Aspies For Freedom

With interest, the bank is paying you for a service - the service being the ability to use your money to invest in other things. Finding a higher interest account is the same as negotiating a better deal for the service you provide.

I've always wanted to set up a small commune, where tasks are shared rather than paid for (i.e. no money is needed). My only problem with joining existing communes is that for some reason most of them like to avoid technology. I don't think the two things need to be mutually exclusive.

While you're in the commercial world, though, you're stuck playing the money game, so you might as well try to win.

Well, Britain didn't have many slaves at the time, as opposed to the United States where the economy of the South was heavily slave-based.  If you use enlightened in the sense of the Enlightenment, that's exactly the principles your country was founded under and your constitution is full of the language of the Enlightenment.

What the UK is is more socialist.

...I have a European History test tomorrow...

ATM: One of the Rabbinical views of the time of grave crisis before the coming of the Messianic Age is that the "Parliaments of the nations will become whorehouses."  Only the Messianic Age will put an end to such madness.  Now, I do not interpret this literally, since powerful rulers have always had mistresses.  There is nothing new in that.  Rather, I interpret this bit of Rabbinical wisdom as symbolism.  The parliaments of the nations now SELL OUT to moneyed interests.  Whole nations become OWNED by the IMF, World Banks, George Soros, the UN, NATO, Trilateral Commission, et al.  

This is unprecedented in history.  In centuries past, Monarchies and Republics tended to value their sovereignty.  No King wanted to share power.  Each wanted to be an arrogant law unto himself.  That was far from perfect.  However, one good thing could be said of these rulers; for their own selfish reasons they protected the sovereignty of the nation (even if for the sake of power and not the people).  Today, by contrast, whole nations are bought out.  Democracies and dictatorships are alike owned by Wall Street.  Even "Communist" States have been run like corporations.

That is why the Saudis are able to manipulate our media so effectively, the power of money and oil.  That is why H*tler and other tyrants have been able to come to power so effectively.  That is why our country is not really free today.  I do not intend to use this forum for political purposes, but that is my opinion on the issues raised by the author of this thread.

And yes, as for the literal interpretation of the aforementioned Rabbinical Prophecy, Debra Palfrey did not commit suicide.  Anyone who believes that she did does not know history.

All the best.

Well, actually...

Corporate interests and NGOs are fairly new, but sovereign powers have been bowing to money for ages.  Look at the states of Renaissance Italy (controlled by merchant oligarchies and wealthy families.)  Also, ever since guns made war really expensive monarchies have been driving themselves into horrible debt until banks practically owned them.  Spain had to declare bankruptcy several times, I know.

(flipping through textbook)

1519, some German named Fugger got a bunch of bankers together and  together they were able to control the election of the Holy Roman Emperor.  Not exactly modern.

Also, Saudis controlling our media?  Um, did I miss something?

ATM: Your examples are good ones, and they make a valid point.  However, the difference between then and now is that the forces of world government are stronger now than ever before.  You can see that playing out when admittedly very evil rulers are brought to the Hague.  Next time it will be not so evil rulers.  At some point, it might be anyone who disagrees with the United Nations or its agendas, such as global gun control.  At some point very soon, the opposition of the Third World countries (mostly still autarchic) to radical sexual agendas as promoted by western countries will be progressively undermined.  

In 1519, power was held by autarchic strongmen, the Emperor of Japan being independent from the "Holy" Roman Emperor in Europe.  Now, it is firmly in the hands of a globalized elite.  There has been a tremendous shift, indeed.  

In any case, I am not here to make a bunch of political statements.  I have said enough on that subject.  

All the best.

Unsurprising, seeing as there wasn't an Emperor of Japan at this point.

ATM: OK, the interregnum before the Tokugawa, or whatever system may have reigned at that time.  Probably a lot of wars, and stories to inspire cheap martial arts films.

Thanks for the history lesson.

All the best.