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Humanities Section => Political/Government General Discussion => Topic started by: Baruch on July 27, 2018, 07:37:40 PM

Title: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Baruch on July 27, 2018, 07:37:40 PM
Eight American Myths
â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"-
You have a democracy
You have an accountable and legitimate voting system
You have an independent media that keeps the rulers accountable
You have an independent judiciary
You have police who are here to protect you
You can buy things to make you happy
Things will get better if you work hard
You are free
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Unbeliever on July 27, 2018, 07:39:01 PM
And your point is?
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Baruch on July 27, 2018, 07:40:44 PM
Quote from: Unbeliever on July 27, 2018, 07:39:01 PM
And your point is?

Americans need to die off.  Make room for the other 95% of the human race, that aren't shit holes.

That is, if you oppose myth.  If you do support myth, might as well get dressed up as a Arab and convert to Islam.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Unbeliever on July 27, 2018, 07:45:53 PM
Fuck off twit.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Baruch on July 27, 2018, 07:50:33 PM
Quote from: Unbeliever on July 27, 2018, 07:45:53 PM
Fuck off twit.

Had a bad week?  Abbie Hoffman didn't rise from the Grateful Dead?

No, I am not just getting a rise ... I am telling my truth.  The whole lot of you aren't worth even one person I work with.  But I keep on hoping.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Unbeliever on July 27, 2018, 07:56:08 PM
No, I've had a great week, I've just had it with you're stupid shit. So fuck off twit.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Baruch on July 27, 2018, 07:57:21 PM
Quote from: Unbeliever on July 27, 2018, 07:56:08 PM
No, I've had a great week, I've just had it with you're stupid shit. So fuck off twit.

Sorry, move to Red Square ... if you are square enough ;-)
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Mr.Obvious on July 28, 2018, 06:13:37 AM
Quote from: Baruch on July 27, 2018, 07:40:44 PM
Americans need to die off.  Make room for the other 95% of the human race, that aren't shit holes.

That is, if you oppose myth.  If you do support myth, might as well get dressed up as a Arab and convert to Islam.
99.999% of The world are shitholes anyway.
Myself included. Not american.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Baruch on July 28, 2018, 10:47:35 AM
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on July 28, 2018, 06:13:37 AM
99.999% of The world are shitholes anyway.
Myself included. Not american.

True.  But the American Dream/nightmare is damaging much more than the US, it is destroying Western Civilization.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Munch on July 28, 2018, 11:31:59 AM
Quote from: Baruch on July 28, 2018, 10:47:35 AM
True.  But the American Dream/nightmare is damaging much more than the US, it is destroying Western Civilization.

I'd argue the o-zone too, but honestly that applies to all humanity.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Baruch on July 28, 2018, 01:02:12 PM
Quote from: Munch on July 28, 2018, 11:31:59 AM
I'd argue the o-zone too, but honestly that applies to all humanity.

What is the answer?  If religion is BS, don't believe it.  If politics is BS, don't believe it.  Do find something to believe in, even if it is only your favorite soccer team and a cold beer.  Go retard, but not full retard.  And get over that Santa Claus and George Washington aren't real people.

The idea, that if we just repeat th 1960s, and do it right this time (legalized weed) .. that all things will move in a good direction .. is head slapping.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Mike Cl on July 28, 2018, 01:35:35 PM
Quote from: Baruch on July 28, 2018, 01:02:12 PM
What is the answer?  If religion is BS, don't believe it.  If politics is BS, don't believe it.  Do find something to believe in, even if it is only your favorite soccer team and a cold beer.  Go retard, but not full retard.  And get over that Santa Claus and George Washington aren't real people.

The idea, that if we just repeat th 1960s, and do it right this time (legalized weed) .. that all things will move in a good direction .. is head slapping.
There is no answer--only theists insist on one.  I don't need anything to 'believe' in.  I root for the Yankees but I don't believe in them for I know they are real.  We are all retarded one way or the other--theists more so.  Santa is not real, George Washington is real, but Betty Crocker isn't. 
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: SGOS on July 28, 2018, 01:53:54 PM
Quote from: Baruch on July 28, 2018, 01:02:12 PM
What is the answer?  If religion is BS, don't believe it.  If politics is BS, don't believe it.  Do find something to believe in, even if it is only your favorite soccer team and a cold beer.  Go retard, but not full retard.  And get over that Santa Claus and George Washington aren't real people.
That doesn't strike me as a brilliant solution to the plight of mankind.

