To all those on the left (the farther left, the better) I have a simple question and I invite you...

Crikey comments on Sep 5, 2020:

So... what's your definition of socialism? If we are going to discuss, let's at least know what we are discussing.

Naomi replies on Sep 6, 2020:

@Edgework I see what you mean. When politicians come up with big plans, "exactly how to implement" is often missing. I would suggest you tag some leftist members (Americans). Invite them to the discussion. That should be fun. :)

To all those on the left (the farther left, the better) I have a simple question and I invite you...

Crikey comments on Sep 5, 2020:

So... what's your definition of socialism? If we are going to discuss, let's at least know what we are discussing.

Naomi replies on Sep 6, 2020:

@Crikey Perhaps @WilyRickWiles was right; Edgework didn't open the discussion in good faith. Hey ho. Whether communism or neoliberalism, extremism is not applicable in any context.

To all those on the left (the farther left, the better) I have a simple question and I invite you...

Crikey comments on Sep 5, 2020:

So... what's your definition of socialism? If we are going to discuss, let's at least know what we are discussing.

Naomi replies on Sep 6, 2020:

@Edgework You keep asking what "the plan" is, by the Democratic Party I assume. I'm a little surprised that you don't know. In the UK, each political party discloses its manifesto; their principle, policies, "If we win the election, we will realise A, B, C and D", that sort of things. Doesn't the Democratic Party (or the Republican Party) disclose their manifesto? Maybe it's different in America.

Is this group an echo chamber?

saramarylop3z comments on Sep 4, 2020:

Someone's been banned? I didn't think that would be possible. I'd like to know as well. I'm not all that controversial in my posts (I hope lol) But, if there's something I'm missing rules wise, I'd like to know.

Naomi replies on Sep 6, 2020:

Hello. I think it would be honourable if Remi, the originator of this group, disclosed the rules according to which he determines who should be banned from this group. I suggested that to him. We'll see.

Is this group an echo chamber?

RemiDallaire comments on Sep 4, 2020:

Only 2 person have been banned so far in 1 and a half year. And they have been banned on the based that you don't call the moderator stupid 15 times in a row... And you don't delete the comments of the moderator on your posts.

Naomi replies on Sep 6, 2020:

@RemiDallaire Most of us know that HighQ was a "first class" troll (as WorldSigh puts it. Lol) and no one was surprised that he was banned from this group and eventually from this community. But how about the other person? What did he/she do to deserve a ban? I understand that this group belongs to you since you are the originator. I think it would be honourable if you disclosed the rules according to which you determine who should be banned from your group. What do you think?

Mexico has universal healthcare.

Naomi comments on Sep 6, 2020:

I fail to see a clear connection between Mexico's crappy universal healthcare system as you describe and socialism...

Naomi replies on Sep 6, 2020:

@A1fredo I do that, too, when I have too much wine.

I think this is a good, drastic move.

Josf-Kelley comments on Sep 6, 2020:

Statism is a Secular Religion complete with the required cult membership.

Naomi replies on Sep 6, 2020:

@Josf-Kelley Now I see what you mean. Thanks.

I think this is a good, drastic move.

N0DD comments on Sep 6, 2020:

Progressive politics which hopefully will benefit the people of Sudan, if only the USA would do the same, of course the other "secular Islamic" countries were Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt and Libya, Turkey was also secular as founded by Attaturk, Mustapha Kemal.

Naomi replies on Sep 6, 2020:

Hello. I think that political and sociocultural aspects are somehow different. For example, the US Constitution is supposed to provide for a secular government, but Christian values still dominate American society and culture. Having a secular government may not resolve religious conflicts all that well but it's still better than having a religiously-biased government.

I think this is a good, drastic move.

Josf-Kelley comments on Sep 6, 2020:

Statism is a Secular Religion complete with the required cult membership.

Naomi replies on Sep 6, 2020:

Cult membership?

Are people more racist now than they were 20 years ago?

