Top Ten Lies in the world today...

[Yonivore]

NUMBER 10
WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE FROM GLOBAL WARMING

We are all going to die; that part is true. But I'm not too worried about global warming. One can find articles in the media 20, 30 years ago that warned of a sooner-than-expected new ice age. OK, we can be persuaded that too many cars with bad exhaust pipes can pollute the air, but not nearly as much as when a volcano erupts. It's freezing cold all over the United States this winter, with horrible snow and ice storms. Our countrymen in places like Nebraska or North Dakota are probably thinking "Boy, I sure wish those scientists were right and we could get some global warming real soon."


NUMBER 9
YOU KNOW THE NEWS IF YOU WATCH CNN AND READ THE NEW YORK TIMES OR WASHINGTON POST

These media, like Reuters, Le Monde, Newsweek, CBS News, and so much of the mainstream media are hopelessly biased towards the left. This is not so much a question of editorials or op-ed, since after all, you can read conservative columnists like George Will, Charles Krauthammer and William Safire in these media. But rather it's the slant in how they present the news and what they make news.


NUMBER 8
NO CULTURES ARE SUPERIOR TO ANY OTHERS

If you're accused of even thinking that cultures are unequal, then you are branded as a racist. But by any objective measure of success, western civilization is superior. This is actually not racist, since Japan, Singapore, and South Korea have internalized the best of the west, and essentially joined it.


NUMBER 7
A CONSPIRACY KILLED PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY

A profitable industry has taken individual tidbits of information, blown them out of proportion, and convinced much of the U.S. public and the rest of the world that JFK was killed by some kind of conspiracy. Take your pick: Castro, the Mafia, Lyndon Johnson, the CIA -- all later covered up by the Warren Commission. The real truth, that Lee Harvey Oswald, a nut-case, acted alone to assassinate JFK, is inescapable when you read the facts.


NUMBER 6
FIDEL CASTRO MAY BE A DICTATOR BUT CUBA HAS HIGH SOCIAL INDICATORS

The first part of this is right, but high social indicators? Highest rate of suicide in Latin America. Highest rate of people leaving the country and risking their life in the process. To the extent that there may be high literacy it's a legacy from the Cuba of the 1950s which had a higher standard of living than Spain and Italy and all but two Latin American countries. Now it's a basket case.


NUMBER 5
THE UNITED NATIONS IS THE HOPE FOR THE FUTURE OF MANKIND

Or, its corollary, if we didn't have the UN we'd have to invent it. If this is true, mankind has a bleak future. Anybody with an IQ larger than his shoe size (American shoe size) knows that trusting the UN with our hopes for the future is wrong; we have seen this day after day. But this idea is still out there, and accepted as politically correct and believable by large swaths of countries. It's the official line of the whole European Union, which is frightening, since some of those countries individually are good allies and have intelligent people who should know better.


NUMBER 4
YOU CAN'T MAKE A COUNTRY DEMOCRATIC BY FORCE

This is anti-Americanism and anti-Iraq-invasion thinking mixed with historic amnesia. The Brits conquered India and left it democratic. We bombed Germany and Japan to smithereens, occupied them by force and left them democratic. We invaded and occupied Afghanistan and it's on the way to being democratic. We have a better than even chance of doing the same with Iraq.


NUMBER 3
IF THE USA PRESSURED ARIEL SHARON THERE'D BE MIDDLE EAST PEACE

Middle East peace will happen when the culture of violence changes on the Arab side of the equation and the Arabs drop the goal of destroying Israel. The Palestinian "right of return" is part of destroying Israel. We see Yasser Arafat's death as a good start; and Mahmoud Abbas getting elected. But let's not put a halo over his head just because he's not Arafat.


NUMBER 2
FOREIGN AID HELPS POOR PEOPLE
No it doesn't. Foreign aid largely helps those in the business of extorting or spending it; airlines, restaurants, hotels, car-rental companies and other service industries that cater to the organizations that handle the money; the UN (for example).

Freedom, trade, capitalism and education help poor people. Plus it also matters that their culture teaches them a work ethic (see number 8 above). The old saw that "foreign aid is when the poor people of a rich country give money to the rich people of a poor country" has more than a kernel of truth. By the way, try to name any country that has been developed by foreign aid.


AND, THE NUMBER 1 LIE IN THE WORLD TODAY:
THERE'S SOME MAGIC "THIRD WAY."

