Aug 11 2012: Gu E, I also believe in the importance of critical thinking, which is why I started to do some research on the points you made. Let me admit right away, that my current research is very limited, as I am about to get ready for work and have limited time available.
In response to looking at the humanitarian aid, according to "Global Humanitarian Assistance," the United States is, in fact, the leading provider of aid in the world. The entire EU, which would include Denmark, was second.
Regarding Haiti, let me begin by saying the United States has no obligation whatsoever to initiate policies benefiting any country other than the United States. This is the same the other way around, I wouldn't expect Haiti to implement policies beneficial primarily to the United States. My argument is regarding aid and assistance during tragedy, not generosity of policy. Furthermore, according to the Immigration Policy Center, there are over half a million refugees from Haiti in the United States, as well as another 100,000 to 200,000 currently under temporary protected status. Let's ask them if the US is good or bad, as they have seen both.
Lastly, regarding Colleen, I am not trying to be "cool." I believe that in takes much more patriotism to defend your nation against attacks like those in the initial comment, rather than just saying "I agree, and I'm not proud of this." I already mentioned that the United States has it's problems, but it is inappropriate to blast the United States by stating that we are the most racist society ever.
Aug 11 2012: I am a proud American and I must say that this comment is absolutely ridiculous. First off, "the most racist society in history?" Have we forgotten that whole Nazi thing back in the 30's and 40's? Have we forgotten the intolerance that is prominent among radical groups around the world (yes, there are groups like this in the US, but they are often stigmatized by society and followed closely by law enforcement).
Have we forgot that after a massive tsunami in Sri Lanka, the United States mobilized its military and economic powers to help those affected by that tragedy? Have we already forgotten that when Haiti was decimated by an earthquake, we mobilized search and rescue teams, military and civilian alike, to dig those trapped from the rubble? Have we closed our eyes to the fact the American society and the American government donates more food, money, and other forms of aid to those around the world in need than any other country on earth, now or in the past?
I am not saying America is perfect. Our past and our present is littered with issues which scar our society. What I am saying is that America is continually unfairly labeled in negative terms. While we are materialistic and we do disagree with each other in many areas, we constantly help those in need and stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.
Lastly, Colleen, I am going to assume that you are an American. If that is the case, and you are not proud of what we as Americans stand for, please pick where you want to go. I will help you research the immigration laws of that country and begin funding for your relocation. You should be ashamed of yourself for such a comment.
Aug 11 2012: Eric, you seem like a smart man, and I look forward to viewing other conversations you take part in. I have a question for you, though. You mention that it's educational system lacks the focus on critical thinking, which will impede its advancement to a superpower. My question is do you feel that America's educational system is starting to fail and, if so, what will that mean for our country as we move forward into the future? What can we do to prevent a collapse of our educational system? As a father with children set to begin school this year, I am looking for answers on how to ensure the education they receive is sufficient for their success in the future.
Aug 9 2012: I think it is sad that you place so little importance on your life. We all make an impact on this world, the question is what impact will you make? We can make a difference, a positive change, all we need to do is work towards the goals we set for ourselves and the world around us.
Now, regarding why, the answer to that is simple. We should try to make things better because we can. We have the ability to make positive, lasting change, now more than ever. With the information readily available to us and the technology that is constantly improving, we have the tools to make not only our communities better, but the world better.
Lastly, please don't feel sorry for kids these days. If anything, I feel sorry for you. Just because expectations were apparently low for you, doesn't mean that they should be for generations to come. Yes, kids need to play and kids need to be kids, but if we lower our expectations, what is the future to hold? The great inventions we cherish today weren't developed by those who said "just relax, all you need to do in life is pass high school."
Aug 9 2012: It is a simplified form of exchanges. Imagine if you had to raise chickens or grow food just to trade for this great internet service we all are using. The actual collection of payment would be time consuming and messy.
Now, if you are speaking in a more socialistic way (if I'm using the term correctly), such as why can't we all just work together and share all that we have, the answer is simple: practicality. It is not a practical approach because humans want more. We want more than what we have, we want more than what our neighbors have. Sharing is a nice concept that we teach our children, but sharing on all levels is allowing for exploitation of others. If I'm going to get the same as you are, what motivation do I have to work harder than you?
As far as controlling the masses, we want and need for the masses to be controlled. While individual people can be intelligent, they also can be sucked into mass hysteria. For instance, look at the devastation caused by riots. That is what happens without control. It is the those people that have control, the people with the body armor and the big guns, that keep you safe. They are the ones you call when someone is trying to come steal that money that you have.
Aug 9 2012: I am only 24 and many would argue that I am too young to start worrying about what my "legacy" will be, but I wonder this all the time. For me, right now, I think the best thing accomplishments I can make are the following:
1. Be the best father I can be. Raise my children to be intelligent, respectful, honest people who will make contributions to this world greater than I can. (List as number 1 purposely).
2. Look to leave everything I have a connection to a little better. For instance, if I go to the park and there is trash around, clean it up.
3. Create a better work environment for my co-workers. I work in a decent job, but things can always be better. Where many others simply complain, I try to come up with ideas to improve.