WilyRickWiles comments on Sep 5, 2020:

With some historical distance, we can now see how: 1. The gains of the Civil Rights Movement were halted by Nixon amid a racist backlash a year after they were secured, 2. Clinton and Bush offered neoliberalism, 3. Neoliberalism, while offering marginally better racial representation, did not ...

Naomi replies on Sep 6, 2020:

Hello wolfhnd. Not ALL young people are miseducated, nor are they Woke. Generalisation is one of my pet hates. :(

What I Meant to Say.

Pjharwood comments on Sep 5, 2020:

Seen this before but just as funny as the first time I read it.

Naomi replies on Sep 5, 2020:

Glad you enjoyed it - again. Lol

Is this group an echo chamber?

Naomi comments on Sep 4, 2020:

@WorldSigh? @RemiDallaire?

Naomi replies on Sep 5, 2020:

First class troll - he was indeed. Lol! Thanks for your response. X

Is this group an echo chamber?

Hanno comments on Sep 4, 2020:

I believe Remi banned a troll once... I support free speech but when one has been ID’d as a troll... kick them out!

Naomi replies on Sep 5, 2020:

I don't think there is a clear definition of troll. Some are very quick to call others trolls when their opinions are challenged or when they are losing an argument.

Is this group an echo chamber?

johnlondon comments on Sep 4, 2020:

Yes, Inquiring minds want to know?

Naomi replies on Sep 5, 2020:

@coalburned My bad. I misunderstood John's comment in that case. I have no problem with blocking someone at the individual level. We are not obliged to like everyone. In fact, I'm blocking someone forever because he trolled me like a dirty old man in the past. Lol Banning someone from this group or this community is a different matter, though, unless there is a very good reason, and Admin should be the one who makes the ultimate decision.

Is this group an echo chamber?

Edgework comments on Sep 4, 2020:

Who? What are the details? Why do you suspect this?

Naomi replies on Sep 5, 2020:

Remi says he banned two members from this group in his comment.

Is this group an echo chamber?

RemiDallaire comments on Sep 4, 2020:

Only 2 person have been banned so far in 1 and a half year. And they have been banned on the based that you don't call the moderator stupid 15 times in a row... And you don't delete the comments of the moderator on your posts.

Naomi replies on Sep 5, 2020:

Hello. I remember that you used to put up with HighQ rather well. :) As a moderator, when you consider banning someone from your group, do you consult Admin?

Is this group an echo chamber?

RobD1 comments on Sep 4, 2020:

so Im guilty of telling trolls off, (especially critical theorists) but have since realized that engagement furthers their message and their trolling games the points based system that IDW uses to level up by rewarding engagement. starving their posts with lower engagement levels seems to push their...

Naomi replies on Sep 5, 2020:

Dealing with others at the individual level by blocking them or telling them off like you do is fine. Banning someone from this platform because of their alternative views is another matter, I think, especially when we support free speech.

Is this group an echo chamber?

WayneHawthorne comments on Sep 4, 2020:

One femme's vocabulary never got beyond words beginning with **F** She was blocked by individual members who did not appreciate the foul language. And then she was gone. Magic?

Naomi replies on Sep 5, 2020:

I remember her. She never got nasty to me so I didn't have to block her, although I did consider it. Blocking someone at the individual level is fine (we can't like everybody) but banning someone from this platform because they have different views from yours is another matter.

Is this group an echo chamber?

johnlondon comments on Sep 4, 2020:

Yes, Inquiring minds want to know?

Naomi replies on Sep 4, 2020:

So you're happy that anyone gets banned from this group because they have different opinions from yours. Is that what you're saying? You don't support free speech then?

To all those on the left (the farther left, the better) I have a simple question and I invite you...

Edgework comments on Sep 4, 2020:

I still haven’t heard anyone talk about the nuts and bolts of creating a socialist utopia in the United States, which, to be honest, is the stated goal of our current crop of socialists, as well as all who have come before. None of them are saying “Let’s be like Sweden; let’s be like ...

Naomi replies on Sep 4, 2020:

@WilyRickWiles? @JacksonNought?