Even one of America's best allies in the world, Tony Blair, believes in this. This is a shame, because I like Blair. This lie had much more traction when Bill Clinton was president because, well, he believed in it too (Okay, to the extent that Clinton believed in anything.) He and Blair held hands, sang Kumbaya, and preached "Third Way" to others. Fellow citizens, there's no third way that works. Communism is an obvious failure; and, prosperity is directly proportional to free markets. More capitalism equals more prosperity. That's it, period.

[Sec24Row7]

There's no way Oswald Killed Kenedy with that gun.

None.

[jalbre6]

Regarding #7 (Kennedy)...aren't the complete investigation files to be released in 2013?

Regarding #8- The definition of culture is "The accumulated habits, attitudes, and beliefs of a group of people that define for them their general behavior and way of life; the total set of learned activities of a people." There's no better, correct, or true ways. There's no right or wrong here, just "ours" and "others".

Regarding #1- There's always more than one way, and that one way making the other way incorrect. It's all in the way that you view whatever the matter is in hand.

Yoni, can you post the link to this?

[Bandit2981]

Top Ten Lies in the world today...
#11. Yonivore is a libertarian.

[ChumpDumper]

By the way, try to name any country that has been developed by foreign aid.What's all that money going to in Iraq right now?

And what was that whole Marshall Plan thing?

[JoeChalupa]

#11. Yonivore is a libertarian.

:lol Bwahahahahahahahahaha!!!! :lol

[Medvedenko]

Yoni....poor misguided fool. America....what a good template for peace and democracy ....as you bomb other countries for capatilistic ideals...don't tell me it's for "freedom and liberty"...well why don't you just invade S. Arabia (friends) or N. Korea (no oil) , maybe even China (money)....Bush's policies...or should I say America's policies are full of shit it's not even funny....

[exstatic]

Bush's policies...or should I say America's policies are full of shit it's not even funny....

You had it right the first time, Med, and probably 49% of Americans agree with you.

[Jekka]

I would agree with most of that list. My question is, who in the hell is telling most of those, because not even left wing extremists buy most of those.

BTW, Oswald killed Kennedy alone.

[baseline bum]

Everyone I know who's ever been to Cuba tells me it's an amazing place. Beautiful beaches, great food and clubs, happy people, no homeless period, great health care, etc.

[Extra Stout]

Regarding #8- The definition of culture is "The accumulated habits, attitudes, and beliefs of a group of people that define for them their general behavior and way of life; the total set of learned activities of a people." There's no better, correct, or true ways. There's no right or wrong here, just "ours" and "others".If you're talking about art, and theater, and literature, and clothing, and customs, and cuisine, and stuff like that, then fine, all cultures have something to offer.

When it comes to how people view human rights, or freedom for their people, or systems of government, or whether conquering others should be a source of pride or shame, there damn well better be a right or wrong, or else you're eventually going to find yourself on the bayonette end of a conquering army.

Some societies have accumulated habits, attitudes, and beliefs that are more amenable to peace, security, and prosperity than others have.

Some societies defend their accumulated habits, attitudes, and beliefs more strongly than others. Some impose their culture on other populations more forcefully than others.

You can define "success" as the degree of prosperity a culture maintains. The history books seem to demonstrate that successful cultures are the ones that successfully impose themselves upon others, even if the result creates a bloodier and poorer society.

You can tell Western culture is successful because it seems like a lot of other people that get exposed to it want to adopt it. It's addictive. It's a passive imposition. Other successful cultures get that way by armed conquest and coercion.

The Netherlands made the same foolish assumption you did, and learned that their Muslim immigrants are eager to impose a culture upon them that is less peaceful, less secure, and less prosperous. See, in their culture, conquest is still something to be desired. You can pretend that somehow that is not true, that all people really are as enlightened as the West. But you will be sorely disappointed and maybe dead.

[jalbre6]

If you're talking about art, and theater, and literature, and clothing, and customs, and cuisine, and stuff like that, then fine, all cultures have something to offer.

Cool. Thank you for agreeing with me.


When it comes to how people view human rights, or freedom for their people, or systems of government, or whether conquering others should be a source of pride or shame, there damn well better be a right or wrong, or else you're eventually going to find yourself on the bayonette end of a conquering army.

