizens. As for the question, "why have government?" the answer is we are stuck with having a government so all we can do is sit around and define words like, consent, authority and obligation.

Would you prefer a lawless, violent, non-technological place to live? If so, join the anarchists.

[Scribbler1]

Quote by: Boetie Government has a monopoly of force over its citizens. As for the question, "why have government?" the answer is we are stuck with having a government so all we can do is sit around and define words like, consent, authority and obligation.

Last time I looked it was the American people who put this government in place to begin with. In effect, you are saying we are "stuck" with what we wanted all along.

[Starboy]

Quote by: Scribbler1 Last time I looked it was the American people who put this government in place to begin with. In effect, you are saying we are "stuck" with what we wanted all along.

He makes a good point. There are many that don't see themselves as putting the government in place. They didn't get to pick this government they were born into it.

Starboy

[SoccerfreakAB2]

Quote by: Scribbler1 Last time I looked it was the American people who put this government in place to begin with. In effect, you are saying we are "stuck" with what we wanted all along.

Like an other extreme liberal, he wants to be born and when at the right age, he wants to be asked if the current government is ok with him. To those extreme liberals, it's the mere choice, not the actual effect of government.

[Athena]

Quote by: Starboy Why have a government at all? Starboy

Why did you reword the question instead of answer it?

[Athena]

Quote by: LetThereBe As time goes on, I become less and less a believer in the virtues of democracy. Why? Most people don't care and are underqualified. Too few are deserving (let alone capable) of making the decision best for them. Let the ignorant masses watch their football, play their lottery, drink their booze and be content! Most do not WANT to play an active role in the betterment of society or humanity! Democracy for far too many is just voting for the guy who will do the most for your personal interests, whether by sucking up to minority groups or by giving tax breaks. Democratic participation should be made difficult enough to discourage those who have little interest, while keeping those who truly care about its ideals.

I want to tear my hair out in frustration! STOP CONFUSING DEMOCRACY WITH GOVERNMENT!!!!!!!!!! :(

[Athena]

Quote by: ghost_stalker Without a government there would be anarchy in its place. And although there is no perfect govt (hell there isnt even a good one today), govt's still serve of the purpose of keeping at least an infantessimile amout of peace and prevent anarchy from happening. For Example; before we invaded Iraq it had a govenrmtn and although it was corrupt and horrible, it still kept peace throughout the country, instead of the anarchy it is in now.

Thank you. A statement of the one of the functions of the goverment.

A government keeps people from killing each other.

Now why do some people vote democrat and others republican and others libertarians?

How about economic concepts and theories? Doesn't government have a role in making economically important decisions? How about commerce? How about defending our interest over seas?

The question is, what are the functions of government. I am sure if you all pay attention to the question, you can give better answers.

[Scribbler1]

Quote by: Starboy He makes a good point. There are many that don't see themselves as putting the government in place. They didn't get to pick this government they were born into it. Starboy

That's true in the sense that none of us as individuals had a say in how this country would be governed. I would imagine not everyone was happy with the government when they first created it. But my point was that it was selected by the majority and wasn't imposed on the people as if some Saddam Hussein-type character walked in and said "I am your government whether you like it or not."

Of course, there are a LOT of things wrong with the present system and the people, through the government should address them. However, complaining about government just because you didn't have a say in creating it is silly. I don't believe that was in the post I responded to anyway.

[Scribbler1]

Quote by: SoccerfreakAB2 Like an other extreme liberal, he wants to be born and when at the right age, he wants to be asked if the current government is ok with him. To those extreme liberals, it's the mere choice, not the actual effect of government.

It's not a partisan, nor a liberal/conservative complaint. It seems to be about the government in general, which you know, despite who is in the White House stays pretty much the same.

[Starboy]

Quote by: Athena Why did you reword the question instead of answer it?

Oops. That was your original question? Sorry, just cutting to the chase.

Starboy

[Dirty Name]

Why have a government at all?

Because government is superior to anarchy. And when I say "superior" I mean that anarchists have no choice except to be subjugated by a more efficient society.

Government exists to regulate commerce, provide for the common defense, and that should be about the limit of it.

[Starboy]

Quote by: Dirty Name Because government is superior to anarchy. And when I say "superior" I mean that anarchists have no choice except to be subjugated by a more efficient society.

Is government always superior to anarchy? And why don't anarchists have a choice? Isn't choosing anarchy a choice?

Starboy