To all those on the left (the farther left, the better) I have a simple question and I invite you...

Naomi comments on Sep 4, 2020:

Hello. I think it is important to define what socialism is. I often hear arguments like "Once you give in to a socialist program like universal health care or free education, we are on the path to communism." In this case, they are referring to a transitional social state between the overthrow of ...

Naomi replies on Sep 4, 2020:

Incidentally, I'm not completely a socialist/leftist but I can sometimes appreciate socialist/leftist views. I think it's good that you are open-minded enough to ask this question.

Riddle time! You walk in a room and on the bed there are 2 dogs, 4 cats, 1 giraffe, 5 cows and a ...

N0DD comments on Sep 3, 2020:

Ten

Naomi replies on Sep 4, 2020:

@N0DD Everyone started overthinking it as you can see. It's just a silly riddle. Lol The correct answer is 10 apparently, and you were the first one to get ti right. Lol

It's still a poor choice it seems.

timon_phocas comments on Sep 3, 2020:

Howdy @Naomi, 3rd parties in American politics are underappreciated. They prove the viability of ideas and platforms to the two major parties. For example, the ideal of an 8 hour work day with a forty hour work week came from Eugene V. Debs and the socialist party. They later became part of the ...

Naomi replies on Sep 4, 2020:

Hello. The UK has a multi-party system, so do many other countries. In the UK, the Conservative Party and the Labour Party have been the two dominant political parties since the 1920s. The third significant party is the Liberal Democrats. We had a coalition government from 2010 to 2015 during which time David Cameron, Leader of the Conservative Party, served as Prime Minister and Nick Clegg, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, served as Deputy Prime Minister. I was interesting that Lib Dems got in instead of Labour. I guess political polarisation is so fierce in America that there isn't much room for a third party.

It's still a poor choice it seems.

David42 comments on Sep 4, 2020:

Term limits and get rid of republicans and democrats and hold media accountable

Naomi replies on Sep 4, 2020:

Hello. Many countries have a multi-party system including the UK.

Riddle time! You walk in a room and on the bed there are 2 dogs, 4 cats, 1 giraffe, 5 cows and a ...

govols comments on Sep 3, 2020:

It's impossible to know from the data provided.

Naomi replies on Sep 3, 2020:

Maybe you're overthinking it. Lol

Riddle time! You walk in a room and on the bed there are 2 dogs, 4 cats, 1 giraffe, 5 cows and a ...

N0DD comments on Sep 3, 2020:

Ten

Naomi replies on Sep 3, 2020:

Could the chair be on the bed? Lol

Riddle time! You walk in a room and on the bed there are 2 dogs, 4 cats, 1 giraffe, 5 cows and a ...

govols comments on Sep 3, 2020:

So the chair is on the bed. None of the animals are on the floor. As far as we know only the bed and your feet are on the floor. We have no information on the construction of the bed.

Naomi replies on Sep 3, 2020:

Good point, sir!

Riddle time! You walk in a room and on the bed there are 2 dogs, 4 cats, 1 giraffe, 5 cows and a ...

N0DD comments on Sep 3, 2020:

Ten

Naomi replies on Sep 3, 2020:

@govols, @Tarpon, Foot is the lower extremity of the "leg" below the ankle, on which a person stands or walks. You have to have legs in order to have feet. Lol

Riddle time! You walk in a room and on the bed there are 2 dogs, 4 cats, 1 giraffe, 5 cows and a ...

Ranticore comments on Sep 3, 2020:

Answer is four. Four legs are on the floor.

Naomi replies on Sep 3, 2020:

Nope.

Riddle time! You walk in a room and on the bed there are 2 dogs, 4 cats, 1 giraffe, 5 cows and a ...

Tarpon comments on Sep 3, 2020:

8

Naomi replies on Sep 3, 2020:

👎

So, what do you think about this story?

timon_phocas comments on Sep 2, 2020:

Howdy @Naomi, Numbers chapter 12 is illuminating for this subject. 1¶Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married (for he had married a Cushite woman); Moses had a mixed marriage, for the Cushites were black Africans. Miriam and Aaron ...

