Mar 21 2013: Ideally, there would be no need for military service. However, there is in fact a need for it. For example, what would happen if a country like Israel disbanded its military in the name of social well being? As much as we would want the Muslim extremists to set down their arms, and embrace a peace, that would not be. The terror cells would have a field day. Nothing to oppose them, Israel would crumble. Even more would die
Maybe you don't care what happens to Israel. Well let us say that Colombia disbands their military in the name of social well being. What then is to stop this FARC from seizing control of the country? How would that affect your life?
Mar 9 2013: The sad draw back of democracy right? We have leaders more concerned with gaining power, not what they will do with it. It's not even that they are blatantly corrupt with the power. They do nothing except point the finger at the other guy, and hope the ad hominem bug bites their constituents.
Mar 9 2013: Removing this talk would be shameful. If person cannot suggest an idea because it may be wrong we would have very few suggestions indeed. Most of science would have a bit of an issue with that. As far as the factual error goes: It is not the main drive of his argument, but rather a misinformed support point. All of us have made mistakes I assume, so that should really not be grounds for removing this talk.
Mar 4 2013: What we can agree on is that media can put out stories that do more harm than good. Many times they cover stories that ought not to have so much attention, and forgo the stories with actual magnitude. That is the nature of the beast unfortunately. However, the significant regulation of media cannot be allowed. It will only lead to more and more regulation until the media is just an extension of the state. But, maybe it will work in some countries. For instance, the United States would not take kindly to any type of media regulation. Unless of course one wishes to start a civil war. On the other hand, a country like Sweden might be more receptive to such regulations.
All kidding aside, automation would definitely do all the things you have mentioned. The only stumbling block I see is job availability would be cut because many of the jobs are being done by robots. However, that is me looking through my 2013 eyes. There could be new jobs developed through all this automation in 2030. We simply won't know until we get there. Robots 2030!
Feb 18 2013: One's religion is usually very close to one's heart. It is defining of them whether they are "devout" or not. With that being said, debating religion is more of a debate of competing identities. Any commentary that opposes that identity makes people feel unsafe. More than an idea is challenged, but rather, self. Therefore, people become incredibly defensive of their religion, and a normal discussion can quickly escalate into a verbal, or physical, brawl. They try and win because that is the only way that their identity can be made safe and stable.
That being said, I believe it is extremely important to discuss religion. It is one of the best ways of learning about other cultures and other people. What do they hold dear? What do they exalt? What is sacred? These are all important questions, and when accompanied with a "why" lead into a path of discovery that is quite exhilarating.
However, the only way to accomplish this is through maturity. It must be learned that it is not good to try and "disprove" someone's religion, but rather have a discussion of the differences, and why they exist. It must nor be a debate about religion, but a discussion of religion.
Jan 11 2013: I agree schools could use more funding, but I also think the real problem is that our funds are not proportioned efficiently. It should be more left up to the individual schools on where the funds go, and how the classroom operates.
As for religious motivation behind vouchers, maybe? Do you perhaps have tangible evidence of this? As far as claiming that is the only advantage to going to a private school, that is not entirely true. There are usually better quality teachers and offer a more personalized environment. I know this because I have attended both private and public schools. So I do have a good perspective on the similarities and differences.
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Maybe you don't care what happens to Israel. Well let us say that Colombia disbands their military in the name of social well being. What then is to stop this FARC from seizing control of the country? How would that affect your life?
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All kidding aside, automation would definitely do all the things you have mentioned. The only stumbling block I see is job availability would be cut because many of the jobs are being done by robots. However, that is me looking through my 2013 eyes. There could be new jobs developed through all this automation in 2030. We simply won't know until we get there. Robots 2030!
A comment on Conversation: Is there any way to prevent religious debates from turning into a big fight?
That being said, I believe it is extremely important to discuss religion. It is one of the best ways of learning about other cultures and other people. What do they hold dear? What do they exalt? What is sacred? These are all important questions, and when accompanied with a "why" lead into a path of discovery that is quite exhilarating.
However, the only way to accomplish this is through maturity. It must be learned that it is not good to try and "disprove" someone's religion, but rather have a discussion of the differences, and why they exist. It must nor be a debate about religion, but a discussion of religion.
A reply on Conversation: Education "vouchers" solve the fiscal crisis, and also lead to economic recovery?
As for religious motivation behind vouchers, maybe? Do you perhaps have tangible evidence of this? As far as claiming that is the only advantage to going to a private school, that is not entirely true. There are usually better quality teachers and offer a more personalized environment. I know this because I have attended both private and public schools. So I do have a good perspective on the similarities and differences.
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