4. When someone appears to be struggling, help them out. I saw an elderly lady struggling to load a bag of soil into her car last month, so I went over to help her out. It is just a little thing, but she appreciated it.
5. Inspire others to look for the good that is all around us through the bad which is always focused on. Inspire others to reach out and help each other, and to always look to live a good life.
These are just a couple of things that I can think of right now. For me, it seems that no matter what I do I never feel as though I am changing anything for the better. When I'm gone, I want the world to have changed for the better because of me. I like all of your replies thus far, let's keep this going. Let's change this world.
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A reply on Conversation: Will whites ever see blacks as superior or any aspect of blacks being superior to them
In response to looking at the humanitarian aid, according to "Global Humanitarian Assistance," the United States is, in fact, the leading provider of aid in the world. The entire EU, which would include Denmark, was second.
Regarding Haiti, let me begin by saying the United States has no obligation whatsoever to initiate policies benefiting any country other than the United States. This is the same the other way around, I wouldn't expect Haiti to implement policies beneficial primarily to the United States. My argument is regarding aid and assistance during tragedy, not generosity of policy. Furthermore, according to the Immigration Policy Center, there are over half a million refugees from Haiti in the United States, as well as another 100,000 to 200,000 currently under temporary protected status. Let's ask them if the US is good or bad, as they have seen both.
Lastly, regarding Colleen, I am not trying to be "cool." I believe that in takes much more patriotism to defend your nation against attacks like those in the initial comment, rather than just saying "I agree, and I'm not proud of this." I already mentioned that the United States has it's problems, but it is inappropriate to blast the United States by stating that we are the most racist society ever.
A reply on Conversation: Will whites ever see blacks as superior or any aspect of blacks being superior to them
Have we forgot that after a massive tsunami in Sri Lanka, the United States mobilized its military and economic powers to help those affected by that tragedy? Have we already forgotten that when Haiti was decimated by an earthquake, we mobilized search and rescue teams, military and civilian alike, to dig those trapped from the rubble? Have we closed our eyes to the fact the American society and the American government donates more food, money, and other forms of aid to those around the world in need than any other country on earth, now or in the past?
I am not saying America is perfect. Our past and our present is littered with issues which scar our society. What I am saying is that America is continually unfairly labeled in negative terms. While we are materialistic and we do disagree with each other in many areas, we constantly help those in need and stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.
Lastly, Colleen, I am going to assume that you are an American. If that is the case, and you are not proud of what we as Americans stand for, please pick where you want to go. I will help you research the immigration laws of that country and begin funding for your relocation. You should be ashamed of yourself for such a comment.
A reply on Conversation: Can China really become a super power, or will it remain a great power among other great powers?
A reply on Conversation: How is the world going to be different because of you?
Now, regarding why, the answer to that is simple. We should try to make things better because we can. We have the ability to make positive, lasting change, now more than ever. With the information readily available to us and the technology that is constantly improving, we have the tools to make not only our communities better, but the world better.
Lastly, please don't feel sorry for kids these days. If anything, I feel sorry for you. Just because expectations were apparently low for you, doesn't mean that they should be for generations to come. Yes, kids need to play and kids need to be kids, but if we lower our expectations, what is the future to hold? The great inventions we cherish today weren't developed by those who said "just relax, all you need to do in life is pass high school."
A comment on Conversation: Why do we need money?
Now, if you are speaking in a more socialistic way (if I'm using the term correctly), such as why can't we all just work together and share all that we have, the answer is simple: practicality. It is not a practical approach because humans want more. We want more than what we have, we want more than what our neighbors have. Sharing is a nice concept that we teach our children, but sharing on all levels is allowing for exploitation of others. If I'm going to get the same as you are, what motivation do I have to work harder than you?
As far as controlling the masses, we want and need for the masses to be controlled. While individual people can be intelligent, they also can be sucked into mass hysteria. For instance, look at the devastation caused by riots. That is what happens without control. It is the those people that have control, the people with the body armor and the big guns, that keep you safe. They are the ones you call when someone is trying to come steal that money that you have.
A comment on Conversation: How is the world going to be different because of you?
1. Be the best father I can be. Raise my children to be intelligent, respectful, honest people who will make contributions to this world greater than I can. (List as number 1 purposely).
2. Look to leave everything I have a connection to a little better. For instance, if I go to the park and there is trash around, clean it up.
3. Create a better work environment for my co-workers. I work in a decent job, but things can always be better. Where many others simply complain, I try to come up with ideas to improve.
4. When someone appears to be struggling, help them out. I saw an elderly lady struggling to load a bag of soil into her car last month, so I went over to help her out. It is just a little thing, but she appreciated it.
5. Inspire others to look for the good that is all around us through the bad which is always focused on. Inspire others to reach out and help each other, and to always look to live a good life.
These are just a couple of things that I can think of right now. For me, it seems that no matter what I do I never feel as though I am changing anything for the better. When I'm gone, I want the world to have changed for the better because of me. I like all of your replies thus far, let's keep this going. Let's change this world.