Naomi replies on Sep 2, 2020:

Hello. That's interesting. As a private company, this Christian-owned wedding venue is free to choose who they want to do business with - I have no problem with that. I'll be like "Fine, I'll take my business elsewhere." But I think it's bad if they use Jesus, the LORD, or the Bible as a false excuse to justify their prejudice against a certain group of people, in this case mixed-race people. They are being dishonest.

So, what do you think about this story?

Xtra comments on Sep 2, 2020:

No.

Naomi replies on Sep 2, 2020:

Hello. You mean NO as in not a fundamentalist view or NO as in Jesus not being against mixed-race people?

Makes me see things in the right perspective.

Haraldson comments on Sep 2, 2020:

Well yes, I see the point but not the connection. Seems to me the major complaint about wearing masks is not the inconvenience or discomfort but rather the belief (rightly or wrongly) that it's not necessary - and / or the belief that the requirement to do so is politically motivated (not clinically...

Naomi replies on Sep 2, 2020:

You are making a political point. I'm not.

My kind of childhood. 🤣

GeeMac comments on Sep 1, 2020:

Sooner of later in life we all get thrown off something, in some form, face-first. It helps to have some experience.

Naomi replies on Sep 1, 2020:

I've still got a pretty face. I must be doing all right. Lol

My kind of childhood. 🤣

Naomi comments on Sep 1, 2020:

Why are you upset @Zarloff?

Naomi replies on Sep 1, 2020:

Your wife must be a caring, protective person. I was a tomboy. I was always outside, playing with my brothers and neighbours' boys. My Mum eventually gave up on me, I think. Lol

Absurdism actually does have "appeal". [youtube.com]

ZantiMisfit comments on Aug 31, 2020:

Camus is one of my favorite writers and philosophers. I think everyone should read *The Rebel: An Essay of Man in Revolt*

Naomi replies on Sep 1, 2020:

Thank you, ZantiMisfit! I shall learn more about it. :)

Absurdism actually does have "appeal". [youtube.com]

ZantiMisfit comments on Aug 31, 2020:

Camus is one of my favorite writers and philosophers. I think everyone should read *The Rebel: An Essay of Man in Revolt*

Naomi replies on Sep 1, 2020:

Hello. What is the difference between nihilism and absurdism?

"Oh, it's a..." "Shh!" 🤫😁😂

camerakid61 comments on Aug 31, 2020:

I can't think of any. Give me one good reason why any TEENAGER needs one of them!

Naomi replies on Aug 31, 2020:

You mean camera or gun or both? Lol

Kids will be kids. Trouble ahead for teachers. Good luck.

Haraldson comments on Aug 31, 2020:

Not in Australia it seems, only one state has mandated masks to be worn in public / outside the home.... and they have kids / schools / teachers and anyone in a bank exempted.

Naomi replies on Aug 31, 2020:

The mask rule is also applied slightly differently in the UK depending on the country and region.

[youtu.be] the world we have allowed to be created

Naomi comments on Aug 31, 2020:

Hello. These mobs of haters are not real protesters. They are idiots who are disorderly and love causing trouble and violence. I can't understand why the left and the right are still arguing against each other. IMO, it's high time they put each other's differences aside and made a joint effort to ...

Naomi replies on Aug 31, 2020:

@BikerPetehall70 What those individuals do is a crime whether they are told to do so by someone or not.

Waste isn't worthless. [outdoorrevival.com]

Josf-Kelley comments on Aug 29, 2020:

https://www.plastic2oil.com/site/home Where can I find a lot of waste plastic? Hmmmm

Naomi replies on Aug 29, 2020:

Hello. The original post describes plastic made from fish offcuts which is waste. Recycling waste plastic into liquid fuels sounds good.

Reading this article, I feel a bit uncomfortable.

CharliePrime comments on Aug 29, 2020:

Witness how the Internet is controlled and manipulated by malevolent forces. Imagine that control plugged directly to your brain. That is the long-term goal of this technology.