Quote from: Baruch on July 28, 2018, 01:02:12 PM
The idea, that if we just repeat th 1960s, and do it right this time (legalized weed) .. that all things will move in a good direction .. is head slapping.
You may have missed out on a few things if all you remember from the 60s was smoking dope.  Anyway, no one here is advocating repeating the 60s, and I don't think "going retard" is going to help much either.  Nor is believing in soccer, beer, or religion.

Really, come up with something better.  This marks a new low for you.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Baruch on July 28, 2018, 08:51:37 PM
Quote from: Mike Cl on July 28, 2018, 01:35:35 PM
There is no answer--only theists insist on one.  I don't need anything to 'believe' in.  I root for the Yankees but I don't believe in them for I know they are real.  We are all retarded one way or the other--theists more so.  Santa is not real, George Washington is real, but Betty Crocker isn't.

Strain out a gnat, but swallow a Hillary?  You are a genius.

People who were alive in the 60s, and alive now ... don't advocate repeating the 60s, they are the 60s here and now.  LSD flashbacks etc.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Baruch on July 28, 2018, 08:52:05 PM
Quote from: SGOS on July 28, 2018, 01:53:54 PM
That doesn't strike me as a brilliant solution to the plight of mankind.
You may have missed out on a few things if all you remember from the 60s was smoking dope.  Anyway, no one here is advocating repeating the 60s, and I don't think "going retard" is going to help much either.  Nor is believing in soccer, beer, or religion.

Really, come up with something better.  This marks a new low for you.

So you hate sports and beer?  Sad.  Maybe you are more of a wine and cheese person ... which is OK too.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Mike Cl on July 28, 2018, 08:56:44 PM
Quote from: Baruch on July 28, 2018, 08:51:37 PM
Strain out a gnat, but swallow a Hillary?  You are a genius.

People who were alive in the 60s, and alive now ... don't advocate repeating the 60s, they are the 60s here and now.  LSD flashbacks etc.
Yeah, 'strain' to make connections where none exist.  Your prattling on and on is simply becoming weaker and weaker.  Not a lick of sense to be made here--so, just move along folks, just move along.......................
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Baruch on July 28, 2018, 08:59:36 PM
Quote from: Mike Cl on July 28, 2018, 08:56:44 PM
Yeah, 'strain' to make connections where none exist.  Your prattling on and on is simply becoming weaker and weaker.  Not a lick of sense to be made here--so, just move along folks, just move along.......................

What did some posters used to say, if you have no argument, get mad, make personal insults?  I don't know if any of you, personally, were at Woodstock or not.  But the people pushing this national agenda now ... were there.  There is nothing to be proud of in the 60s ... opposing Vietnam was right, but the Left did it for all the wrong reasons.  Now to avoid a 50 year old guilty conscience, now they want to go napalm gooks (in Moscow).
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Mike Cl on July 28, 2018, 09:06:57 PM
Quote from: Baruch on July 28, 2018, 08:59:36 PM
What did some posters used to say, if you have no argument, get mad, make personal insults?  I don't know if any of you, personally, were at Woodstock or not.  But the people pushing this national agenda now ... were there.  There is nothing to be proud of in the 60s ... opposing Vietnam was right, but the Left did it for all the wrong reasons.  Now to avoid a 50 year old guilty conscience, now they want to go napalm gooks (in Moscow).
Jesus fucking Christ, Baruch.  You are so full of shit, it is tumbling right out of your fingers!  That statement makes no sense, is flat wrong and stupid, and you are just so full of hateful, stupid shit!  I'm beginning to wonder if your account hasn't been taken over by somebody else! Is there anything you like about this world--this society--any society????  Whatever meds you have been taking why not double--no triple--the dose.  Maybe that will make the misery go away--one way or another.  You are beyond disgusting--putrid......................(sadly shaking my head as I write this)
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Baruch on July 28, 2018, 09:14:26 PM
Quote from: Mike Cl on July 28, 2018, 09:06:57 PM
Jesus fucking Christ, Baruch.  You are so full of shit, it is tumbling right out of your fingers!  That statement makes no sense, is flat wrong and stupid, and you are just so full of hateful, stupid shit!  I'm beginning to wonder if your account hasn't been taken over by somebody else! Is there anything you like about this world--this society--any society????  Whatever meds you have been taking why not double--no triple--the dose.  Maybe that will make the misery go away--one way or another.  You are beyond disgusting--putrid......................(sadly shaking my head as I write this)

