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Stephen Hawking Calls Trump A 'Demagogue' Who Appeals 'To The Lowest Common Denominator' (go.com)
An anonymous reader writes: British astrophysicist Stephen Hawking told ITV's morning show that Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican Party candidate for U.S. president, "is a demagogue who seems to appeal to the lowest common denominator." He said, "Gone are the days we could stand on our own against the world. We need to be part of a larger group of nations, both for our security and our trade." ABC News writes, "Stephen Hawking understands the workings of the universe -- but says he cannot fathom the popularity of Donald Trump. He went on to say that British voters should keep the United Kingdom in the European Union in a June 23 referendum, saying the EU provides essential support for British scientific research as well as its economy and security.
I don't understand why Hawking's opinions about anything outside of physics is given publicity. Although one of the most brilliant minds of our time, in his field, he's not a politician nor a businessman.
You can't just look at one of the candidates - you have to look at all of them. The choices this time around - to me - seem horrible overall. How does Hawking feel about Hilary Clinton? Who would he pick? The only thing sure with Trump is that things will change. Will they change for the better? Who knows. With most of the other candidates, seems like more of the same corporate bribery and corruption. So when people's backs are against the wall, will they take a chance with the devil they don't know instead of the devil they do know?
Statement
Statement
Statement
Conclusion?
Look, say whatever you want about any politician or any issue. But you don't make an argument like this...
Saying "gone are the days when you can operate as a singular nation" needs to be explained. First, you'd have to say that anyone is actually suggesting such a thing. Second, whether people are doing that or not doesn't mean that is or is not a good or reasonable idea.
Meh.
I've decided to stop wasting my time responding to AC trolls/sockpuppets... so if you want a response from me... login.
This is barely an article let alone one with a remote tech slant. Does slashdot sell itself as an ad botnet now?
The definition of a demagogue is a leader who obtains power by means of impassioned appeals to the emotions and prejudices of the populace.
I'm no fan of Trump, but doesn't that describe the political strategy of EVERY politician seeking/maintaining office?
Where does Stephen Hawking live? Where does he get his news? Do you trust a British Knight to be up-to-date with US politics? If so, why?
How much time do you suppose he invests in looking into the dissenting opinions?
How many people do you think he has around him that might debate the pros and cons of Trump's statements vs. Sanders or Clinton?
Personally, I think this is true for most celebrities that have a legion of personal assistants and entourages surrounding them. I don't think ti's deliberate isolation, but I don't think they're exposed to both sides of most arguments, either. I've had too many 'friends' that *BRAGGED* about how their only/main source for news was The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
The problem is Trump is going to be a huge negative for everyone. You can't drag the US into the Shitter without at least putting everyone else that is joined at the hip in with the turds he wants to swim in.
He should be smart enough to realize that regardless of what he thinks, we're going to get President Trump this fall.
President Trump is exactly the kind of president that the United States hasn't had in over half a century, but has very badly needed.
President Trump doesn't mince words like other politicians do. He describes things as they are, and that's why so many Americans love him, and will vote him into the presidency in just a few short months.
Maybe leftists don't understand this, but the support for President Trump is well beyond what they expect it to be.
Many leftists think that because President Trump has spoken out against illegal aliens, that all foreigners will dislike him. That's actually the opposite from the reality we're seeing! Legal immigrants are among his biggest supporters. After all, they went through the legal immigration process, and this isn't an easy thing to do by any means. Nothing makes them angrier than seeing people who bypassed the immigration process, and who knowingly entered America illegally, get amnesty and other special privileges. President Trump's plans to make it harder for illegal aliens to get into the country appeal very much to legal immigrants.
We see the same when it comes to many other stances that President Trump has taken. Leftists are perhaps blind to what non-leftists think. Despite all of their talk about "tolerance" and "acceptance", it's like leftists are unable to see things from different viewpoints. They just can't comprehend non-leftist positions on various issues.
While everybody else already knows that President Trump will be leading America by this time next year, for whatever reason this will come as a huge surprise to many leftists.