Perhaps. But in your scenario, if you are "right" and the other folks are "wrong", but there's more of them, you're still going to be on the wrong end of a rifle. And before I start hearing about how it is the obligation of the West to free the minds and granting what we consider basic human rights of these poor blighted cultures, you can tell me why freeing the populace of Iraq is being done while the US (and the rest of the West, for that matter) sat on our ass in the Rwandan genocides. If there is a right or wrong, you either need to help everybody or help nobody.


Some societies have accumulated habits, attitudes, and beliefs that are more amenable to peace, security, and prosperity than others have.

Some societies defend their accumulated habits, attitudes, and beliefs more strongly than others. Some impose their culture on other populations more forcefully than others.

Right. Also, societies accumulate, defend, and impose according to what that particular society's belief set is, and that they more or less believe that whatever they are doing is the right way, whether it is because they have historically done it, religiously done it, or morphed into it over time.


You can define "success" as the degree of prosperity a culture maintains. The history books seem to demonstrate that successful cultures are the ones that successfully impose themselves upon others, even if the result creates a bloodier and poorer society.

Am I smelling a suggestion here, or did someone pass gas?


You can tell Western culture is successful because it seems like a lot of other people that get exposed to it want to adopt it. It's addictive. It's a passive imposition. Other successful cultures get that way by armed conquest and coercion.

For starters, a lot doesn't mean everyone. Hey, I'm a big fan of Wesern culture. I'd rather live where I do and get the rights I have than live elsewhere and get shit on. But that's just me.


The Netherlands made the same foolish assumption you did, and learned that their Muslim immigrants are eager to impose a culture upon them that is less peaceful, less secure, and less prosperous. See, in their culture, conquest is still something to be desired. You can pretend that somehow that is not true, that all people really are as enlightened as the West. But you will be sorely disappointed and maybe dead.

Now, now, calling me foolish won't get you anywhere. And I guess every Muslim in the Netherlands was involved in creating whatever havoc you were describing, sort of like all Muslims in the US are involved in Al-Quida. But is it our job, our "holy grail" to go enlighten people of a culture that has existed 1000's of years longer than ours? And that truly believe they're right? We have our way, and they have their way. What we consider right they consider wrong, and a select few of them are willing to kill us to prove that. What they consider right we consider wrong, and our democratically elected government is willing to try do some Western assimilation to prove that.

example: I'm an atheist, you're a Bible-thumper. I can't believe that you're willing to believe an ancient storybook over legitimate scientific proof. You can't believe that I am willing to go to hell over not giving my life to Jesus Christ because of a couple of scientists and a petri dish.

[smeagol]

Yoni, thanks for reminding why extreme conservatives are as intolerant as any other extremists. No better, no worse.

[CommanderMcBragg]

Yoni, thanks for reminding why extreme conservatives are as intolerant as any other extremists. No better, no worse.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

[Yonivore]

Yoni, thanks for reminding why extreme conservatives are as intolerant as any other extremists. No better, no worse.
I'm sorry, what was intolerant and of whom am I being intolerant in those ten short statements?

Regarding #7 (Kennedy)...aren't the complete investigation files to be released in 2013?
I don't know but, I doubt it'll change material facts that are, already, 40 years old.

Regarding #8- The definition of culture is "The accumulated habits, attitudes, and beliefs of a group of people that define for them their general behavior and way of life; the total set of learned activities of a people." There's no better, correct, or true ways. There's no right or wrong here, just "ours" and "others".
And the accumulated habits, attitudes, and beliefs of a group of people can be better, or worse, than others...(i.e. the Nazis or Islamic Extremists)

Regarding #1- There's always more than one way, and that one way making the other way incorrect. It's all in the way that you view whatever the matter is in hand.
Nope, I contend all societies are based on one or the other of free-market capitalism or state-owned socialism. Variants exist, to be sure, but all economic structures fall to one side or the other.

[Yonivore]

Everyone I know who's ever been to Cuba tells me it's an amazing place. Beautiful beaches, great food and clubs, happy people, no homeless period, great health care, etc.
It may be a nice place to visit but why are its citizens dying to leave and why is the suicide rate so high?

[CommanderMcBragg]

It may be a nice place to visit but why are its citizens dying to leave and why is the suicide rate so high?

There are suicides everyday here in the US too. Why is that?
Did it ever occur to you that people in other countries look at the high murder rate in the US, guns everywhere and the crime rate high.
Many people visit the US every year and the majority of them go back home.

