Top Ten Lies in the world today...

[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 do ented 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 do ented 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 at ude 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 at ude 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 ing 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 at ude, the World will always be a ed 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 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 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 ed 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.