I don't get it either. Last time I asked this question I got marked as flamebait. People say "constitutional right" like that's it. Nothing more needs to be said. It's impossible to have a debate with these people, heh...
I can't believe the shit companies can get away with over here. Call me paranoid, but I think my next cellphone will be another pay-as-you-go under someone else's name.
Actually. Maybe that would be a good business idea. Buy a PAYG phone and swap SIMS with someone at random. Maybe make it so you mail them on every few months. For the truly paranoid...
I think the BastardFairies are doing rather well. It's been interesting watching them grow over the last year. Though they're not exactly after the stereotypical stardom level, so i don't know if they qualify for your criteria...
It says at the top to set your irony meter. But, even so, I went to my daughters Kindergarten class the other day, and I was shocked to see them, hand on heart, staring at the flag, recanting the Pledge of Allegiance. If that isn't propaganda and control, I don't know what is. They are five fucking years old! Maybe being European, this sort of crap stands out to me like a sore thumb, but it weirded me the hell out. The "under God" thing made it all the more surreal to me considering I'm an atheist.
But anyway, back on topic. I suppose the writings of a State teacher of the year with 26 years in the classroom *should* be summarily dismissed. Without, of course, bothering to argue against any of the points made. Because, you know, since you were such a good teacher I should just accept your opinion without you answering a single point made by John Taylor Gatto.
Is this how you teach kids to think?
"Hey, read this. It brings up some interesting points about the school system that will make you think."
"That's crap, he's wrong, you're an asshole"
Please, let me bow down to your superior debating technique. How about a little "practice what you preach", eh?
... I used to sleep under my desk at work for 20 minutes pretty much every lunchtime. Perfect for productivity. I even had a rather cool fluffy leopard skin pillow.
I have no idea why more people don't do it. I would wake refreshed and ready for the next pile of crap.
Of course, now I telecommute, I can go the whole hog and hit the bed for 1/2 hour at lunchtime.
So what you are saying is that in the US, you know, where this happened, that assuming Arabic text relates to terrorism is racist, since there aren't any Arabic terrorists because "Bush's policies are successful"?
Thank you for arguing with me against your bullshit that I first replied to. Seriously, don't quit your day job.
Alright fuckwit - here you go. Looks like there are three "Arabic" attacks in that list.
Learn to debate properly or shut the fuck up - the world has enough bullshit in it already.
On the one hand, no matter how much time and effort is put into building a nuclear reactor, there's always a small chance that human error will cause a catastrophic meltdown leading to an almost incalculable loss of human life.
But, on the other hand, they're going to build it in Texas.
Oh, I'm sorry. I thought the whole point of rational debate was that people made statements, then showed they were true. Unless of course, they just picked a point out of their ass or are trolling.
Who are you going to bomb? Gone are the days of Us v. a country.
"if we bombed the snot out of Iraq, to the point where insurgents and everyone else said, "Ok, we give!" "
Um, how is that going to work? Would you have suggested carpet bombing Oklahoma city to ensure McVeigh's co-conspiritors got what they deserved? If not, why is it that you think the same tactic would work against a civilian population in another country? What makes that acceptable?
A large chunk of the insurgents are from Iran, Saudi Arabia etc. Should we bomb all these countries too? When is the insurgent to innocent ratio big enough to justify it? If there is a cell of 10 terrorists in a city of 100,000, should we carpet bomb it? Seams a bit of a Pyrrhic victory, eh?
And would you be ready for the devastating world oil shortage that would follow a carpet bombing of Saudi Arabia?
Heh, and the biggest Irony was that we built up Saddam in the eighties when he was our ally against Iran...
"And choice of carrier has *what* exactly to do with choice of billing method ?"
The choice of carrier implies that you are stuck with that carrier's billing method.
"You expect them to then dictate to the carrier how that carrier ought to do business ?"
Well, many companies have business relationships, and the sensible ones make sure that their partners don't make them look like idiots for choosing them.
"Does your employer tell you what colour to paint your bedroom ? Or is that nothing to do with your employer (it being your life to live and choices to make), and therefore a complete non-sequiteur vis-a-vis your working life ?"
Except, if this was a true analogy, the employer would be forcing me to buy paint from one particular store, and that store (although it has a wide range of products) has a really shitty and overpriced paint department.
Apple chose to do an exclusive lock in for the iPhone. They can shoulder some of the blame for choosing such an incompetent carrier.
So, if someone rapes your daughter, would you want to go rape their daughter? The trouble with eye for an eye is that it makes you into something that you weren't before, and that's half the point of antagonization in the first place.
Tell me, do you think our troops are respected in Iraq when they indiscriminately kill people (like Al Quaida does). Or do you think there is more respect when they follow a stronger moral code? Do you think America has gained respect throughout the world because of showing strength through Guantanimo Bay? Over the last few years, respect for "tough" America has dropped through the floor from the rest of the world.
Speaking pragmatically, "timeouts" and "stern talking tos" are oh-so effective, as we've seen with this crop of youth.