[desflood]

#10 - Scientists have estimated now that the rate of global warming is 1/4 - 1/2 of a degree every CENTURY. Global warming is indeed blown way out of proportion.

[scott]

Nope, I contend all societies are based on one or the other of free-market capitalism or state-owned socialism. Variants exist, to be sure, but all economic structures fall to one side or the other.

I contend America is a hybrid capitalistic/socialist society.

[exstatic]

What ever happened to "The check is in the mail"? That is one of the great lies of all time, and the basis of the current adminstration's fiscal policy.

[smeagol]

I'm sorry, what was intolerant and of whom am I being intolerant in those ten short statements?
For starters, stating that the Western civilation is superior to others, will inevitably make you intolerant of other civilizations.

But I probably expressed myself incorrectly. When I read your ten "short statements" what I take away is that most of them reflect some of the things I feel are wrong with Americans.

1) Their belief they are superior to others. #9

2) Their belief they can do anything and everything by themselves (the UN and Europe are useless). #4

3) Their belief that their's is the only solution to the World's problems #4, #1

As for the rest of the points, some of them might be correct, such as #9, but . . . so what?

CNN, Le Monde, The NY Times are biased towards the left . . . big fucking deal!

Fox News Network, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh and Anne Coulter are biased toward the right . . . one group balances the other. Most of the media sucks anyway, so who cares.

As for #2, I started a thread a few weeks that degenarated into a discussion on this point. You probably think the rich countries should not aid the poor ones. I believe that with such an attitude, the World will always be a fucked up place.

Now, I'll probably get Scott and Manny saying I'm a socialist again.

[Brodels]

#11. Yonivore is a libertarian.

There has been no greater truth uttered in this thread.

[scott]

Now, I'll probably get Scott and Manny saying I'm a socialist again.

Why?

I agree with your post. Yoni's 10 Talking points are the basis behind the perception that Americans are pretentious dicks.

Again, smeagol, I never called you a socialist, I called your Government Aid idea a socialist concept, which it is- just like all tax funded social projects. Never said there was anything wrong with those, just that they were socialist. Don't confuse objectivity with bias against you.

[ididnotnothat]

I think Jennifer Lopez saying "I do" is a great lie.

[smeagol]

Again, smeagol, I never called you a socialist, I called your Government Aid idea a socialist concept, which it is- just like all tax funded social projects. Never said there was anything wrong with those, just that they were socialist. Don't confuse objectivity with bias against you.
Don't worry. I know you are not biased against me.

Hey, you should start another God thread. The original was one of the bests threads ever.

[samikeyp]

I have never bought the whole "the media is biased toward the "insert side here" because there is simply no concrete proof. The left accuses bias toward the right and vice versa. Until someone can show me documented proof "we are going to report news this way to help this side" I am not buying.

Pollution is adding to rising temperature globally but we are not going to have a Blizzard in Miami any time soon.

Saying "I am better than you" IS racist by definition but I would definetly agree that standards of living are better in some places than others.

I don't think you should force any form of government on anyone that doesn't want it.

Everything else I agree with.

[GoldToe]

I like David Letterman's Top Ten List a whole lot more.

[Ignite]

Hear this song by Ras Krass. http://lyrics.net.ua/song/39741

thats all I have to say...

[Nbadan]

I have never bought the whole "the media is biased toward the "insert side here" because there is simply no concrete proof. The left accuses bias toward the right and vice versa. Until someone can show me documented proof "we are going to report news this way to help this side" I am not buying.

Propaganda news admittedly released by the Pentagon, Video News Releases passed off as real news by the W.H., Payola reporters paid with your tax dollars by Cabinet members, and right-wing radio and T.V. hacks spouting opinionated lies as news 24-7, and the only concern by the right-wing posters on this board about the media is CBS and Dan Rather. Go figure?

[Extra Stout]

Now, now, calling me foolish won't get you anywhere.Sorry. I made a bad assumption.


