Right, another way of saying that for our Scandinavian readership is that we feel the most appropriate punishment for hatespeech mongers is to be marginalized and ridiculed.
I was thinking about the hate speech exclusion in several western European nations the other day listening to a satire on the radio. A man in New York city had on a Nazi helmet (complete with flag) and tried to get a taxi at the same time a black guy was trying to get the cab. In a best of 7 match, the Nazi won 4 to 3. I wonder if that would have been allowed in Germany or Austria?
Thanks for that well thought out post. As an American, I appreciate it, and I agree with everything you wrote.
While traveling, I tried to be a good ambassador. As such, I met very few rude people, even if a few had negative things to say about America and Americans. I also found that people that I met who had been to (especially lived in) the US, have a totally different view of our country than those that haven't been here. Glad you like it south of the border.
I actually got treated pretty well while traveling. The key thing is to be friendly, realize that you are not back home, and show an interest in the local culture. I found most Americans I met abroad were pretty decent. One time in cyber cafe in Rome, I hear an American accent, followed by another and another (and the whole group is getting louder) I am just shaking my head. One comes up to the guy running it with a "hey man you speak english" greeting. He is friendly, and I just feel like I need to go up after these idiots to balance out his impression of us...only to find out they are...Canadian!
Those were atypical Canadians, as most of them I met were very cool as well.
For the most part, I did not meet many rude people.
I am not so sure that is right. I spoke to a couple of Brits about British politics and said, in the US it is conservatives that support tax cuts and I thought they said the same went in Britain. In the US liberal without a modifier (such as socially liberal) has a hippy connotation.
It is not like there are not 3rd parties in the US, it is just very tough for them to be elected. There are many reasons but the main ones are:
1.) The vote against vs vote for mentality. I don't want X to be elected to Y so I will vote for Z instead of A who might be best but can't win. I did this in the primararies.
2.) The third parties have positions well outside the political mainstream. Libertarians are borderline anarchists, the Green party is way too hippy, and the Constitutional party makes the Christian Right look tame.
3.) Third parties are not well known/considered viable candidates, which shuts them out of debates, and the like.
4.) Voter Apathy. They don't care who gets in, because they don't affect what happens to them.
5.) Big Tent politics. Since each party knows that must get a majority of the country they tend to dilute their message until it becomes palatable to most people. Though I disagree with the cliche that "there isn't any difference between Republicans and Democrats", there can be considerable overlap outside of the bases.
Actually you can get both underage. My parents gave me a credit card at 16 with the understanding it was for gas, groceries, and "emergencies".
The closest thing to trouble with it, that I had was I was in Norway and used it to get a cash/kroner advance at an ATM. After I got the money, I paid it off.
But the card had a policy that you get a 5 dollar fee if you have not paid off the cash advance + interest, completely. They calculated new interest everyday so by the time you received the bill, paid it, and they received it, there was more interest. It took two months to get it straightened out (I ended up sending a lot more than was due) but had I not been watching, I would still be paying that off.
For the most part, parents should give teens a cc (with a low limit) and a debit card so that way when they are "on their own" they never get stranded.
Why not? All they're trying to do is share something that they think is useful and good. It's entirely different from trying to convert someone religiously--it's not like we're saying "If you don't use this software instead, you're going to HELL!!!".
Of course, EVERY religious person believes that::insert rolling eyes here::
People don't like being told what to do, or that something they are doing/have is wrong. This is ESPECIALLY true if they aren't requesting it. Would you appreciate a political organization confronting you and trying to convert you? Most of the times no, so it is important to pick people that want to convert but are unaware the options.
It's just saying "Hey, in case you're interested, there is software that's free, useful, and developed cooperatively for the fun of it, instead of by companies." There's nothing wrong with it.
There is something "wrong with it". Namely, that isn't true. It may not be developed by companies that have an intention of selling it, but don't think for a minute that Linux and OSS is developed only by determined idealists trying to achieve social justice or simply have fun through open and free software. Companies and paid developers have made significant contributions just as hobbyists have.
I disagree. People doing nothing meaningful are the best targets for conversion as are geeks. Linux helps people that know just enough to be dangerous. My mother got spyware like crazy and just surfs the web and emails people. She balked at Linux because it is different. Of course, she balked at our new high definition TV for the same reason.
The best prospective converts would be people that are in my mom's boat. Email and websurfing, done securely. I agree with a few of the posters that say trying to convert people will turn them off so the suggestion should come if the person says they are tired of spyware and viruses, or just general complaints about Microsoft.
How is that possible? If Itunes doesn't pose a threat to Walmart, they would never have done this. In general, Walmart can't/won't serve the anything past the 1-sigma consumer.
I will give you a local example. I shop at Walmart (among other stores) but when I buy beer, it ain't from there. Why? The best beer they carry is Sam Adams or, recently. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. Well, if I want any selection (read: more specialty) I need to go to Total Wine, or a locally owned place. That decision is based entirely on where I am in town or how much I am getting (the local place is 25% more expensive).