Quick question: would we take seriously pronouncements on physics, black holes, and the nature of reality coming from, say, Kissinger? No, that would be idiotic. The man probably knows everything about the subtle interplay of diplomacy, but nothing about physics. The very idea of him commenting on particle physics is ludicrous.
Yet, at the same time, we don't immediately start laughing when someone like Stephen Hawking - who knows everything about physics, black holes, and the nature of reality but likely NOTHING MORE THAN THE GENERAL CITIZEN about diplomacy, history, and the interplay of international negotiations - starts commenting on international affairs, to say nothing of politics in a country not even his own?
Mr Hawking is entitled to his own opinion, of course. But the idea that "we should listen to him, he's smart" is pretty stupid.
-Styopa
I find it hilarious how hypocritical you are.
You condemn President Trump for supposedly using "insults", yet we see your comment riddled with insults and attacks directed at President Trump!
You ridicule President Trump for allegedly having "ignorant ideas", yet we see so much intolerance, anger, wrath and dislike displayed by you!
You rail on about "conspiracy theories", yet you're the one projecting this weird notion of President Trump seeing success because of "ignorant ideas, insults, and conspiracy theories", rather than just admitting that he's successful because he has widespread public support!
It would be very comical, were it not for the fact that you're serious!
Why not just give everyone voting rights in every election everywhere in the world? That would save them the expense, beyond the means of most, of having to move not to mention brave the opposition of racist nationalist xenophobes everywhere. I mean, it's not like people who are migrating to the US to obtain US citizenship to engage in racial/ethnic bloc voting are going to help drive society in the direction of a racial/ethnic blind society, so the US has already given up on that goal. And think of the benefits: With Africa slated to have the highest population in the world due to its inability to liberate its women, every democratic country in the world can be run by Africans! Well, we'll let Israel off the hook because it's a special place for special people. NYC too, for the same reason. Of course the problem with this Grand Plan is it might temporarily reduce global migration but I'm sure once The Best People were put in charge everywhere, that would change very rapidly.
Seastead this.
So i should vote for the guy who i disagree with but know he's lying?
So you should vote for the woman you agree with even though you know SHE is lying?
That is better why again?
In the end you are voting for a woman who fundamentally is the ultimate tie-in to every status quo between government and business insider dealing that has existed for decades. Or you vote for the person who is part of none of that existing government/business wheel of fortune.
Or you can vote for the woman the press have an inherent interest in covering for and let her continue with behind-doers deals with business and governments all over the globe. Or you can vote for the person who the press will spend four yours putting every action under a microscope.
Think about what RESULTS you want, and vote for that. Not for what the person says they will or will not do.
"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
Stephen Hawking is no more of a scientist than Sarah Palin.
(hahahaha)
All of the above.
Trump polling: Up five points.
"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
I totally agree with you about the effect of a bad president, seeing what Europe has to deal with now after eight years of Obama destroying the middle east and handing Iran nuclear weapons.
The difference is I think Trump can at least start to reverse some of the damage by not rolling over for every tin--pot dictator from here to Havana. The funny thing is, you are totally ignorant that the very reason you so irrationally despise trump is why the very elements de-stabilizing the world will irrationally fear him and thus bring about a measure of stability to the world that sorely needs some breathing room to think.
The funny thing is, it seems rather like you are backing far more of a warmonger (Hillary) than Trump will ever be. When the first Iranian nuke detonates in an American city, do a little thought experiment as to what Hillary would do, vs Trump... Trump would at least listen to the council of the military, Hillary would go off on some Libya quality exercise of country annihilation. Hillary has already demonstrated what she would do, yet you still back her.
"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
Ladies and gentlemen, the President of America
When all you have is a hammer, every problem starts to look like a thumb.
Stephen Hawking is a loser. He's stupid and says stupid things, not like Trump, who is smart, has a good brain and a lot of words.
https://www.salon.com/2016/04/...
You are welcome on my lawn.
I don't know if my mind is blown but it's certainly confused. Your first question is unclear, do you mean is there anything that he has said that I believe, or do you mean will I believe anything he says regardless of how bat shit crazy it is? And what do you mean by believe? Do I believe he said it? Do I believe he thinks it's true? If it's not an opinion do I think the things he says are objectively true? If it's an opinion do I agree with it? And your final sentence I can't parse at all.