See, no self awareness.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Mike Cl on July 28, 2018, 10:06:25 PM
Quote from: Baruch on July 28, 2018, 09:14:26 PM
See, no self awareness.
I can really tell that that is so for you.  You are not self aware nor aware of much else;  professional help????
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: aitm on July 28, 2018, 10:36:13 PM
But....but.....we saved the world......and made Jello!
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: SGOS on July 29, 2018, 07:41:42 AM
Quote from: Mike Cl on July 28, 2018, 09:06:57 PM
Jesus fucking Christ, Baruch.  You are so full of shit, it is tumbling right out of your fingers!  That statement makes no sense, is flat wrong and stupid, and you are just so full of hateful, stupid shit!
Hate appears to be the emotion in Baruch that he has the least control over and it is a powerful influence in his behavior.  It seems to grow as the forum rejects his self perceived genius and his approach to life.  He should let go of the hostility, but for some reason he nurtures it as if it is a treasure to be cherished.

Quote from: Mike Cl on July 28, 2018, 09:06:57 PM
I'm beginning to wonder if your account hasn't been taken over by somebody else! Is there anything you like about this world--this society--any society????...  (sadly shaking my head as I write this)
I suspect he is modeling his "Go retard, but not full retard" philosophy so others can see how beneficial it is.  In the process, he is destroying any respect that might be due from others.  And like you, I think it's sad.  I don't like watching people self destruct. 
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: SGOS on July 29, 2018, 07:43:41 AM
Quote from: aitm on July 28, 2018, 10:36:13 PM
But....but.....we saved the world......and made Jello!
We have not saved the world, and the value of Jello is questionable.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: aitm on July 29, 2018, 09:09:12 AM
Quote from: SGOS on July 29, 2018, 07:43:41 AM
We have not saved the world, and the value of Jello is questionable.

my "saved the world" was past tense. Yours is present.....both true. The rest of your response is pure rubbish......Jello questionable? How dare you!
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: PickelledEggs on July 29, 2018, 09:19:22 AM
There is always room for jello

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqGnJzPeXFE
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Baruch on July 29, 2018, 09:38:58 AM
Quote from: aitm on July 28, 2018, 10:36:13 PM
But....but.....we saved the world......and made Jello!

Don't forget Tang, and pens that can write upside down (thanks to NASA).
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Mike Cl on July 29, 2018, 09:39:17 AM
Quote from: SGOS on July 29, 2018, 07:41:42 AM
Hate appears to be the emotion in Baruch that he has the least control over and it is a powerful influence in his behavior.  It seems to grow as the forum rejects his self perceived genius and his approach to life.  He should let go of the hostility, but for some reason he nurtures it as if it is a treasure to be cherished.
I suspect he is modeling his "Go retard, but not full retard" philosophy so others can see how beneficial it is.  In the process, he is destroying any respect that might be due from others.  And like you, I think it's sad.  I don't like watching people self destruct.
I've known him from other boards and he was never like he is now.  At one time I had deep respect for his knowledge and his sense of humor.  Now, I don't recognize that guy and I share your dislike of watching people self destruct. 
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Baruch on July 29, 2018, 09:40:40 AM
Quote from: aitm on July 29, 2018, 09:09:12 AM
my "saved the world" was past tense. Yours is present.....both true. The rest of your response is pure rubbish......Jello questionable? How dare you!

