- No Recommendations yet - go add some!
- This is the same reaction I used to get reading the class notes in my college's alumni magazine -- my life isn't nearly as accomplished/fulfilled as theirs! But perhaps it's a question of age -- I'm well out of my 20s -- that I don't have this feeling about Facebook which I find useful for keeping in touch with my friends both nearby and long distance. I'm not the least jealous of their activities/culinary accomplishments/cat photos. I'm happy to hear what they're up to -- as well as the thoughtful musings they frequently post. It never occurred to me to "create" an online presence -- whenever I choose to post, I'm just myself.
- This is why debates between conservatives (fantasists) and progressives (realists) are so futile. One side cites their facts and the other side cites theirs and they just keep talking past each other. This guy can explain away anything without any proof whatsoever.
- In terms of welfare reform -- because of Clinton's welfare reforms more people relied on food stamps during this present recession/depression to survive. Now they're trying to cut back on food stamps so heaven knows what will happen the next time the economy tanks. Ask why this push for freedom always results in harming women and children. Remember we have more children growing up in poverty than most other industrialized countries. Also what about women's freedom to control their own bodies and health care?
- When does your freedom interfere with my freedom? Or is it survival of the fittest freedom-wise. Obviously those who can pay to ensure their freedom at the expense of others will prevail.
- How is it that conservatives have appropriated the word "freedom" so that it now means freedom from government and regulation and freedom for the rich to do whatever they want ? Also, why do conservatives more frequently cite the Declaration of Independence -- life, liberty, pursuit of happiness; and rarely bring up the words in the Preamble to the Constitution -- establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare?
- No question -- ticket prices are the issue. Look at the turn out for a free concert -- all ages line up regardless of programming. Also the format can be off putting -- 3 hours sitting in silence engaged in a ritual that means little in today's world. It's a major commitment of time for a program of works you're not sure you'll like. Too bad there isn't more flexibility -- a short concert of one work or two short / connected works.
- I have found that being "nice" to people in daily transactions -- that is to say respectful and treating people as equals -- simply makes life easier and more pleasant. Many of us seem to think that pulling rank -- I'm the customer you're serving me or may I speak to your supervisor -- results in better service. But it really doesn't. It just makes every day encounters more stressful and unpleasant for everyone. In fact, I have found the opposite -- being nice to people usually results in better service even above and beyond the usual. That said, if someone is rude or dishonest with me, then of course, I speak up. But really, life is hard enough. Why make it worse by being unpleasant when dealing with others.
- Very suspicious of this organization and their move to shut down this onerous part of their activities. First, the damage ALEC has inflicted on our body politic has been accomplished -- many states have enacted these stand your ground and restrictive voter id laws. This organization should continue to be monitored for future activities. And the corporations who have withdrawn support should be watched to see if they rejoin as soon as the negative press dies down. Astonished that Gates Foundation supported this group.
- On yesterday's Chris Hayes show, there was a lengthy and nuanced discussion of this "kerfuffle". The clip of Romney talking about making sure women on assistance work -- "the dignity of work" was put in the context of who gets to stay at home and who has to work. Rich, middle class women are encouraged to stay at home and raise their kids -- the tax laws support this choice although they do not earn SS nor is this work given a monetary value for tax purposes. Poor women on assistance, however, are foroed to work outside the home by the welfare reforms of the 1990s (thanks to Clinton). They are deemed less able to raise their kids who are better off in day care. So if you look at this issues through the lens of class and economic advantage it looks very different. As for Ann Romney -- she hasn't had to live in the same ecomonic world as most women so while I'm sure she's empathetic what is her actual experience. Also her children have been grown and out of the nest for some time -- what has she done since then? Granted she's dealt with illness but what about volunteer work? What issues will she take up as potential First Lady?
- Once you've moved -- remember that you can listen to WNYC online and pick up the podcasts at any time. Radio is so different around the country. I recently moved from NYC to Tennessee for family reasons but have been able to continue my WNYC radio habit which has definitely kept me sane while adjusting to my new life. Most profound change on leaving NY -- having to drive a car everywhere beacuse there is no other way to get around. I totally miss walking around just to do every day things -- not just for recreation.
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