And I guess every Muslim in the Netherlands was involved in creating whatever havoc you were describing, sort of like all Muslims in the US are involved in Al-Quida.Arab/Muslim rejection of Dutch social and political norms was a much bigger problem than the Dutch expected. I guess they figured if the U.S. can assilimilate just about anybody, it must be easy given how stupid we Americans are. Yet somehow far too many of their Muslims are clamoring for an Islamic state in the Netherlands, and harassing and threatening non-Muslim women for appearing in public without the hijab, beating and gang-raping women, and calling the children infidel pig-eaters and beating them, etc. The government's response has been to tell people that if they have a problem with Muslim aggression, they must be racists because all cultures are the same, and those people are just expressing their culture. That attitude is suicidal.


But is it our job, our "holy grail" to go enlighten people of a culture that has existed 1000's of years longer than ours? And that truly believe they're right? We have our way, and they have their way. What we consider right they consider wrong, and a select few of them are willing to kill us to prove that. What they consider right we consider wrong, and our democratically elected government is willing to try do some Western assimilation to prove that.Their poverty and hopelessness comes in large part because of their culture. However, instead they choose to believe we are oppressing them and that is what keeps them from wealth. While I acknowledge that our government takes advantage of them whenever it can, it does that to prosperous countries too, and yet they somehow find a way to succeed.

So when the outpouring of their cultural experience includes trying to kill me, then my laissez-faire attitude about cultural differences goes out the window.

[Yonivore]

I contend America is a hybrid capitalistic/socialist society.
And, I contend there is an ongoing struggle, between socialist and capitalist forces, for the economic soul of America -- that we won't be able to suffer your "hybrid" society for much longer without tilting to one side or the other.

[Yonivore]

For starters, stating that the Western civilation is superior to others, will inevitably make you intolerant of other civilizations.
I disagree -- I believe it just acknowledges there are superior forms of civilization. Intolerance would mean we then set about -- a la Hitler's final solution or Arafat's Intifada -- to completely annihilate other "lesser" civilizations.

But I probably expressed myself incorrectly.
Maybe so, let's see...

When I read your ten "short statements" what I take away is that most of them reflect some of the things I feel are wrong with Americans.

1) Their belief they are superior to others. #9
My belief was a general statement that could be applied to any western(ized) civilization; Japan, Singapore, and South Korea were the examples I listed in #8 (not #9 -- which was regarding media bias)

2) Their belief they can do anything and everything by themselves (the UN and Europe are useless). #4
The UN and the EU are becoming increasingly irrelevant...a few European allies notwithstanding, of course.

3) Their belief that their's is the only solution to the World's problems #4, #1
I've yet to see a better way...go ahead, name one.

As for the rest of the points, some of them might be correct, such as #9, but . . . so what?

CNN, Le Monde, The NY Times are biased towards the left . . . big fucking deal!

Fox News Network, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh and Anne Coulter are biased toward the right . . . one group balances the other. Most of the media sucks anyway, so who cares.
No they don't. On side represents itself as unbiased, objective purveyors of the news...the other as clearly identified right-wing, conservative commentators or pundits. That is, except for Fox News, on which you and I obviously disagree.

As for #2, I started a thread a few weeks that degenarated into a discussion on this point. You probably think the rich countries should not aid the poor ones. I believe that with such an attitude, the World will always be a fucked up place.
I believe countries contain no wealth and that governments are accountable to the people served by that government and, therefore, are unable to commit money to foreign countries without the assent of the governed. So, in essence, yeah, if you live in a country of wealthy, but stingy, people...that would be the case...

However, as it stands, the U.S. has actually spent (not pledged but spent) 600+ million dollars in tsunami relief (only about 180 million of which is Government spending 33 in direct spending and 150 in dedicated military assets). Name a country that has done more in this or any other crisis??

We also lead in foreign aid and funding the impotent UN.

Don't talk to me about obligation or the charitible nature of America.

Now, I'll probably get Scott and Manny saying I'm a socialist again.
Well, you seem to favor the model.

[MannyIsGod]

Ethnocentric babbling.

There are only superior cultures when you fail to acknowledge the fact that there are different sets of value systems and not everyone subcribes to yours.

[Yonivore]

Ethnocentric babbling.

There are only superior cultures when you fail to acknowledge the fact that there are different sets of value systems and not everyone subcribes to yours.
Talk about babbling...

Look at quality of life and tell me which cultures have the highest. No, I'll tell you...Western cultures enjoy the higher standard of living.

[MannyIsGod]

According to YOUR value system. Can't you even acknowledge that not everyone values things in the same way you do?

Why are there people that CHOOSE to live differently if your way is the only way?

[JoeChalupa]

Talk about babbling...