Everything goes well with Jello!  Well maybe not grapefruit slices ...

I hate that the human race wants to kill itself.  Such a waste.

Depression kills, it is killing me as we post.  But chin up!
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Baruch on July 29, 2018, 09:43:09 AM
Quote from: Mike Cl on July 29, 2018, 09:39:17 AM
I've known him from other boards and he was never like he is now.  At one time I had deep respect for his knowledge and his sense of humor.  Now, I don't recognize that guy and I share your dislike of watching people self destruct.

But, I didn't come here to virtue signal, or to get stroked.  Old age is not for weaklings (many can verify that who post here).

Say something positive yourselves ... no need to dwell so much on the negative.  Is that how the baking section works?

Nice things about nice hobbies.  I always read and enjoy those sections ... though your hobbies aren't my hobbies.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: PickelledEggs on July 29, 2018, 09:51:51 AM
Quote from: Mike Cl on July 29, 2018, 09:39:17 AM
I've known him from other boards and he was never like he is now.  At one time I had deep respect for his knowledge and his sense of humor.  Now, I don't recognize that guy and I share your dislike of watching people self destruct. 
It's funny, really. While I agree that the U.S. is arrogant, it's interesting coming from Baruch, who is also probably THE MOST arrogant person in this entire forum.

I also don't personally appreciate the posts by Baruch that purposely just try to piss people off without really any other context and also followed up by ambiguous replies, but that is just me. I'm *pretty* sure that is quite literally the definition of trolling
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Munch on July 29, 2018, 09:56:51 AM
Quote from: PickelledEggs on July 29, 2018, 09:51:51 AM

I also don't personally appreciate the posts by Baruch that purposely just try to piss people off without really any other context and also followed up by ambiguous replies, but that is just me. I'm *pretty* sure that is quite literally the definition of trolling

you know, you have the option to not get pissed off by what he posts, instead of finding something to get pissed off by. So much of what he says is either ambiguous or only really effects you if you apply your own context to it.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Baruch on July 29, 2018, 10:09:39 AM
Quote from: Munch on July 29, 2018, 09:56:51 AM
you know, you have the option to not get pissed off by what he posts, instead of finding something to get pissed off by. So much of what he says is either ambiguous or only really effects you if you apply your own context to it.

There is that word ... "context" ... "I don't think that word means what you think it means" meme applies to more than one person here.

What people would like, would be what some do ... a long itemized point by point rebuttal of someone's shit posting, with footnotes.  Sorry, not my style.  I am a stream of consciousness guy.  I don't have much of a "backup" mode in my head ... more often "fast forward".
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Baruch on July 29, 2018, 10:11:28 AM
Quote from: PickelledEggs on July 29, 2018, 09:51:51 AM
It's funny, really. While I agree that the U.S. is arrogant, it's interesting coming from Baruch, who is also probably THE MOST arrogant person in this entire forum.

I also don't personally appreciate the posts by Baruch that purposely just try to piss people off without really any other context and also followed up by ambiguous replies, but that is just me. I'm *pretty* sure that is quite literally the definition of trolling

One has to shout, be be heard over the din.  I have done what I can to fit in.  But projecting onto others is a rather common habit in life.

Rainbow Brite I am not.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: PickelledEggs on July 29, 2018, 10:16:38 AM
Quote from: Munch on July 29, 2018, 09:56:51 AM
you know, you have the option to not get pissed off by what he posts, instead of finding something to get pissed off by. So much of what he says is either ambiguous or only really effects you if you apply your own context to it.
I'm not pissed off. Other people are. I want the forum to be not so frustrated by his antics
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: SGOS on July 29, 2018, 10:23:22 AM
Quote from: Baruch on July 29, 2018, 10:11:28 AM
One has to shout, be be heard over the din.
Actually, you don't.  People read, but sometimes they simply disagree.  Agreement is not achieved through shouting, not as much as you might think.  However, people often stop paying attention to redundancy of the bizarre or continued hyperbole.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: PickelledEggs on July 29, 2018, 10:29:47 AM
Quote from: Baruch on July 29, 2018, 10:11:28 AM
One has to shout, be be heard over the din.  I have done what I can to fit in.  But projecting onto others is a rather common habit in life.