Naomi replies on Aug 29, 2020:

Hello xerxes. I'm inclined to agree. As long as technology like this doesn't fall into wrong hands, it could be very useful. "Hope people with mental health issues won't get exploited..." - that was my first reaction when I read the article.

Meanwhile in the UK... It can only get worse. 😂 [facebook.com]

MikeHunt comments on Aug 29, 2020:

Many of us have deleted Faceberg, so a screencap would be nice

Naomi replies on Aug 29, 2020:

It's a video. I tried to find it on YouTube. Not available. Never mind.

Reading this article, I feel a bit uncomfortable.

Jurecki comments on Aug 29, 2020:

Having seen lab rats with probes in their heads for science, I pass.

Naomi replies on Aug 29, 2020:

Eek!

Reading this article, I feel a bit uncomfortable.

CharliePrime comments on Aug 29, 2020:

Witness how the Internet is controlled and manipulated by malevolent forces. Imagine that control plugged directly to your brain. That is the long-term goal of this technology.

Naomi replies on Aug 29, 2020:

Hello. Do you think it's a good technology to have?

I finally agree with Black Lives Matter.

Naomi comments on Aug 28, 2020:

I'm more concerned about this... Personally, I think black ones are much better than green ones. I hope nobody gets offended that I have a preference!

Naomi replies on Aug 29, 2020:

Seen your name a few times here, I fancy tonkotsu ramen now. Lol

I finally agree with Black Lives Matter.

Naomi comments on Aug 28, 2020:

I'm more concerned about this... Personally, I think black ones are much better than green ones. I hope nobody gets offended that I have a preference!

Naomi replies on Aug 28, 2020:

@tonkotsu You green supremacist. Lol

I finally agree with Black Lives Matter.

Naomi comments on Aug 28, 2020:

I'm more concerned about this... Personally, I think black ones are much better than green ones. I hope nobody gets offended that I have a preference!

Naomi replies on Aug 28, 2020:

@Ranticore All olives matter. Lol

If you were (politely) to contrast the left and the right politically, what would you say?

wolfhnd comments on Aug 9, 2020:

Jordan Peterson has an answer, I do not. Over the last year the definitions have shifted. Trump moved the right towards the center and the left has moved far left in the U.S. In other countries the words unfortunately have to be understood in reference to their political and cultural history....

Naomi replies on Aug 28, 2020:

@2FollowHim Objectivity always helps me see things clearly.

White is associated with light, goodness, innocence, purity, and virginity.

Header comments on Aug 19, 2020:

Disagree and only an opinion

Naomi replies on Aug 28, 2020:

@Header "you sir are trying to divide instead of bring people together," Agreed 100%!

Do you judge others by their appearance, especially their genetically inherited appearance like the ...

RobBlair comments on Aug 27, 2020:

I would expect a silly question like that from a black and white siberian husky who can't even decide what color eyes to have. Phaww... Many Asian cultures, notably Indian, Korean, Chinese and Japanese cultures are demonstrably racist. The idea that people who aren't racially similar should be ...

Naomi replies on Aug 28, 2020:

@RobBlair We're sidetracking from the original post, which is about multiracial people struggling to identify themselves within the country in which they were born and grew up. I rest my case.

Do you judge others by their appearance, especially their genetically inherited appearance like the ...

73jazzbass comments on Aug 27, 2020:

Maybe it’s a tribal thing that goes back thousands of years and it’s embedded in our DNA somehow. I don’t know because I’m not smart enough but it’s possible.

Naomi replies on Aug 27, 2020:

Hello dd54. After all, it's all about identity politics - ugh! At least the video ends on a positive note. Those in the video don't see themselves as victims, which is good.

Do you judge others by their appearance, especially their genetically inherited appearance like the ...

RobBlair comments on Aug 27, 2020:

I would expect a silly question like that from a black and white siberian husky who can't even decide what color eyes to have. Phaww... Many Asian cultures, notably Indian, Korean, Chinese and Japanese cultures are demonstrably racist. The idea that people who aren't racially similar should be ...

