h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I just wanted to write you personally to tell you that, although I know you weren't "personally attacking" Two-Bit, you were dead on correct in everything you said. Personally, I think the guy is kinda ignorant. I don't mean that to sound so harsh, but anyways, I agree w/ you...

Thankyou for the message

I agreed with you post aswell, although I'm still getting the hang of where posts appear. I'm used to posting in a technical forum and there if you click the reply button under a post then your reply appears there.

BTW does that name mean you are Christian?

No, far from it. I'm never really sure what to say when stating my religious beliefs. I, believe it or not, don't like to offend people. It's quite a long story--but here's the edited version: Grew up born-again (very simliar morals to ol' Two-Bit--I understand that rationale)--rebelled, moved out west--did a lot of drugs--got into a lot of trouble (lil' jail time & many, many stints in institutions)--now back in college (sportin' the ol' 4.0.) OK, the name comes form a San Francisco band I had--"Wandering Jews". It was my band--I wrote, sang, etc...hence I was "KIng of the Jews". I am as atheistic as they come...

OK I got all of of that, It's just that I remember Jesus being referred to as "the king of the Jews"

For me it's rather complicated too. For most people here (NZ), it's don't ask don't tell so I was kinda iffy about asking in the first place.

Oh, no problem asking. I suppose it is rather complicated--what w/ everyone so touchy where religion is concerned. So, hopefully not offending you, I'd like to quote Nietzche: "God is a crude answer against us thinkers". As far as the Jesus thing goes, obviously, yes, the name does take aim--though, probably done more so to revoke mom than anything else...

Here's one that infuriates many "religion is the opium of the people"

Karl Marx. I just read the Communist Manifesto ( I believe ol' Two-Bit refers to Communism as one of the two evils in this world.) I am actually quite intriqued by Marx, not that I know all that much about him. I suppose what I find so interesting is: Here's a guy who lived pretty much in poverty fighting for the rights of the common (working) man and somehow (here in Capitalist County) he's been vilified into this Second Coming of Satan.

"Capitalist County" as you put it seems to portyay, through the media, things from an employer or "well situated" persons view point. Things may be different there but here overseas the impression I get.

I studied the Russian revolution in 6th form history (6th form is second to last year of highschool). The origional comunist movement was alot better than the system being replaced and socialist movement raised living standards.

Capatalism seems closest to fudal style monarchy. But that's just my view

My favorite quote regarding capitalism comes from Noam Chomsky: "The capitalistic ethic treats freedom as a commodity; it is available in principle; you can have what you can (afford to) buy." Apparition, I'm sure been around long enough to realize this, so forgive me if I border on pedantic; but, I imagine if I were'ne dirt poor all these principles and ideals I feel as though I suffer for wouldn't carry the same burden. I mean, you rarely hear retirees in Florida bitch and moan about, "that G*****n Bush". I dunno, perhaps I am a bleeding heart. I'd just like to believe in something more spiritual than the almighty dollar; I'd like to believe that this experience called life yields dividends worth more than market shares. Maybe I am naive. The only way the 5% can continue to dictate & mandate & control the rest of "us" is if they can divert attention away from the real gross improprieties. Everyone knows that. Communism was/is a real easy scapegoat. I hate to say it, but I believe the philosophies of Two-Bit really do speak for the majority (over here). Most people are infuriated over welfare;l most people view communism as a tool of the devil--forget the $400 billion the U.S. spends on defense a yr. Forget the fact that 90% of the chemicals used in the manufacturing of cocaine comes from the U.S. (as Congress allotes another who-knows-how-many billions of dollars to continue the War on Drugs). The public needs tangible, visible, easily recognizable enemies. It's all Bin Laden; or it's all Noriega--whoever. Never underestimate the stupidity of the average man...

Actually it seem we agree on many things. Hollywood doesn't seem to make a ditinction between comunisim and socialism. What about real life america? does the average american make a distinction

This country is a very free democracy that used to be more socalist than it is now (previous government was conservative and did a lot of damage). I know first hand that socalism and free democracy are not mutually exclusive.

I've been working for just over three years (two bit would say a tax payer) but before that I was unemployed for around two years. People like two bit don't seem to understand that welfare doesn't pay much and that without welfare there is the street and I wouldn't be working and paying tax now.

Evertthing I hold important doesn't have a $ value, my wife ect

have a look here, you may find it interesting. A fellow countryman gave me the link http://www.worldaudit.org

Again, you'll have to forgive me. I have a real tendency to divulge a little bit too much in the personal dept. The trouble is, there is no way to see into the future and I really am a proponent of strength in numbers...Anyway, I too know a little bit about poverty. And no, welfare doesn't pay. Any comment to the contrary runs along the same lines as prisons being country clubs--which, of course, they are not. I am on the dole, so to speak. I haven't worked a "real" job in a long, long time. I won't bore you with a autobiography, but let's just say, I have a big problem working well w/ others. Thanks for the site. I will check it out as soon as Finals are over and I get a minute to myself...