Rainbow Brite I am not.

I was actually about to say, you kind come off like one of those loonies in the city screaming "IT'S THE END OF THE WORLD. THE END OF DAYS ARE NEAR"

They scream so much nonsense and gibberish, eventually you tune it out. Kind of like you. Every so often you pay them a bit of attention, but for the most part, it's white noise. Static.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Baruch on July 29, 2018, 10:30:15 AM
Quote from: PickelledEggs on July 29, 2018, 10:16:38 AM
I'm not pissed off. Other people are. I want the forum to be not so frustrated by his antics

Then people need to not "go off their meds".  Or in the case of Gilgamesh, not post while taking multiple toxins into their system.

People would love me, if only had voted for Hillary.  Not going to happen.  Voted for Bill in 92.  People would more love to hate me if I had voted for Donald.  Not going to happen.  This board is ... by volume, mostly about political shit posts.  Not about atheism, not about science.  And a few posts about baked goods etc.  I don't see anything wrong with the way things are.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: PickelledEggs on July 29, 2018, 10:31:59 AM
Quote from: Baruch on July 29, 2018, 10:30:15 AM
Then people need to not "go off their meds".  Or in the case of Gilgamesh, not post while taking multiple toxins into their system.

of in the case of you, consider going on some meds
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Baruch on July 29, 2018, 10:32:52 AM
Quote from: PickelledEggs on July 29, 2018, 10:29:47 AM
I was actually about to say, you kind come off like one of those loonies in the city screaming "IT'S THE END OF THE WORLD. THE END OF DAYS ARE NEAR"

They scream so much nonsense and gibberish, eventually you tune it out. Kind of like you. Every so often you pay them a bit of attention, but for the most part, it's white noise. Static.

No ... more like ... Pod People!  I am not afraid of immigrants, unless they are google eyed aliens who are pretending to be human.  I am most suspicious of vegetarians however ;-)

Thanks for the unlicensed medical advice.  Anti-depression drugs actually are ... bad for you.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: PickelledEggs on July 29, 2018, 10:33:38 AM
And Gilgamesh was banned for blatant toxic behavior and personal attacks as well as racism. Just to clear that up, because you give the impression you don't understand why he hasn't been around
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Baruch on July 29, 2018, 10:35:04 AM
Quote from: PickelledEggs on July 29, 2018, 10:33:38 AM
And Gilgamesh was banned for blatant toxic behavior and personal attacks as well as racism. Just to clear that up, because you give the impression you don't understand why he hasn't been around

I do, but I also understand why he was engaged in toxic behavior.  He admitted to it one night in the Shoutbox, and in other posts.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: PickelledEggs on July 29, 2018, 10:44:03 AM
Whatever the reason is, it's not an excuse to be that way. There is a limit. We try to be lenient with heated arguments and we also want freedom of speech, but there needs to be civility when we discuss things, even if we disagree.

PR, you, and also sort of Munch hold different views than the majority of the forum, but for the most part there is a civility in the way the discussion is being carried out. Sometimes things get heated, but it cools down. Gilgamesh was a whole other level of toxic and needed to take a long time out. If he returns after his mandatory vacation is up, he will be watched carefully.

I say this because I would like for more varying world views on this site, as would the other mods. It's not engaging otherwise. So please don't stoop to gilgamesh's level, or your version of his level. Say what you need to say, but try to not go down that path. You've deteriorated, as Mike has mentioned.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Baruch on July 29, 2018, 10:47:07 AM
Quote from: PickelledEggs on July 29, 2018, 10:44:03 AM
Whatever the reason is, it's not an excuse to be that way. There is a limit. We try to be lenient with heated arguments and we also want freedom of speech, but there needs to be civility when we discuss things, even if we disagree.