Naomi replies on Aug 27, 2020:

@RobBlair "... mixed-race Asians would be rejected by pure Asians in countries like Japan and Korea." Not sure where you get that view from. I very much doubt that - maybe 50 years ago but not now. My question is more about multiracial Asians, born and bred in America - they ARE Americans - yet finding it hard to fit in the American society they've grown up in. The video ends with positive views about themselves so they are not victims.

Do you judge others by their appearance, especially their genetically inherited appearance like the ...

johnlondon comments on Aug 27, 2020:

Skin color is just like the color of a car you might want to buy. You may like the features of the car and the fuel mileage and performance etc. If you are intelligent at all, you will choose on what the car can do for you. Color comes second. It is mostly the same with people. 25 years of ...

Naomi replies on Aug 27, 2020:

Hello. Would it be fair enough to say that the crap car you bought happened to be red doesn't mean that all red cars are crap?

Do you judge others by their appearance, especially their genetically inherited appearance like the ...

wolfhnd comments on Aug 27, 2020:

Race is poorly defined so I prefer ethnicity. There are general ethnic characteristics what accounts for them is both genetic and cultural. Like all statistical characteristics ethnic ones don't tell you much about a random individual selected from the group. The idea however that genetics ...

Naomi replies on Aug 27, 2020:

@wolfhnd Well, there is no group without the individuals in it, so... I don't know much about Charles Murray; I'll check him out.

Do you judge others by their appearance, especially their genetically inherited appearance like the ...

BlackoutNJ comments on Aug 27, 2020:

I think we all do to a certain degree because we are creatures of patterns and we are primitively superficial. I tend to care more about how a person carries themselves. If I see a black person with a "wife beater" shirt on, sagging pants and cornrolls, even I will be cautious but I won't hate the ...

Naomi replies on Aug 27, 2020:

Hello. Character, not the colour of skin - I agree. Why do you think those in the video struggle to fit in the society? Apart from their faces that give away that they are mixed-race Asian. They are born and bred Americans.

Do you judge others by their appearance, especially their genetically inherited appearance like the ...

Serg97 comments on Aug 27, 2020:

Your skin is simply an organ that covers the other organs!!! Skin does not think, form opinions or control your behavior, you supposedly have another organ that does that!!! So, someone needs to step up and point out where the real problem lies, it ain't the skin!!!!

Naomi replies on Aug 27, 2020:

Hello CharliePrime, Racially related natural behaviour, IQ level, wealth... So you make friends with people from different racial backgrounds, or determine whether or not you like them, on the basis of these factors... is that what you mean?

Do you judge others by their appearance, especially their genetically inherited appearance like the ...

govols comments on Aug 27, 2020:

Yes. Yes, I have an initial impression that begins to form on sight. Yes, in part that impression is based on inherited physical characteristics. In part it includes dress and manner of expression, and especially changes in expression in the very earliest beginnings of interaction. Dress, ...

Naomi replies on Aug 27, 2020:

Hello. I agree with you. But do you see how those people in the video struggle to fit in the society they live in? They were born and bred in America. They speak perfect American English; if anything, it's just their faces that give away that they're mixed-race, yet they find it difficult to identify themselves within the society. America has always been a melting pot, no? What changed?

Do you judge others by their appearance, especially their genetically inherited appearance like the ...

wolfhnd comments on Aug 27, 2020:

Race is poorly defined so I prefer ethnicity. There are general ethnic characteristics what accounts for them is both genetic and cultural. Like all statistical characteristics ethnic ones don't tell you much about a random individual selected from the group. The idea however that genetics ...

