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Monday, 30 June 2008

Wednesday, 29 August 2007

Sunday, 26 August 2007

  • In Regards to Gay Rights, Immigration, Stem Cell Research, and other Moral Issues.

        As previously quoted, "A prince must have no other objective, no other thought, nor take up any profession but that of war, its methods and discipline, for that is the only art expected of a ruler."  (The Prince, page 59)

        In light of this, we suggest that you do not mingle in the complications of politics, and the messy webs that go on there.  Focus on the wars that you have started in the Middle East, and wrap them up before you think about getting involved in issues that you do not have to get involved in.  You are, in fact, the Commander in Chief of our Armed Forces, and thus are not expected to head our legislature as well. Leave that to your Vice President, which you pull the moves from BEHIND the scenes. 

        In the wise words of Machiavelli "Generally men judge by the eye rather than the hand, for all men can see a thing, but few come close enough to touch it.  All men will see what you seem to be; only a few will know what you are, and those few will not dare to oppose the many who have the majesty of the state on their side to defend them." (The Prince, page 70)

        You must be neutral on all subjects that would affect your popularity.  These include morality issues like gay rights and stem cell research, no matter what your true opinion.  As long as you are indifferent to the vast majority, the few who see your true colors will not oppose you one way or the other. 

        In short, let Congress battle out the dangerous and emotional issues, while you focus on your task, which is to be triumphant in wars. 
  • Subject : Gas Prices

        In regards to gas prices, lower them a bit, to make your people stop grumbling.  Then, when they feel safe, raise them again, but, (and this is important) make sure all blame goes to other people.  This will help with your image.  However, do not overdue it with the politics of it all, for, according to Machiavelli, "A prince must have no other objective, no other thought, nor take up any other profession but that of war, its methods and discipline, for that is the art expected of a ruler." (The Prince, page 59)

Saturday, 25 August 2007

  • Subject : Tax Cuts

        "A prince, not being able to exercise this virtue of liberality in such a way that it is recognized, except to his cost, if he is wise he ought not to fear the reputation of being mean, for in time he will come to be more considered than if liberal, seeing that with his economy his revenues are enough, that he can defend himself against all attacks, and is able to engage in enterprises without burdening his people; thus it comes to pass that he exercises liberality towards all from whom he does not take, whom are numberless, and meanness towards those whom he does not give, who are few."  (The Prince, pages 71-72)

        A prince should look as if he can support himself, so that he is not relient on his subjects.  He should be able to live off the reasonable taxes that he imposes on his people.  Do not worry about being mean.  You must always be able to withstand attacks, but only with the money alloted to you, thus you do not burden your people.  Do not give tax cuts to the rich, unless you also give to the poor, which is not advised for you will gain the appearience of being "generous" which is, according to Machiavelli, a bad trait, and will bring downfall.  Not giving tax cuts to the rich will benefit you in three ways.  The first being that you will have more money to spend on the wars you partake in.  The second being that they are a select few people that will grumble, as opposed to all who do not have tax cuts. Thirdly, it will give America a more "equality for everyone" feel to it.  

        Machiavelli states in chapter 17 of his book The Prince "...because it is difficult to unite them[fear and love] in one person, it is much safer to be feared than loved, when, of the two, either must be dispersed with...nevertheless a prince out to inspire fear in such a way that, if he does not win love, he avoids hatred..."

        It is never safe to have them hate you. With the tax cuts for the rich, you're only making the people of the lower class annoyed, which leads to hatred.  This will not make people want to willingly die for their country, let alone you.  Abolishing the tax cuts will put things more in your favor.  Also, it will make you look generous, because having returned something, however, you will not gain a reputation for being generous, for you haven't given anything new to them, so you have no chance of ruining your reputation down the line. 

        On a further note, it is better to have many poor followers who will die for you than a few rich ones that have the money to pay their way out of going to war.