randomness

[Amarantus]

I vote we don't talk about politics so we don't have to go around thinking x person is stupid for x political view!
 I really don't want to dislike some of you!

[Fuse]

Happy Birthday Mr. President!

Dow: -512.76 (-4.31%)
Nasdaq: -136.68 (-5.08%)
S&P 500: -60.27 (-4.78%)

A direct result of the GOP getting their way...

Tell me about the last budget democrats passed.

Both rep and dem are completely messing shit up, but this drop had nothing to do with "GOP getting their way" and I would love to see your explanation to back up your claim.

[Broin]

I vote we don't talk about politics so we don't have to go around thinking x person is stupid for x political view!
 I really don't want to dislike some of you!

Eh... we don't have to get into politics to dislike people... I mean look at me... I just plain hate people in general  

[Fuse]

Plus a mature debate doesn't attack personalities.

[Amarantus]

I think I will join the Broin club and just hate on everyone. I have never seen a civil politics debate, especially between far right and far left. Maybe this will be the first but I doubt it.

[Manic Velocity]

FA's is the only forum I've ever seen where people can openly discuss opposing political viewpoints and not let it turn personal.

[Da6onet]

There are a multitude of events since about the mid 90's that have led us to this point, exacerbated by effect of our political leadership, both Republicans and Democrats, at the national level, and even most of the states, ending up in polarized camps for yet another variety of reasons.

One could argue that we're victims of our own success and that this was inevitable as it was in Japan two decades ago. Suffice to say that we got into this mess because of arrogance and unbridled optimism fueled by a new trajectory in our economic growth.

My hope that we might yet still recover stems from our unique differences however.

1. We have plentiful natural resources
2. Our labor force is still the most talented
3. Our population age demographic isn't as lopsided as Japan's
4. Our university system is great
5. We still have the largest GDP by far
6. We are still the freest country world

Anyone that wants to be snide and clever in the name of their political beliefs, I remind you that you're in this too.

My first suggestion for improvement: Everyone in America needs to take at least a macroeconomics course and a solid US history course.

[Lithium]

My first suggestion for improvement: Everyone in America needs to take at least a macroeconomics course and a solid US history course.

The sad truth is I have learned more from a variety of Ken Burns' PBS Mini Series and other documentaries on Netflix than I ever did in High School (or college) regarding American History.

[ArchNemesis]

So, Brink is free to play this weekend on steam...

Just saying.

[Da6onet]

The sad truth is I have learned more from a variety of Ken Burns' PBS Mini Series and other documentaries on Netflix than I ever did in High School (or college) regarding American History.

It is true, what really makes for a good history course is a good teacher. In that regard, history can be taught in any medium. A good teacher will keep you from hating yourself or America while at the same time learning how to ask the right questions to keep the world in a healthy perspective.

My hope with history lessons is that people realize there are a vast number of parallels to draw on for decision making in the future. As well history can really add both elements of levity and tragedy to current events, again, to help put things in perspective.

Now if you get some moronic teacher telling you Stalin wasn't such a bad guy, then yeah, you might come away with a skewed perspective :-p

I'm fond of Daniel Patrick Moynihan's quote "Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts."

[Lits]

Eh... we don't have to get into politics to dislike people... I mean look at me... I just plain hate people in general  

Except me, right? *blinkblink*

[Ketamininja]

I'm taking a risk that the current issues will not inrease the "Bank of England" base rate, so my tracker mortgage will stay sweet. Damn Bank of England dictating what we Scottish folk pay anyway... grumble grumble

[Revalis]

...
4. Our university system is great
...

I think I disagree with this point. :P  

Universities are gold-sinks. Tuition is out of control, especially in comparison to what you get as a result.

And Teachers (speaking generally) seem to only care about 1) tenure. Or 2) pushing a specific political viewpoint. Which is annoying.

[Da6onet]

I think I disagree with this point.  

Universities are gold-sinks. Tuition is out of control, especially in comparison to what you get as a result.

And Teachers (speaking generally) seem to only care about 1) tenure. Or 2) pushing a specific political viewpoint. Which is annoying.

I agree they cost too much, but generally speaking the sheer number of schools we have has the effect of churning out more college-educated laborers. Some would argue we pump out too many C students (or worse) and that waters down the concept of holding a degree. I would argue that more education is generally a good thing regardless. The concern I have, actually most people have, is that we pump out too many lawyers and politicians and not enough scientists and engineers.

Also, the American education system, for all it's flaws, does, in general, emphasize problem solving and logical/critical thinking over rote memorization, which is one of the reasons at the 8th grade level other countries wallop us and but if you compare the self-selecting group that gets through university level, America, just by volume, comes out ahead. In fact I would point out that because you recognize teacher's have their own politics and are self-interested kind of makes my point. Do you think a Chinese student in some Beijing college is going to think that way as readily as you?

[Tbone]

I got another understudy offer at Folger Shakespeare Library. It's not much cash ($250), but I'd get enough EMC points so join the Actors' Equity Association (the actors' union).

Am I ready to join, though? I've been in a lot of shows, but in terms of high profile Equity theatres, I've mainly done understudy work (this role will mark my EIGHT understudy gig). This also brings up issues of if I should move to NYC or try to be Equity in DC.

Oh well. If you aren't moving forward, you're moving backwards!