[an0n]

Rane is an affectation designed for NW.

And why must every thread turn intoa  discussion about me? I know I kick ass and all, but Jesus......

Sufficed to say, I believe AIDS victims deserve no more charity, help or pity than the rest of us.

If they're born with it, they should be treated, if not they should be left to die. Simple.

[Rictor]

Confucious says: don't feed the trolls, and they will go away, or at least stop trying so hard.

[an0n]

No, they won't.

They've decided they're sick of letting people continue to be stupid.

[Ford Prefect]

Well I am grateful that most people with positions of power take at least a marginally more compassionate approach than an0n.

[an0n]

Yeah, and that's why there's millions living in squalor all across the globe.

Because morons like you would rather look at the pretty, shiny, socially acceptable causes like Africa, that aren't caused by the people you voted into office, than - say - try to reduce homelessness, gun crime or murder rates in your own goddamn country.

[Ford Prefect]

Well now you're just making assumptions. I blab more about the issues in my own country than I do about Africa. And don't forget that AIDS is also hitting America.

[an0n]

Yes, you blab.

What was the last thing you did that reduced gun crime? Or murder rates? Or - hell - did ANYTHING for the people of Africa?

When you're actually doing something to help, then you can criticize me. Until then you can fu[color=343][/color]ck off and die.

[Ford Prefect]

So was Thomas Paine just blabbing when he wrote Common Sense?

[an0n]

Was Johnathon Swift when he wrote a Modest Proposal?

[Ford Prefect]

Yes, he was. That's my point; words are actions. They're not just ethereal puffs of laziness when they're well-constructed. They affect people's thought-- they get the ball rolling, so to speak.

[an0n]

And so we see the second of mankind's greatest sins: Denial.

"I do nothing but talk, but talking is action!"

[Ford Prefect]

See? It's not that hard!

[an0n]

Show me one civilization built upon words.

[Thorn]

Ever hear the phrase "Put you money where your mouth is"? Yeah. Its around for a reason.

[an0n]

"In times of generosity, the rich plead poverty"

[Ford Prefect]

You misunderstand me. I'm not claiming that civilizations are "built upon words." There are rolls that are filled in every society. The ones who take action will carry out the change, but rarely seem to have a healthy dosage of doubt about themselves. And by the same token, the people who think long and hard are rarely gifted with the blind certainty that fuels action. This is why I think people who want positions of power are often the wrong people for the job.

[an0n]

No civilization was ever built upon words.

They are built upon suffering and war, then the conquered masses are placated with words and lofty ideals.

The quest for power builds civilizations, words merely keep the masses happy enough with their droll little lives to think that sitting there *****ing will ever do anything.

Congratu-****ing-lations: You're contributing to the dominance of others!

[Ford Prefect]

So be it. I lack the humility to try and stop.

I have little genuine interest in politics to begin with. I write for artistic pursuit, not to stand on a soap box.

[an0n]

Don't get me wrong, if you're happy just living out your life then feel free to do so.

But if you're trying to effect a change, you gotta be a mover and shaker, not a sitter and *****er.

[Ford Prefect]

But I don't think that's true. Art in all vehicles can drastically change people's perspective, whether or not they understand it. The masses will, in turn, effect the change. (Whether or not the artist intended it.)