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PaperclipPerfector  4d ago (text post)   14074 thread views

Culture War Roundup for the week of May 25, 2026

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Im sorry but i just do not find the argument that we must allow the commons to be abused because if we dont the people who are currently abusing the commons might burn them down to be particularly compelling.

I would argue that it is better for all involved when abusers are punished, and someone tries to burn it all down because they didn't get thier way we'll punish them for that to.

I would argue that it is better for all involved when abusers are punished, and someone tries to burn it all down because they didn't get thier way we'll punish them for that to.

You say "we'll punish them for that," and I'm assuming that "are punished" before that has an implicit "by us." I agree that, in a fictional world where "we" accomplished such a thing, that it would be better for all involved. Unfortunately, accomplishing such a thing is Very Hard. Doesn't mean it's impossible, but I'm too cowardly to be willing to throw myself on the barbed wire so that my comrades behind me can walk over my body in the tiny chance that we actually do accomplish this. And, as such, I can't begrudge anyone else for being so cowardly.

I acknowledge that it is a difficult problem, but I refuse to accept something being difficult as a reason not to try.

If you're a coward, that's ok. I genuinely respect the honesty and self-awareness it takes to recognize and admit that. and for what it is worth I sympathize. Courage is not the absence of fear (the word for that is "foolhardiness") courage is the ability to think and act clearly in spite of fear. It is an uncommon trait and that's why it is viewed as worthy of notice and commendation.

That said, what I do not respect is the so called "Kolmogorov Option" where someone claims to oppose X in their heart while actively supporting X in word and deed, and that's what I feel like so much of this is.

It's like that nuclear power meme...

  • Person A: "We need strict economic controls to reduce carbon emissions."
  • Person B: "We could reduce carbon emissions by embracing nuclear power."
  • Person A: "But I don't want to reduce carbon emissions, I want strict economic controls."

...only in this case it's "I don't want to improve outcomes".

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