"Grab them by the pussy" -- President of the United States of America
I think Trump is actually saying what he genuinely feels (warts and all), which If true then by the dictionary definition of demagogue he CAN'T be one.
Perhaps that is exactly WHY people want to vote for him, voters are beyond tired of the status-quo, politics-as-usual, cookie-cutter politicians, and party hard-liners. They are looking for someone to shake up things.
Is it risky? Perhaps. But without risk, there can be no real gain, either.
I think Trump is a mess. But we will be offered only two choices come November, so look at the other choice. Yeesh. The bigger problem is that we desperately need to reform the election process and bring in IRV http://fairvote.org/ but we live in the here-and-now.
Just about everyone I know, including myself, want better choices.... but that time is over now. And even if it seems reckless to vote for Trump, remember that 1) it is only the President (Congress has just as much power) 2) it is only for 4 years 3) we have a set of checks-and-balances.
As for Hawking? I have a great deal of respect for him as a scientist and physicist.... but he should stick to what he knows. America is not his country and his field is not politics, economics, sociology, or management.
by insulting everyone's intelligence with your blather?
morons like you claim you like him because he tells it like it is, yet whenever your betters point out the facts you whine about how your feelings are hurt and that you need to go and hide in your safe place. Face is son, you only like this failed little man because he panders to the willfully ignorant, bigoted dregs of society that are desperate to find a scapegoat for the messes that they have made.
Because God is a free market pro business republican to these people. Ask any southern white Christian? It is taught at the pulpit and all the religious figures endorse him because he has an R next to his name.
It is amazing how group psychology and group identity impacts brains sadly.
http://saveie6.com/
I'm pretty sure it's this political science department.
Randy Newman - Political Science
lyrics
This classic song has never been timelier...
Those who advocate genocide deserve every protection afforded by law, and none afforded by common human decency.
Yes, I also can't figure out why preventing illegal immigration to save literally billions per year is a good idea.
And that's just for California.
Who'd've thought that people don't want political correctness, extra crime, migrant welfare, and a change of culture?
Trump's rise is possibly the biggest demonstration of confirmation bias in recent history. Literally *any* news or opinion about the man - be it positive, negative, factual, wrong, not even wrong, cogent or otherwise - simply reinforces his supporters positive opinions of him. Negative views must be "biased" or "politically correct nonsense" or similar, while positive views are seen as "obviously" factual. And it works the other way too: any positive opinions expressed are dismissed by his opponents, and anything sensible that passes his lips is ignored, while every story that paints him as a egocentric, self-serving and dangerous is lauded. If this election doesn't get included in future psychology textbooks as *the* example of confirmation bias then someone isn't paying attention.
Retorts with devastating Tweet that Hawking is a no-walking no-talking wheelchair loser who's never made one dime in real-estate. Pulls down trousers and says he's got Hawking's black hole "right here".
Polls surge. News at 11.
Take it easy, Charlie, I've got an Angle...
I was ready to comment but already found scamper_22 opinion that match my own: https://science.slashdot.org/c... "People aren't voting for Trump because they are amazed at his policies. They're voting for Trump because he's the only one (aside from Bernie) actually speaking about issues people want addressed instead of dismissing their concerns. If progressives/liberals actually began addressing the concerns of people. In the stereotyped Trump supporter case, poor white people, they might get somewhere. Instead probably the only message poor white people hear from the left is... you have white privilege..." My big question is: Why progressives/liberals dismiss so easily the real concerns of most voters? I am starting to believe that SOME progressives/liberals actually believe that they MUST BE the leaders above the rest of the people because somehow they are "better" than their fellow citizens... and that is exactly how most deadly confrontations began.
While I am not a republican or Trump supporter in any way, shape, or form, the mindset you profess is why Trump will sadly win in November. Not because what you are saying is right, but because you midpsunderstand the bigger dynamic: Trump will say whatever it takes to get elected. He is out politicking the politicians by taking it to 11.