PR, you, and also sort of Munch hold different views than the majority of the forum, but for the most part there is a civility in the way the discussion is being carried out. Sometimes things get heated, but it cools down. Gilgamesh was a whole other level of toxic and needed to take a long time out. If he returns after his mandatory vacation is up, he will be watched carefully.

I say this because I would like for more varying world views on this site, as would the other mods. It's not engaging otherwise. So please don't stoop to gilgamesh's level, or your version of his level. Say what you need to say, but try to not go down that path. You've deteriorated, as Mike has mentioned.

I totally agree with the mods here.  Best mods I have seen (and it doesn't pay anything).  You want some boundaries (legally and otherwise) but not so much as to be an echo chamber like 99% of the other forums.  If I wanted an echo chamber, I would build my own forum (a former poster here did) and basically talk to myself.

On some days I have deteriorated, but not as bad a Far Side zombies yet.

The origin of this string, is my typical "see it from 30,000 ft" rhetoric, partly based on George Carlin and others influenced by him.  Though I also started that "Say Something Nice About America" string ... for balance.  But as a fiddler crab, I have to play Gypsy music lob-sided.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: PickelledEggs on July 29, 2018, 10:48:03 AM
I appreciate that, Baruch. Thank you
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Mike Cl on July 29, 2018, 11:10:43 AM
Quote from: Baruch on July 29, 2018, 09:43:09 AM
But, I didn't come here to virtue signal, or to get stroked.  Old age is not for weaklings (many can verify that who post here).

Say something positive yourselves ... no need to dwell so much on the negative.  Is that how the baking section works?

Nice things about nice hobbies.  I always read and enjoy those sections ... though your hobbies aren't my hobbies.
Baruch, I do say positive things to others.  Even you.  But I like to be honest--and your new persona has taken over so much that the Baruch of old (knowledgeable,  good writer, good humor sprinkled with good sarcasm and cynicism) has been buried.  I have no dislike of you--telling you like it is from my point of view.  If I held you in the same regard as I do Mouse and his ilk, I'd not bother.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Baruch on July 29, 2018, 12:01:23 PM
Quote from: Mike Cl on July 29, 2018, 11:10:43 AM
Baruch, I do say positive things to others.  Even you.  But I like to be honest--and your new persona has taken over so much that the Baruch of old (knowledgeable,  good writer, good humor sprinkled with good sarcasm and cynicism) has been buried.  I have no dislike of you--telling you like it is from my point of view.  If I held you in the same regard as I do Mouse and his ilk, I'd not bother.

I shouldn't post when I am angry ... and neither should you.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Mike Cl on July 29, 2018, 02:16:37 PM
Quote from: Baruch on July 29, 2018, 12:01:23 PM
I shouldn't post when I am angry ... and neither should you.
That's good advice for all of us.  But I'm not angry at you.  I am puzzled.  And dismayed.  I miss the old Baruch; I realize I cannot control you (have my hands full controlling myself).  But I am simply putting forth my dismay, not anger. 
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Baruch on July 29, 2018, 05:02:26 PM
You are actually a bit older than I am.  But I am not dismayed about that or someone's anger.  I am dismayed when I think of you spontaneously combusting.  Besides, I am a one trick pony, and you have already ridden me.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Mike Cl on July 29, 2018, 07:26:57 PM
Quote from: Baruch on July 29, 2018, 05:02:26 PM
You are actually a bit older than I am.  But I am not dismayed about that or someone's anger.  I am dismayed when I think of you spontaneously combusting.  Besides, I am a one trick pony, and you have already ridden me.
Old dogs can't learn new tricks.  That's a myth.  They can learn; so can you.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Baruch on July 31, 2018, 11:55:13 PM
Quote from: Mike Cl on July 29, 2018, 07:26:57 PM
Old dogs can't learn new tricks.  That's a myth.  They can learn; so can you.