Kids today are no worse than kids 20 years ago. I don't know about you, but I parent through respect. And that respect goes both ways. But please feel free to point me to factual studies that show that smacking a kid disciplines them better than not.
There's more to bringing up a kid than how you discipline them - things like how you let them get to the stage where you have to discipline them - don't use TV as a babysitter, get involved with your kids, etc...
So, let me get this straight, your argument *against the statement* that too many people see democracy as "Us v. Them" is won by using an "Us v. Them" statement. Do you realize how stupid that sounds?
The fact that you believe the us/them approach to politics is the only one is indeed testament to the Machiavelian skills of Rove, Clinton (Hilary), Cheney etc... Seems like pragmatism is on the wane. *sigh*
You said, "But, it IS them versus us. It's not a trap, it's life. If you think this is not a zero-sum game, then quit crying when you lose elections.
I suggest that you take off your blinkers. On second thought, leave them on. Keep on believing that bipartisan politics is not actually date rape."
How can I lose elections when I think the entire US political system is a crock of shit? I see no point in voting in this country. Neither of the two major parties cares about democracy, so why should I support them?
I am under no illusion that people act like shits (in both the major parties) to get elected. But that's the whole fucking point the original poster was making.
You said, "Republicans are under no such illusions, and we're not the ones letting ourselves get raped."
Since you appear to be completely braindead, let me highlight the relevant wording from the original poster:
Original poster said, "Again, this is not a party-specific complaint, but the fact that you would make these comments, seemingly sincerely, goes a long way to showing how many people view democracy as nothing more than an "us versus them" game in which one side wins and the other must lose."
So, let me get this straight, your argument that too many people see democracy as "Us v. Them" is won by using an "Us v. Them" statement. Do you realize how stupid that sounds?
You really didn't comprehend the GP, did you! You just went ahead and proved his point one more time. They were bitching about the state of the "democratic process" in general. You fall into the Them/Us trap one more time. Get a clue. Not all politics has to be confrontational. Take off your blinkers dude...
Slashdot Mirror
I don't get it either. Last time I asked this question I got marked as flamebait. People say "constitutional right" like that's it. Nothing more needs to be said. It's impossible to have a debate with these people, heh...
I can't believe the shit companies can get away with over here. Call me paranoid, but I think my next cellphone will be another pay-as-you-go under someone else's name.
Actually. Maybe that would be a good business idea. Buy a PAYG phone and swap SIMS with someone at random. Maybe make it so you mail them on every few months. For the truly paranoid...
Heh. Am I the only one who misread the headline and thought, "How true".
I think the Bastard Fairies are doing rather well. It's been interesting watching them grow over the last year. Though they're not exactly after the stereotypical stardom level, so i don't know if they qualify for your criteria...
"You're thinking too small"
You obviously haven't seen Asia Carrera's breasts?It says at the top to set your irony meter. But, even so, I went to my daughters Kindergarten class the other day, and I was shocked to see them, hand on heart, staring at the flag, recanting the Pledge of Allegiance. If that isn't propaganda and control, I don't know what is. They are five fucking years old! Maybe being European, this sort of crap stands out to me like a sore thumb, but it weirded me the hell out. The "under God" thing made it all the more surreal to me considering I'm an atheist.
But anyway, back on topic. I suppose the writings of a State teacher of the year with 26 years in the classroom *should* be summarily dismissed. Without, of course, bothering to argue against any of the points made. Because, you know, since you were such a good teacher I should just accept your opinion without you answering a single point made by John Taylor Gatto.
Is this how you teach kids to think?
"Hey, read this. It brings up some interesting points about the school system that will make you think."
"That's crap, he's wrong, you're an asshole"
Please, let me bow down to your superior debating technique. How about a little "practice what you preach", eh?
It's not to educate you, it's to keep you in line.
"The index line on scale C is always put over the number to be multiplied on scale D"
What's the point of explaining how it works if you don't explain what each of the terms used is?
Damn nerds...
... I used to sleep under my desk at work for 20 minutes pretty much every lunchtime. Perfect for productivity. I even had a rather cool fluffy leopard skin pillow.
I have no idea why more people don't do it. I would wake refreshed and ready for the next pile of crap.
Of course, now I telecommute, I can go the whole hog and hit the bed for 1/2 hour at lunchtime.
Naps are good.
So what you are saying is that in the US, you know, where this happened, that assuming Arabic text relates to terrorism is racist, since there aren't any Arabic terrorists because "Bush's policies are successful"?
Thank you for arguing with me against your bullshit that I first replied to. Seriously, don't quit your day job.
Alright fuckwit - here you go. Looks like there are three "Arabic" attacks in that list. Learn to debate properly or shut the fuck up - the world has enough bullshit in it already.
OK, let me make this simpler for you by providing an example:
"Elephants love cheese and tomato sandwiches".
Prove me wrong. Show me a reputable web page that proves that elephants don't love them.
Why the hell should I have to go off and prove your conjecture? You are trolling and you know it.
And if you aren't, I sincerely hope you enjoy your life as a media sheep.