Look at quality of life and tell me which cultures have the highest. No, I'll tell you...Western cultures enjoy the higher standard of living.

I have to agree with Manny. For some the simple life, which you may call a lesser standard, is what makes them happy.
So you may measure on a standard of living while some measure on a standard of life.
Here in the US we may measure the standard of living from our wallets where other measure their standard of living from their heart.
Yeah, it sounds corny but it is true.
My grandparents didn't have much but they lived a happy life because while they were not surround by benjamins, they were surrounded by love of family.

[Yonivore]

I have to agree with Manny. For some the simple life, which you may call a lesser standard, is what makes them happy.
So you may measure on a standard of living while some measure on a standard of life.
Here in the US we may measure the standard of living from our wallets where other measure their standard of living from their heart.
Yeah, it sounds corny but it is true.
My grandparents didn't have much but they lived a happy life because while they were not surround by benjamins, they were surrounded by love of family.
We're not talking about a "simpler" life. We're talking about cultures that are dying because of their societal ideologies...

[Extra Stout]

According to YOUR value system. Can't you even acknowledge that not everyone values things in the same way you do?

Why are there people that CHOOSE to live differently if your way is the only way?I've heard that the bushmen of the Kalahari are the happiest people on Earth. They might be some of the poorest, but they do not value the material wealth we value. Their lives are much simpler and less stressful. More power to them. They're not hurting anyone. We could learn a lot from them. Their value system is very different, but their society functions OK.

That is not the same as a culture the value system of which leaves its adherents in chaos, violence, squalor, and disease. That is a dysfunctional society, not just "different values."

[Yonivore]

I've heard that the bushmen of the Kalahari are the happiest people on Earth. They might be some of the poorest, but they do not value the material wealth we value. Their lives are much simpler and less stressful. More power to them. They're not hurting anyone. We could learn a lot from them. Their value system is very different, but their society functions OK.

That is not the same as a culture the value system of which leaves its adherents in chaos, violence, squalor, and disease. That is a dysfunctional society, not just "different values."
I'll bet you the bushmen of the Kalahari don't tax each other's labors and then redistribute that bounty to the "less fortunate" bushmen of the Kalahari, either. I'm betting it's a survival of the fittest type of society.

[MannyIsGod]

Stout, the point remaining that there are cultures that have different standards of value.

Yonivore, here's a word for you. Community. I'll let Jess fill you in on the bushmen because quite frankly, I don't know shit about them, but I realize that not everyone thinks happiness is found in a 50 inch tv and working 50 hours a week in a cubicle.

[Yonivore]

Stout, the point remaining that there are cultures that have different standards of value.

Yonivore, here's a word for you. Community. I'll let Jess fill you in on the bushmen because quite frankly, I don't know shit about them, but I realize that not everyone thinks happiness is found in a 50 inch tv and working 50 hours a week in a cubicle.
I don't find happiness in television or work, so what's your point?

[smeagol]

I disagree -- I believe it just acknowledges there are superior forms of civilization. Intolerance would mean we then set about -- a la Hitler's final solution or Arafat's Intifada -- to completely annihilate other "lesser" civilizations.
What's your parameter? Wealth? Military power? Who decides which parameter to use? You?



The UN and the EU are becoming increasingly irrelevant...a few European allies notwithstanding, of course.
The US is the only relevant country . . . we get it Yoni.



I've yet to see a better way...go ahead, name one.
The fact that there isn't a better one does not mean we should not strive for a better one. The fact is the World is fucked up and the US is not helping to solve the problem (neither is the EU, Japan and the other developed countries, for that matter).



No they don't. On side represents itself as unbiased, objective purveyors of the news...the other as clearly identified right-wing, conservative commentators or pundits. That is, except for Fox News, on which you and I obviously disagree.
What do we disagree on with respect to Fox News? That they are unbiased?



I believe countries contain no wealth and that governments are accountable to the people served by that government and, therefore, are unable to commit money to foreign countries without the assent of the governed. So, in essence, yeah, if you live in a country of wealthy, but stingy, people...that would be the case...
I agree.



However, as it stands, the U.S. has actually spent (not pledged but spent) 600+ million dollars in tsunami relief (only about 180 million of which is Government spending 33 in direct spending and 150 in dedicated military assets). Name a country that has done more in this or any other crisis??
In this case, total numbers are not what counts, relative ones do.

