World Economic Forum

I think there are many commonalities we share as Americans - you know, all the stuff in the brochure. But left idle(?) (this is the missing piece) we seem to find ways to resort to our natural human state of fractious tribalism (though I'd make an argument we're being driven to that state for profit).

I believe your world view is different enough from mine that we'll just have to agree to disagree on this, but while I admire your desire for productive and peaceful commonalities to bind humanity, I haven't seen that demonstrated in large enough enough numbers to believe it's possible. Yet, at least. So till then, I'll keep rooting for what I believe to be the good guys.

 

Personally I think the notion of "tribalism" is something given credence by the people who long for this mythical unity (I would also dispute there is any kind of "natural" human state) - it has an authoritarian character that I don't like. Not much different than the people who think we all need to read the Bible to get along or something. If people are finding that once authoritative institutions aren't having the same influence, there should be some introspection about that, instead of blaming "tribalism" or "misinformation," particularly if its just whining and they aren't actually prepared to do anything other than scold or lecture people. That doesn't seem particularly effective. Anyways, I think Nietzsche was right, God is dead, and he's not coming back. We are not going to get that grand myth that binds us together back, whether we read our bibles or send every kid to science camp. We will have to find another way to live together. I believe most people have enough in common to work together to solve problems, maybe that's not enough to be a super power that dominates the globe and imposes its will on others, but that's ok with me.

 

I share your hope / optimism in humanity to work together and I think it's come a long ways in the last 10,000 years.

I also believe that we have a long ways to go and the best path we currently have to get there is through supporting western liberal democracies. As the global state that, in my opinion, does the most to support this movement (not looking to debate the good/bad/ugly here), I think it's important we continue to play that role.

In fact, I'd say the fight against authoritarianism has been a common theme of our external boogeymen that has helped bind us. That we can no longer rally around this is concerning to me. (Hey look - we made it back to the original point!)

 

Which is a direct result of Israel's merciless bombardment and devastation of civilians in Gaza. According to this from December, pre-Oct 7, only 12% of Gazans supported Hamas. That number is up to 44% by the time of the article, likely above 50% by now.

What's worse is 90% of Palestinians want Abbas to resign, which means Hamas has the clear opening here to expand, not contract or go away. Hamas is a militant, Islamic extremist group and Israel have managed to make them palatable to the Palestinian people. Hamas have not held an election since 2006.

The point is Hamas influence has inevitably grown and there will be way more people ready to replace any Hamas fighters Israel has supposedly killed.

Palestinian poll shows a rise in Hamas support and close to 90% wanting US-backed Abbas to resign

 

The government creates the market and backs up its outcomes with the force of law and guns… it’s entirely the business of the government to set the conditions for doing business.

 

If the government has the right to make drugs or child porn illegal it has the right to make anything else illegal.

 

One of the specific powers granted goverment is over the economy, whether it be weights and measures, patent protection to promote useful arts, control of interstate commerce, etc. If you think the government has every right and duty to ban child pornography, certain types of weapons, dangerous materials, etc. you cant really say it shouldnt do something else on a constitutional basis. It has that power, and there isnt really an argument against it other than you dont like that it has banned or heavily regulated something. No negative liberties when it comes to the economy, read the Constitution, its pretty much delegates the government all the powers I mentioned and more!