On the one hand, no matter how much time and effort is put into building a nuclear reactor, there's always a small chance that human error will cause a catastrophic meltdown leading to an almost incalculable loss of human life.
But, on the other hand, they're going to build it in Texas.
Oh, I'm sorry. I thought the whole point of rational debate was that people made statements, then showed they were true. Unless of course, they just picked a point out of their ass or are trolling.
my bad.
Um, you got some figures to back that up? Or is that just what Fox News told you?
Perceived risk v actual risk is exactly what he's going on about.
...though I'm not sure if it's official ;-)
Be careful what you wish for! :)
I knew they'd find a use for me one day...
Not only can she communicate, she can savor the irony.
Who are you going to bomb? Gone are the days of Us v. a country.
"if we bombed the snot out of Iraq, to the point where insurgents and everyone else said, "Ok, we give!" "
Um, how is that going to work? Would you have suggested carpet bombing Oklahoma city to ensure McVeigh's co-conspiritors got what they deserved? If not, why is it that you think the same tactic would work against a civilian population in another country? What makes that acceptable?
A large chunk of the insurgents are from Iran, Saudi Arabia etc. Should we bomb all these countries too? When is the insurgent to innocent ratio big enough to justify it? If there is a cell of 10 terrorists in a city of 100,000, should we carpet bomb it? Seams a bit of a Pyrrhic victory, eh?
And would you be ready for the devastating world oil shortage that would follow a carpet bombing of Saudi Arabia?
Heh, and the biggest Irony was that we built up Saddam in the eighties when he was our ally against Iran...
I think you need to call the analogy police :)
"And choice of carrier has *what* exactly to do with choice of billing method ?"
The choice of carrier implies that you are stuck with that carrier's billing method.
"You expect them to then dictate to the carrier how that carrier ought to do business ?"
Well, many companies have business relationships, and the sensible ones make sure that their partners don't make them look like idiots for choosing them.
"Does your employer tell you what colour to paint your bedroom ? Or is that nothing to do with your employer (it being your life to live and choices to make), and therefore a complete non-sequiteur vis-a-vis your working life ?"
Except, if this was a true analogy, the employer would be forcing me to buy paint from one particular store, and that store (although it has a wide range of products) has a really shitty and overpriced paint department.
Apple chose to do an exclusive lock in for the iPhone. They can shoulder some of the blame for choosing such an incompetent carrier.
So, if someone rapes your daughter, would you want to go rape their daughter? The trouble with eye for an eye is that it makes you into something that you weren't before, and that's half the point of antagonization in the first place.
Tell me, do you think our troops are respected in Iraq when they indiscriminately kill people (like Al Quaida does). Or do you think there is more respect when they follow a stronger moral code? Do you think America has gained respect throughout the world because of showing strength through Guantanimo Bay? Over the last few years, respect for "tough" America has dropped through the floor from the rest of the world.
Speaking pragmatically, "timeouts" and "stern talking tos" are oh-so effective, as we've seen with this crop of youth.
Kids today are no worse than kids 20 years ago. I don't know about you, but I parent through respect. And that respect goes both ways. But please feel free to point me to factual studies that show that smacking a kid disciplines them better than not.
There's more to bringing up a kid than how you discipline them - things like how you let them get to the stage where you have to discipline them - don't use TV as a babysitter, get involved with your kids, etc...
typo...
So, let me get this straight, your argument *against the statement* that too many people see democracy as "Us v. Them" is won by using an "Us v. Them" statement. Do you realize how stupid that sounds?
The fact that you believe the us/them approach to politics is the only one is indeed testament to the Machiavelian skills of Rove, Clinton (Hilary), Cheney etc... Seems like pragmatism is on the wane. *sigh*
You said, "But, it IS them versus us. It's not a trap, it's life. If you think this is not a zero-sum game, then quit crying when you lose elections.
I suggest that you take off your blinkers. On second thought, leave them on. Keep on believing that bipartisan politics is not actually date rape."
How can I lose elections when I think the entire US political system is a crock of shit? I see no point in voting in this country. Neither of the two major parties cares about democracy, so why should I support them?
I am under no illusion that people act like shits (in both the major parties) to get elected. But that's the whole fucking point the original poster was making.
You said, "Republicans are under no such illusions, and we're not the ones letting ourselves get raped."
Since you appear to be completely braindead, let me highlight the relevant wording from the original poster:
Original poster said, "Again, this is not a party-specific complaint, but the fact that you would make these comments, seemingly sincerely, goes a long way to showing how many people view democracy as nothing more than an "us versus them" game in which one side wins and the other must lose."
So, let me get this straight, your argument that too many people see democracy as "Us v. Them" is won by using an "Us v. Them" statement. Do you realize how stupid that sounds?
You really didn't comprehend the GP, did you! You just went ahead and proved his point one more time. They were bitching about the state of the "democratic process" in general. You fall into the Them/Us trap one more time. Get a clue. Not all politics has to be confrontational. Take off your blinkers dude...