In any case, I never said Americans are stingy. To the contrary. They give a lot. But if this World is to change, Americans will have to give (not only money, but time, technology, know-how, etc, etc, etc) much more.



We also lead in foreign aid and funding the impotent UN.
True, when 3% of the World population enjoys 20% of its riches, no wonder they are number one in giving. They have a lot, they give a lot.


Don't talk to me about obligation or the charitible nature of America.
Addressed above.


Well, you seem to favor the model.
BS. Just because I think the rich should help the poor I'm a socialist. I'm a Christian, and that's what Christ said. I'm pretty sure you are a Christian too, I just don't understand how you fail to see that if the rich don't help the needy, the World has no solution.

[MannyIsGod]

I don't find happiness in television or work, so what's your point?

That success/happiness/excellence are defined differently by different cultures.

I think you know damn well the point I'm making, but as is always the case when I make a point that is obvious and irrefutable you tend to ignore it and dance around it.

[Yonivore]

That success/happiness/excellence are defined differently by different cultures.

I think you know damn well the point I'm making, but as is always the case when I make a point that is obvious and irrefutable you tend to ignore it and dance around it.
No, you're right, I do get your point...and, cultures that exist, as a burden to the rest of us, would be wise to examine their society and, in my mind, could be considered to have an inferior culture.

Cultures that exist, in harmony with or apart from the rest of the world are not the ones to which I'm referring.

[scott]

No, you're right, I do get your point...and, cultures that exist, as a burden to the rest of us, would be wise to examine their society and, in my mind, could be considered to have an inferior culture.

I am sure there are several cultures that feel we exist as a burden to them. I, personally, won't be examining my society or considering it inferior.

[dcole50]

No, you're right, I do get your point...and, cultures that exist, as a burden to the rest of us, would be wise to examine their society and, in my mind, could be considered to have an inferior culture.
so if other cultures don't share our views, then .. it's entirely they're fault and they need to change. got it.

[Michael]

I'll bet you the bushmen of the Kalahari don't tax each other's labors and then redistribute that bounty to the "less fortunate" bushmen of the Kalahari, either. I'm betting it's a survival of the fittest type of society.

Actually, the bushmen did use a form of redistribution. Meat was shared equally around all the members because they recognized that at various times some members of the tribe would be more successful hunting than others.

[Yonivore]

Actually, the bushmen did use a form of redistribution. Meat was shared equally around all the members because they recognized that at various times some members of the tribe would be more successful hunting than others.
And this system would work with 300 millions bushmen? What do you suppose said bushmen would do to the lazy, irresponsible, criminal, ne'er-do-well bushmen?

[The Big Chicken]

And this system would work with 300 millions bushmen? What do you suppose said bushmen would do to the lazy, irresponsible, criminal, ne'er-do-well bushmen?

just BTW they don't fight too. They laugh at each other (don't ask me how it works) if they ever get in a conflict! Now that is a worthy virtue, won't you say. So, no war, no crime. That solves a good deal of trouble.


And another BTW, western culture won't be the best for ever, since it also wasn't 600 years ago. What if this happens in your life time? Will you change your culture, will you think it is wrong, inferior?

BTW, global warming means, that the weather zones are changing, the warmer zones are expanding and that is why it is warming up and this makes weather very unpredictable. From one extreme to another.

BTW, UN needs reforms but it is valuable to the international community. When China will invade Taivan because of "the weapons of mass destruction" you will realize that, but it will be to late.

BTW, Middle East peace is complex, and the right cause is on the side of the Palestinian, it is the method that is wrong and disgusting.

BTW, there is always a way. It is a problem of will.

BTW, I could criticize some more but I don't have the time.

[Duff McCartney]

Look at quality of life and tell me which cultures have the highest. No, I'll tell you...Western cultures enjoy the higher standard of living.

That's why Luxembourg...has a higher per capita than the United States.

US-$37,800
Lux-$55,100

Better population growth rate, a higher life expectancy, a higher literacy rate, and a lower unemployment rate. But you're right...it's all in the US that has a higher standard of living.

[MannyIsGod]

And this system would work with 300 millions bushmen? What do you suppose said bushmen would do to the lazy, irresponsible, criminal, ne'er-do-well bushmen?

Which brings up another aspect of Western Civilization which is less than grand. Is our society ecologicaly sustainable?