If someone can be entirely satisfied by Walmart, they aren't/can't-afford-to-be demanding consumers. This is okay! Either way, Walmart serves a role.
The never saw Segways while I was there this past winter (Jan-Mar) but I did see there are tours on them. Vienna is the only one I remember for sure, but I would think that London would be a good city for them.
I am also not the person to whom you were replying but as you joke about foreign languages, I essentially did that.
I went to Norway about 6 years ago. Loved it, the people, the food, the scenery, the general atmosphere on Friday nights in Bergen. I came home with my 10 words of Norwegian that everyone learns, and decided to learn a little more.
I did it through reading Dagbladet.no, Det Beste (Reader's Digest) and an online program called Norword. I would print out articles, and translate them before my classes etc.
My vocabulary was pretty decent but there was one problem. My oral comprehension was very very spotty. So I got a few tapes. I had a chance to use it once or twice including on a Swede, who asked me if I was from Norway. I thought about trying to travel there for immersion learning but according to a guy I met while traveling elsewhere who did that, the people will respond in English 90% of the time. Not that I blame them, they are taking advantage of an opportunity to speak a language that is very important, I would be learning a language that is close to useless. Though I will say, Norwegians seem to find it funny when outsiders learn a little Norsk:-P
Just in case someone thinks I don't know the difference between Australians and Austrians, I do, but I met a lot of Aussies (and Kiwis) at hostels etc. It occurred to me that my comment may have been misleading.
I am more than happy that the world thinks this represents Australians at their core - genuine, enthusiastic, and a good mate.
Actually while traveling around Europe this past winter, that is exactly how I would characterize Australians. Friendly, adventurous, and unabashedly optimistic. Cheers!
Of course it is. Israel is no longer protected. The real question is, is it acceptable to make fun of their neighbors who wish its destruction. Just thought I would add, the French are not a race. Believe me, take a trip through Paris and you will wonder if you are in Europe. I was the only white (read: person of Western European ancestry) person in Gare Du Nord at midnite a few months back.
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Right, another way of saying that for our Scandinavian readership is that we feel the most appropriate punishment for hatespeech mongers is to be marginalized and ridiculed.
I was thinking about the hate speech exclusion in several western European nations the other day listening to a satire on the radio. A man in New York city had on a Nazi helmet (complete with flag) and tried to get a taxi at the same time a black guy was trying to get the cab. In a best of 7 match, the Nazi won 4 to 3. I wonder if that would have been allowed in Germany or Austria?
--Joey
They are only different in definition. Free societies are uniformly democratic and vice versa (mostly).
--Joey
I want people trying to influence this election unfairly to be Americans
No need for a national train service (for people) it is much more practical, and cheaper to fly.
Really? If anything "The Simpsons" has a right leaning political bend
Thanks for that well thought out post. As an American, I appreciate it, and I agree with everything you wrote.
While traveling, I tried to be a good ambassador. As such, I met very few rude people, even if a few had negative things to say about America and Americans. I also found that people that I met who had been to (especially lived in) the US, have a totally different view of our country than those that haven't been here. Glad you like it south of the border.
--Joey
I actually got treated pretty well while traveling. The key thing is to be friendly, realize that you are not back home, and show an interest in the local culture. I found most Americans I met abroad were pretty decent. One time in cyber cafe in Rome, I hear an American accent, followed by another and another (and the whole group is getting louder) I am just shaking my head. One comes up to the guy running it with a "hey man you speak english" greeting. He is friendly, and I just feel like I need to go up after these idiots to balance out his impression of us...only to find out they are...Canadian!
Those were atypical Canadians, as most of them I met were very cool as well.
For the most part, I did not meet many rude people.
--Joey
Meh, most Engineers don't care. If I can say gravity is 10m/s/s, PI is 3, base current on transistors is 0, I can certainly be fine with 1000 ~ 1024
-Joey
I am not so sure that is right. I spoke to a couple of Brits about British politics and said, in the US it is conservatives that support tax cuts and I thought they said the same went in Britain. In the US liberal without a modifier (such as socially liberal) has a hippy connotation.
--Joey
It is not like there are not 3rd parties in the US, it is just very tough for them to be elected. There are many reasons but the main ones are:
1.) The vote against vs vote for mentality. I don't want X to be elected to Y so I will vote for Z instead of A who might be best but can't win. I did this in the primararies.
2.) The third parties have positions well outside the political mainstream. Libertarians are borderline anarchists, the Green party is way too hippy, and the Constitutional party makes the Christian Right look tame.
3.) Third parties are not well known/considered viable candidates, which shuts them out of debates, and the like.
4.) Voter Apathy. They don't care who gets in, because they don't affect what happens to them.