It is completely absurd, but the Democratic Party is equally to blame for the situation we face now. Hillary never should have been allowed to run by the establishment. This election will end up costing the Democrats any chance at controlling congress or many state offices for a long time. She is too divisive, and a lot of people have hated her for well over 20 years.
On the other hand racist socialist populist Barry O appealed to the intelligentsia.
That is simply a lie.
As you very aptly demonstrate.
you idiots. You destroyed your own continent by allowing a walking army to colonize you.
While you are too busy celebrating declining populations, and abortion you've just made yourselves part of the Caliphate. Maybe if you'd ever read a book on European history, you'd know how many thousands of years the west has been at war with Syria and friends.
Way to go, now white guilt yourselves some more into why being the rape capital of the world is good for your guilt.
Stephen is talking about half the voting population in the USA.
I am all for gathering all the smart people and moving. I suggest Canada as they have good beer and the harsh winters keeps the bug population down... except in the north where the black flies will strip you to the bone in 40 seconds.
Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
Trump saying things that are obvious lies is what Trump is doing the *same* as every other politician.
Focus on what Trump is doing *differently* if you want to understand his appeal.
By speaking very vaguely about issues like the economy and immigration, Trump gives votes the impression he hears their concerns. In fact people often have some very unfocused anxiety that they can't clearly articulate, but if Trump is hearing their concern he's ahead of his competition. That's why Clinton has no chance against him but Sanders does, even though Sanders is far less like Trump than Clinton is.
Rather than opining about the politics of a foreign country, why doesn't he promote a pro-science party in the UK? Though the Europeans have suddenly come to understand why we in the US are so concerned about the replacing of legal immigration by mass insurgency, American political issues are for the most part different from those in his own region. But he would understand the anti-science problem in Europe as being the same one the US faces. Hawking could be a powerful voice for unifying the science/tech community around a new party that represents their interests.
Because God is a free market pro business republican to these people. Ask any southern white Christian? It is taught at the pulpit and all the religious figures endorse him because he has an R next to his name.
That's fine that you have your beliefs about how things are and all, except when you deliberately misinterpret their motivations like that, (well let's not sugarcoat it: you're outright lying about it) then not only do they pay even less attention to you, but people who might be on the fence about it might look at how you and other anti-Trump protesters are behaving in an even more irrational manner than those who you proclaim to be the bad guy. And if they observe that, then who does that make you think they're more likely to vote for?
You're seriously arguing that because so many people are here illegally, we shouldn't do anything for fear that they'll burn our cities to the ground?
Well, I'm even more extreme than that. I have this crazy idea that we're all citizens of Earth, and all policies that suggest which patch of dirt you're allowed to stand on, and for how long, are fundamentally evil and racist.
As a first generation Canadian I'm okay with letting most people into my country, but I still want a border/filter to keep out the folks from (say) ISIL/Daesh. Letting in most people is fine; letting in all people is not.
If anyone can move anywhere at anytime, one risks the tragedy of the commons where people arrive, shit all over things, and then move on and not care about the results. Having some barrier to entry, and some "skin in the game" helps to ensure that anyone in a given area has some vested interest in keep that area/community in decent shape.
nothing like a bigoted hissy fit from a trump supporter to show exactly what the dregs are.
Trump got $2B worth of press coverage with his "crazy" statements and being a "demagogue", and did it in a way that doesn't necessarily legally bind him to anything he said, because anyone with half a brain understands why he does what he does, and the rest just like the craziness. He's much smarter than people give him credit for.
I'm more curious what he does after he gets the nomination. I think he will continue to troll the (mostly liberal-controlled) press to get 24x7 coverage for free, but I also think he will tone things down considerably, and he will become a lot less "off the cuff", letting experts come up with strategy and talking points instead of making shit up as he goes along. Going against Hillary will be like shooting fish in a barrel for him.
By the same argument, shouldn't Trump stick to what he knows? Such as preserving a huge inheritance, real estate development, managing beauty contests, replacing trophy wives, and clever tax evasion strategies?
