For Lawyers, Scientists & Other Inquisitives
An America watcher's observations about "life": Science, Law, Politics, Education, Humor, . . .
In 2010 Campaign, War Is Rarely Mentioned
Yeah, why should those who send us to war want to talk to us about their follies: large number of unnecessary deaths + economic ruin war brings us. I am saddened: Why are the people of the land of the free and the brave so silent about silly wars we get into?
It is good to see that well known authors, two of my favourites, publicly agree and disagree on a given issue of national importance. Both agree that America’s fortunes are on a downward spiral, but disagree how past history of national declines may be helpful. While Friedman argues that the decline of the Roman empire is a teachable “moment” lesson for us, Third Party Rising, Krugman Conscience of a Liberal, states that Rome is not the applicable model. From a common sense point of view, I agree with Krugman. Ancient Rome is not Current America, and vice versa. Roman decline is only partially beneficial to us in understaning our curent dilemma. An independent analysis of the causes of our “woes” appears essential to reverse this decline, if that is possible.
I disagree with this statement by Friedman:”Suboptimum [performance of the Washington ruling elite] is OK for oridnary times, but these are not ordinary times.” What is “ordinary” is pure personal conjetcure.
The owner of a professional team will instantly fire its coach for suboptimum performance, whether the times are ordinary or not. Should the owners of this country (us, the people, if you are wondering) accept less than top performnce of our Washington reps, or for that matter, any elected rep?
To those who believe that this country is owned by corporations, the lobbyists, foreign gypysies, . . . ” I ask: Who let it happen? Yes, I thought so too!
Wealth Matters:
Scrutinizing the Elite, Whether They Like It or Not
About 2 decades ago (reported in Science, I think), MIT wanted to improve their curriculum because it felt that its graduates were not finding their rightful places in society. It was funny, because the real lament was that too many MIT grads ended up working for Harvard grads. I wondered then, as I do now: This ain’t a curricular matter. Doesn’t the real solution lie in MIT recruiting from the top 1% elite as opposed to the run of the mill top 10%?
Here is a myth, perpetuated by the rich:
“If we lose this truly American thing — that you can become anything if you just work at it — then you’re really going to lose what makes America America. . . ”. Yeah, right: mailroom to boardroom in a week. Or even better, English-language impaired Yale student elected President of the United States – solely by the sweat of his brow. Party on, America.
Push on Talks With Taliban Confirmed by NATO Officials
“Talibaning” is good if the purpose is to let Afghans worry for themselves, without any further delay.