5.) Big Tent politics. Since each party knows that must get a majority of the country they tend to dilute their message until it becomes palatable to most people. Though I disagree with the cliche that "there isn't any difference between Republicans and Democrats", there can be considerable overlap outside of the bases.
--Joey
Narrow point on the first half and "Exactly!" on the 2nd. People can get confused, lie, or imagine things. Give me a circumstantial case anyday.
--Joey
If someone is punching you to death you wouldn't hit back?
--Joey
Actually you can get both underage. My parents gave me a credit card at 16 with the understanding it was for gas, groceries, and "emergencies".
The closest thing to trouble with it, that I had was I was in Norway and used it to get a cash/kroner advance at an ATM. After I got the money, I paid it off.
But the card had a policy that you get a 5 dollar fee if you have not paid off the cash advance + interest, completely. They calculated new interest everyday so by the time you received the bill, paid it, and they received it, there was more interest. It took two months to get it straightened out (I ended up sending a lot more than was due) but had I not been watching, I would still be paying that off.
For the most part, parents should give teens a cc (with a low limit) and a debit card so that way when they are "on their own" they never get stranded.
--Joey
Haha, good point, and that is true.
And like the other poster said, I agree with the sentiment regardless of nationality.
--Joey
"...favoured party..."
Sorry, but I have doubts that you are an American with that spelling
--Joey
Of course, EVERY religious person believes that
People don't like being told what to do, or that something they are doing/have is wrong. This is ESPECIALLY true if they aren't requesting it. Would you appreciate a political organization confronting you and trying to convert you? Most of the times no, so it is important to pick people that want to convert but are unaware the options.
There is something "wrong with it". Namely, that isn't true. It may not be developed by companies that have an intention of selling it, but don't think for a minute that Linux and OSS is developed only by determined idealists trying to achieve social justice or simply have fun through open and free software. Companies and paid developers have made significant contributions just as hobbyists have.
--Joey
I disagree. People doing nothing meaningful are the best targets for conversion as are geeks. Linux helps people that know just enough to be dangerous. My mother got spyware like crazy and just surfs the web and emails people. She balked at Linux because it is different. Of course, she balked at our new high definition TV for the same reason.
The best prospective converts would be people that are in my mom's boat. Email and websurfing, done securely. I agree with a few of the posters that say trying to convert people will turn them off so the suggestion should come if the person says they are tired of spyware and viruses, or just general complaints about Microsoft.
--Joey
How is that possible? If Itunes doesn't pose a threat to Walmart, they would never have done this. In general, Walmart can't/won't serve the anything past the 1-sigma consumer.
I will give you a local example. I shop at Walmart (among other stores) but when I buy beer, it ain't from there. Why? The best beer they carry is Sam Adams or, recently. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. Well, if I want any selection (read: more specialty) I need to go to Total Wine, or a locally owned place. That decision is based entirely on where I am in town or how much I am getting (the local place is 25% more expensive).
If someone can be entirely satisfied by Walmart, they aren't/can't-afford-to-be demanding consumers. This is okay! Either way, Walmart serves a role.
--Joey
The never saw Segways while I was there this past winter (Jan-Mar) but I did see there are tours on them. Vienna is the only one I remember for sure, but I would think that London would be a good city for them.
--Joey
I am also not the person to whom you were replying but as you joke about foreign languages, I essentially did that.
:-P
I went to Norway about 6 years ago. Loved it, the people, the food, the scenery, the general atmosphere on Friday nights in Bergen. I came home with my 10 words of Norwegian that everyone learns, and decided to learn a little more.
I did it through reading Dagbladet.no, Det Beste (Reader's Digest) and an online program called Norword. I would print out articles, and translate them before my classes etc.
My vocabulary was pretty decent but there was one problem. My oral comprehension was very very spotty. So I got a few tapes. I had a chance to use it once or twice including on a Swede, who asked me if I was from Norway. I thought about trying to travel there for immersion learning but according to a guy I met while traveling elsewhere who did that, the people will respond in English 90% of the time. Not that I blame them, they are taking advantage of an opportunity to speak a language that is very important, I would be learning a language that is close to useless. Though I will say, Norwegians seem to find it funny when outsiders learn a little Norsk
--Joey
Just in case someone thinks I don't know the difference between Australians and Austrians, I do, but I met a lot of Aussies (and Kiwis) at hostels etc. It occurred to me that my comment may have been misleading.
--Joey
Actually while traveling around Europe this past winter, that is exactly how I would characterize Australians. Friendly, adventurous, and unabashedly optimistic. Cheers!
--Joey
Yeah, guns are what make society dangerous, not, say, criminals?
--Joey
I think either word works http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/adverse
Of course it is. Israel is no longer protected. The real question is, is it acceptable to make fun of their neighbors who wish its destruction. Just thought I would add, the French are not a race. Believe me, take a trip through Paris and you will wonder if you are in Europe. I was the only white (read: person of Western European ancestry) person in Gare Du Nord at midnite a few months back.
--Joey