The argument for Trump is that his success in his chosen fields, real estate development and building a personal "brand", qualifies him for the many disparate things required of a president. Why doesn't the same argument apply to Hawking? Despite extreme physical disabilities, he's a financial and scientific success with a powerful personal "brand." You have not provided any reason to value Hawking's political opinions less than Trump's.
--- Often in error; never in doubt!
It's Hillary's turn.
Just like it was Bob Dole's turn.
I remember how that worked out.
Political Parties are actually rather feeble entities in some regards.
Just stick around. I don't think even Trump wants to be reelected for a second term. He's the 21th Century James K. Polk. A single term fixer-upper president.
Well, I'm even more extreme than that. I have this crazy idea that we're all citizens of Earth, and all policies that suggest which patch of dirt you're allowed to stand on, and for how long, are fundamentally evil and racist.
I have yet to see anyone who floats this thought acknowledge that some cultures are in fact better than others. If you let the wrong person in- and they're far more common in shitty cultures- they will degrade and destroy everything we've built with our nicer, more secure, more productive cultures.
I'd go further, in fact, and state that people who float these 'borderless' ideas are the ultimate chauvinists, as they imagine that people only naturally think the same way some left-leaning westerner does.
Either that, or you actually seek to undermine and destroy western civilization, and you make compassionate-sounding arguments in order to advance that cause. It's the same way that 'peace activists' are often not against war, per se, but they're simply on the other side, and are hiding their true motives for the sake of expedience.
Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be the name of a store, not a government agency.
No, when she originally told them she was going to put them all out of work. Later she went back and did damage control when the backlash got really bad and she told a bunch of lies to cover her ass. Too bad, I almost respected her a little for a second.
I don't see how this is different from Hillary, Sanders, or any other major politician?
In fact, "appealing to the lowest common denominator" of your electorate is arguably what you should do in a representative democracy.
Pretty please! Im Italian and I've spent the last 20 years getting lectured and laughed at because Berlusconi. Now you're on the brink of electing a person so special and unique that Berlusconi is Mother Teresa in comparison. I'll be lighting a candle if you do. Sincerely yours.
I think that migration should be allowed freely. I also know that some cultures are better than others. Thatâ(TM)s pretty obvious. That theocratic culture that kills and tortures their people is inferior to one who isnâ(TM)t based on religious principles, does not impose capital punishment and is peaceful and prosper. I see that you think that if you happen to be in a place that embraces a good culture you want to keep people from bad cultures out. I think this is borne out of fear. Good cultures, for the most part, thrive on letting others in. How would you question your religious ideas if you are not exposed to alternate viewpoints? How would you enrich your life with new types of food? How would your political and personal views change to embrace new ideas? You need to have exposure to those. Bad cultures also need to improve. We are all together on this space ball. If you let many people from bad cultures in where people of good culture live, they are now exposed to new ideas and ways, an exposure which would not happen in any other way. Many will reject their new culture, because bad culture has some stickiness to it, but those that do not will spread the seed of doubt, spark interest, even back home where the bad culture thrives. Adding to this, bad cultures are rarely universally bad. They bring some valuable ideas, perspectives, that we can import. Even if the ideas are all bad, there will at least be some good food. Youâ(TM)d be surprised how open people of bad cultures are to new ideas, if you approach them with respect instead of fear and contempt.
Exactly. In a democracy, the successful politician is the one who gets the most support. In other words, he appeals to the lowest common denominator. If Hawking has such an odd comprehension of politics, I think we also need to look more critically at his opinion of Brexit.
Strange that he has warned about competition from extraterrestrials, but completely denies that there is any competition between groups of the same species that have the same environmental niche.
Does anyone care about what Steven Hawking thinks?
"Stephen Hawking Calls Trump A 'Demagogue' Who Appeals 'To The Lowest Common Denominator'"
The lowest common denominator he's referencing is "The People"
It's more of an insult to us than Trump.
I want a President who appeals to me. I want a President who will look out for the interests of us "lowest common denominators"
Steven Hawking has the resources to pay people to take care of his every body function yet he would ridicule the people for their choice of President.