I already learned me some learning ;-)
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Cavebear on August 01, 2018, 02:00:55 AM
Quote from: Baruch on July 27, 2018, 07:37:40 PM
Eight American Myths
â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"-
You have a democracy
You have an accountable and legitimate voting system
You have an independent media that keeps the rulers accountable
You have an independent judiciary
You have police who are here to protect you
You can buy things to make you happy
Things will get better if you work hard
You are free

We have a Federal Republic and a State and Local Democracy. Voters do determine outcomes usually.  I favor some complicated systems that work better, though.
The voting system can be verified if politicians don't prevent it.
Most of the media is independent.  Some fake sources like Fox are no longer independent.
The judiciary IS independent.  And both major parties hate that.  The courts CAN be packed on one side or another though, and that is bad.
Of COURSE you can buy things to make you happier.  I bought my cats.  I bought my house.  I bought my car.  I bought my gardening tools.  I buy good food.  Those all make me quite happy.
The police ARE here to protect us, but some of them are nutso and need to be removed.  The ones who shoot first and ask questions later should be tossed in a cage of crazy criminals and their remains buried later.
I did indeed find, throughout my career that working hard made things better for me.  I went from minimum-wage jobs to a career.  Working hard at that brought office and personal rewards.
I am freer than you think. 
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Baruch on August 01, 2018, 01:18:04 PM
Sorry Cave-in .. your jingoism preceded you.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: GSOgymrat on August 01, 2018, 03:31:08 PM
QuoteThings will get better if you work hard

Things will get better for whoever benefits from your hard work.





Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Baruch on August 01, 2018, 07:25:28 PM
Quote from: GSOgymrat on August 01, 2018, 03:31:08 PM
Things will get better for whoever benefits from your hard work.

That is the Bilderbergers, the Papacy, the Rothschilds, the English Royal Family etc.  Welcome to the village, peasant!
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Cavebear on August 04, 2018, 12:43:09 AM
Quote from: Baruch on August 01, 2018, 01:18:04 PM
Sorry Cave-in .. your jingoism preceded you.

Better check the def.  It wasn't what I was saying.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Mike Cl on August 04, 2018, 02:19:16 AM
Quote from: Baruch on July 27, 2018, 07:37:40 PM
Eight American Myths
â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"-
You have a democracy
You have an accountable and legitimate voting system
You have an independent media that keeps the rulers accountable
You have an independent judiciary
You have police who are here to protect you
You can buy things to make you happy
Things will get better if you work hard
You are free
Check out the book: Lies My Teacher Told Me.  By James Loewen.  Great read!
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Cavebear on August 04, 2018, 02:22:51 AM
Quote from: Mike Cl on August 04, 2018, 02:19:16 AM
Check out the book: Lies My Teacher Told Me.  By James Loewen.  Great read!

Arguments to each statement could be made on both sides.  I meant that some are interpretations are more sensible than others.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Baruch on August 04, 2018, 08:27:11 AM
Quote from: Mike Cl on August 04, 2018, 02:19:16 AM
Check out the book: Lies My Teacher Told Me.  By James Loewen.  Great read!

It isn't just history, or teachers ... how about Lies My Parents Told Me?
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Cavebear on August 04, 2018, 09:13:04 AM
Quote from: Baruch on August 04, 2018, 08:27:11 AM
It isn't just history, or teachers ... how about Lies My Parents Told Me?

My parents told me no lies.  But they also never told me much truth either.  You know "the speech" your dad is supposed to give you?  The night before I left for college it was "don't run around with 'fast women'".  Seriously, that was my fondest hope...

See how honest I am?
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Baruch on August 04, 2018, 09:14:41 AM
Quote from: Cavebear on August 04, 2018, 09:13:04 AM
My parents told me no lies.  But they also never told me much truth either.  You know "the speech" your dad is supposed to give you?  The night before I left for college it was "don't run around with 'fast women'".  Seriously, that was my fondest hope...

See how honest I am?

Our parent's generation wasn't called The Silent Generation for nothing.
Title: Re: American Myths Are Killing You
Post by: Cavebear on August 04, 2018, 09:16:51 AM
Quote from: Baruch on August 04, 2018, 09:14:41 AM
Our parent's generation wasn't called The Silent Generation for nothing.

LOL!  But mine were rather puritan or catholic.  One day I found the least informative book you could imagine on my bed.  Talk about passive...