Steven Hawking is free to take a long roll off a short pier.
Trump 2016!
(This message was not endorsed by Donald Trump)
- A Frog in a pond utters an azure cry. -
> I have yet to see anyone who floats this thought acknowledge that some cultures are in fact better than others.
That's... that's because most cultures aren't.
> they will degrade and destroy everything we've built with our nicer, more secure, more productive cultures.
There are many, many flaws with the culture of the USA you're conveniently ignoring here. I mean, if you use torture or capital punishment as a metric for how much better a country is, then America is extremely backwards compared to most (or even all) other places on Earth. You're not even a democracy anymore. You're still (on the whole) having problems with racism and sexism, something that has been largely sorted out in Europe (Even though we still have a way to go, we don't have as far a journey as you!). Hell, religious fundamentalists control a large part of your country still, and you're having to fight large parts of the country about the right for schools to teach scientific fact over religious fiction! You're having huge problems with surveillance, and the sheer extent to which your rights and freedoms have been curtailed by the state is still only just becoming apparent. You don't even have a universal healthcare system for crying out loud! What seems like every other day, there is a mass shooting happening in some place or another -- I can't really think of anywhere in Europe with such a rate of gun violence. And that's including the places where guns are not banned.
In what world is such a place 'nicer' or 'more secure'?
Additionally, do you think that it's beneficial and progressive to limit the fruits of modern science, knowledge, etc. to a subset of humanity?
Alternatively: So you think that some people are more deserving than others in the rights that they have, purely because of where they were born, and happen to live?
>I have yet to see anyone who floats this thought acknowledge that some cultures are in fact better than others. If you let the wrong person in- and they're far more common in shitty cultures- they will degrade and destroy everything we've built with our nicer, more secure, more productive cultures.
I'm afraid whoever told you this bullshit was lying to your face. All cultures are 100% evil. There is no redeeming qualities to ANY of them. It's our biggest evolutionary failure that we still have them. And no, "your" culture is none of the things you describe. The greatest evils and murders in history were all done by "your" culture. Nearly all the wealth that gave "your" culture it's current dominant position (which you false describe as *productivity) was stolen from other cultures over a half a millenium process of enslavement, oppression, eradication and subjugation. Most of the gold in your vaults were mined in Africa. Hell most of the rare earths in your phone right now was mined by slaves in east Africa.
Your economies are built on ensuring the enduring poverty of other countries because their poverty keeps the price of resources low. You may not rule their countries anymore but you don't need to since you rule the markets.
*The idea that wealth is correlated to productivity is flat out easy to prove wrong. The hardest working people in the world are invariably the poorest. They are also the most ingenius and the most creative. They have to be all these things because without that they don't survive. The wealth of Europe and America is built on the exact opposite of productivity - on laziness, by NOT having to work hard or be very creative or ingenius to survive - people get to spend their mental and physical energy on more profitable endeavors. But the hard work that bring those endeavors to life didn't dissappear - they just got outsourced to people who have no choice but to suffer so far off foreigners can live in luxury. Colonialism never ended... it just changed it's clothes.
Unicode killed the ASCII-art *
racism and sexism arent real things here, its a boogie man the media drummed up because fear sells
have you seen my sig? there are many others like it but none that are the same
Surely, a man as smart as Hawking knows this.
I have yet to see anyone who floats this thought acknowledge that some cultures are in fact better than others.
Those two concepts are orthogonal; it's not contradictory to disagree with both nationalism and cultural relativity.
I have yet to see anyone who floats this thought acknowledge that some cultures are in fact better than others.
Well, which cultures are best, then? The western culture is predicated upon the suffering of others, exporting one's pollution and permitting corporations to ignore externalities for example. We could measure automotive efficiency in miles per murder, if we liked, but that might not be a selling point. That doesn't really differentiate it from eastern culture, but that's my central point. How do you measure? What makes you think you're so great? AFAICT, nothing but cognitive dissonance.
It's the same way that 'peace activists' are often not against war, per se, but they're simply on the other side, and are hiding their true motives for the sake of expedience.
When your country is running an empire with military bases all across the world, and drone striking weddings to take out persons of interest, maybe you start to think that the other side might have a point.
"You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
"Trump appeals to all denominators"
I don't think you get the metaphor "lowest common denominator".
-Dave
Borderless is coming, and it's coming fast. An increasing number of people are developing their networks and friendships online and they don't care what country their friends are in, but they do care that silly border laws are keeping them from meeting in person. The next generation will change how we think both about nationality and about territory-based borders.
I see the extension of the "global village" and culture blending, however, I don't see the erosion of border laws as the end result of these forces. Instead I see advances in consumer grade electronics that allow multi-party VR telepresence, haptic suits, and teledildonics to be the future for those so predisposed and privileged enough to have access.
Another way to think of this is if you have the funds and flexibility to buy an expensive plane ticket, take off of work, etc. for a vacation to go see some people you met online, you would also have the capital to invest in the above mentioned items. And, once you have the gear you have repeated access to any number of adventures with your global community of "friends."
When the only tool you have is a claw hammer every problem starts to look like the back of someone's skull.
I don't understand why Hawking's opinions about anything outside of physics is given publicity. Although one of the most brilliant minds of our time, in his field, he's not a politician nor a businessman.
Maybe because he is one of the most brilliant humans of our current times who, by his life works and words has made him both an intellectual and moral figure. I would venture to say that, although he is neither a politician, nor a businessman, he might have a better grasp at issues in those domains than the average Joe or Bubba.
Plus, he is not talking about specific (or complex/esoteric) political policies or business practices. He is talking from an ethical POV using history as a guide.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2016/03/21/donald-trump-flip-flops-then-flips-and-flops-more-on-h-1b-visas/
Most foreign slashdoters, and even most local, have no clue how the U.S. government works. Most of them think of the President as a king or dictator. His word is law. That isn't the way it is. Outside the scope of his office the president has no more power than a normal citizen of the United States. Granted the power inside his office is vast but it is limited.
When it comes to shaping public policy the president can only really issue decrees called executive orders.
As a US citizen, I'll call bs on this assertion that a POTUS has limited power (as in minimal power.)
Yes, he is not king.
No, he can have enormous influences in governance, politics and law.
He nominates to the SCOTUS. And he has the power to issue executive orders that can have enormous implications both negative (ie. Internment of Japanese-Americans during WWII) and positives (de-segragation of public schools.)
Additionally, he has the power to direct departments to implement change with enormous implications (think Obama's new ruling regarding overtime pay.)
And if we were to assume the generalization that foreigners are so uneducated that they think the US POTUS as a king of sorts, let us not forget how many Americans operate under the same premise : Trump will single handedly, by pure sheer bravado will bring all those jobs back from China and, like in the old cotton farm days, he will whip the backs of those lowly Mexicans with his yuuuuuge dick until they build a wall (and no, I'm not exaggerating, some people truly believe this shit.)
Agreed on keeping the UK in the EU. If Trump wins, the whole world will need all the help it can get!
Self-importance and self-indulgence is the root of ALL evil.
the only message poor white people hear from the left is... you have white privilege.
I grew up as a poor white kid. The only privilege I had was what I worked for.
Sure, now tell me I had privilege but I just didn't know it ... you're right (about not knowing it). I saw no evidence of it in any part of my life.
I'm going to ask you to please read this twice, very carefully, before you decide to comment.
In this context, privilege is the fact you will most likely never suffer from loan discrimination practices (see link to recent story.)
Privilege is the fact that no one is ever going to tell you you are a quota hire (specially by people less qualified than you.)
Privilege is the fact that no lady is every going to hold her purse a little harder when you are next to her, even when you are wearing a business suit and carrying an expensive suit case.
Privilege is the fact that you can go house/condo hunting at an upscale zip code wearing shorts and sandals, and that you will never be forced to dress business casual just to get a sales person to make time for you (or to lie you that they do not have any new units left even though they do.)
Privilege is the fact no one is going to intercept you as you take your kids for a walk around your gated community to ask, to demand at point blank if you live here.
(*) All the things I listed, they have happened to me as a professional Hispanic of good financial means. African-Americans have it worse. I've personally witness people denying jobs to Black people TWICE freely stating that color was the factor. The things I've seen... SMH.
In this context, privilege is not about making your life easier, or giving you hand outs.
It's about being able to live like a human, without having a system bent over in tripping you as you try to live your life. It's living without being surrounded by ignorant assholes who 1) assume the worst of you, and 2) act upon those assumptions in such ways that 3) have actual, measurable negative effects in your life.
You struggled and succeeded. You deserve credit for that. Now, think of those struggles and imagine a system that, at every other struggle, it puts an asshole that tries to trip you, assault you and sometimes even lynch you.)
The word privilege in this context is not about you or whether your struggles were real, or whether you deserve praise for the fruits of you labor. It is not about blaming you, you specifically. It is about the fact we live in a nation that, even after 5 fucking decades after the civil rights acts, it is still plagued by systemic discrimination.
Privilege here stands for the fact that the fundamental right of being treated equally is still treated as a privilege that can be denied to a whole class of people whenever a hateful motherfucker feels like it.
Well he isn't going to get votes with the Least Common Denominator. Kinda makes sense actually.
Tracy Johnson
Old fashioned text games hosted below:
http://empire.openmpe.com/
BT
Is Donald Trump the smartest human on the planet?
I'm "brainwashed" (my father's exact words)
What stands out here, IMO, is the human instinct to form teams and reject outsiders. The "us vs. them" mentality. Apparently it's so strong that it can cause a father to insult his own son over a matter that obviously has no "right" or final answer.
Of course, the problem isn't that you're "brainwashed" -- the problem is that you're on the wrong team.
If something doesn't work, you haven't done enough of it?
Comment removed based on user account deletion
So, if I understand you correctly, I have to apologize for everything that's imperfect with the United States- or Northern / Western Europe- before I daresay western culture is superior to others?
Do you ever stop navel-gazing long enough to see where you're going?
Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be the name of a store, not a government agency.
>You know there's a Libertarian candidate running right?
Yes, but it doesn't matter because it is nearly impossible from a third party to win in our stupid plurality voting system. What we need is IRL to fix that: http://fairvote.org/
Unfortunately, it will never happen.
it makes it easier to identify bigoted trailer trash before you go so far as to meet their parole officer.
The idea that wealth is correlated to productivity is flat out easy to prove wrong. The hardest working people in the world are invariably the poorest.
Economics 101: productivity != hard work. Economic progress in a free market is not a zero sum game.
Good idea. Hilary should stick to what she knows. What is that exactly? She's clueless side of Trump. Not that I support trump.
Wish we had a third choice. Maybe the local dog catcher.
To those people who modded this comment as flamebait, the parody quote is pretty close to the way Trump actually talks to the media. Then again, you've got a point: Just about everything Trump says is flamebait! ;)
GP was talking about cultures - not economics. In that context productivity is a code-word for work-ethic.
Unicode killed the ASCII-art *
Productivity is not a measure of how hard someone works.
It is a measure of how much value their work generates (usually measured in units of currency) in a given time period.
If someone works in a factory making those infamous widgets, and they use crappy tools to do so they might not make many widgets per hours, or the widgets they do make might be low quality and so fetch a low price.
Give the person better tools (or alternatively, more and better training) and they can produce more or better widgets, and so produce more value per hour worked.
People in the poorest countries of the world tend to work very hard, but their labour does not tend to produce results that are valued very high (again, in monetary terms).
If we want them to be better off, then finding ways of making them more productive is essential.
When did the word Demagogue become redundant during a discussion of politics?
Requiem for the American Dream
some cultures are in fact better than others
That can only be true if members of the "lesser" culture agree. Someone sitting in the US declaring the US is better than everywhere else is ignorant and racist. Someone sitting in the US saying "The Japanese culture is superior to ours" is less ignorant and racist.
What generally happens is some people in each find the grass is greener, and most are happy where they are. In that case, even if you really don't like the other culture, there's no means to gauge it "inferior".
Learn to love Alaska