Naomi replies on Aug 27, 2020:

Hello. International or mixed-race marriages are ever so common nowadays, and I don't think that two ordinary people from different ethnic backgrounds decide to have a baby in consideration of genetic advantages/disadvantages, let alone IQ levels, unless they are aware that they have some kind of genetic disorder and therefore they don't wish to pass it to their baby. Colour blindness is a nice idea but it is impossible. I don't find anything wrong with spotting differences in other people from mine. For example, if someone walks up to me and this someone has only one leg, how can I not notice it? I would be lying to this person if I said I can't see his/her disability. But I will probably quickly get over the fact that the person has only one leg, and will get to know him/her over time just like with any other. Apparently, small children have this ability much more than adults.

Do you judge others by their appearance, especially their genetically inherited appearance like the ...

73jazzbass comments on Aug 27, 2020:

Maybe it’s a tribal thing that goes back thousands of years and it’s embedded in our DNA somehow. I don’t know because I’m not smart enough but it’s possible.

Naomi replies on Aug 27, 2020:

Hello. I'm not smart enough either, but you're probably right; we're all tribal deep down. However, people move around the world and settle in foreign places all the time, plus mixed-race marriages are ever so common nowadays. Those people in the video are results of such marriages. They may be mixed-race but they were born and bred in America. America has always been a melting pot, no? It's odd that appearance like skin colour and facial features still matter to some people.

Do you judge others by their appearance, especially their genetically inherited appearance like the ...

RobBlair comments on Aug 27, 2020:

I would expect a silly question like that from a black and white siberian husky who can't even decide what color eyes to have. Phaww... Many Asian cultures, notably Indian, Korean, Chinese and Japanese cultures are demonstrably racist. The idea that people who aren't racially similar should be ...

Naomi replies on Aug 27, 2020:

Hello. The video is about mixed-race people born and bred in America, though.

I posted the following expression elsewhere but I thought I would share it here, too.

Crikey comments on Aug 23, 2020:

I quite like a quote by Bakunin, which sums up a heck of a lot of understanding of ideology in a few words: "Freedom without socialism is privilege and injustice; socialism without freedom is slavery and brutality" I'm of the opinion that society exists whether we like it or not, despite the ...

Naomi replies on Aug 27, 2020:

@Crikey You're right. Although I agree with Thatchers' comment per se, I believe that she did terrible things to British society which were quite opposite, like destroying the entire mining community. I immigrated to England just before she resigned so I wasn't familiar with what had been going on, so I watched a couple of documentaries about her; it's so complicated that I don't understand fully, but her political stance changed quite a bit through her career as PM.

I posted the following expression elsewhere but I thought I would share it here, too.

Crikey comments on Aug 23, 2020:

I quite like a quote by Bakunin, which sums up a heck of a lot of understanding of ideology in a few words: "Freedom without socialism is privilege and injustice; socialism without freedom is slavery and brutality" I'm of the opinion that society exists whether we like it or not, despite the ...

Naomi replies on Aug 27, 2020:

@Crikey My take on Thatcher's comment is still that there is no society, or society cannot function well, if the people in it don't support it by living their own lives well in the first place. In my simple mind, my life essentially belongs to me, not British society. When I live my life well, I can help others, directly at the individual level, or indirectly at the collective level in which case by paying tax to the government. The more tax, the better available-to-all systems like state-run education and healthcare systems the government can provide in return. I believe that everyone should be entitled to good education and health care but we must do our share to protect them. It's got to be give and take. I still think that a cradle-to-grave system is so good in principle that it can generate too much sense of entitlement. I think that it is our weakness as humans that we look for an easy way out when things get tough, and take the advantage of kindness, generally speaking. I believe that we need a bit of both of socialism and freedom but how to strike the right balance is probably a forever challenge.

If you were (politely) to contrast the left and the right politically, what would you say?

wolfhnd comments on Aug 9, 2020:

Jordan Peterson has an answer, I do not. Over the last year the definitions have shifted. Trump moved the right towards the center and the left has moved far left in the U.S. In other countries the words unfortunately have to be understood in reference to their political and cultural history....

Naomi replies on Aug 26, 2020:

@2FollowHim I think you have a point; honest people probably suffer more because their conscience readily plays up.

Good news! Africa is to be declared free from wild polio by the independent body, the Africa ...

1patriot comments on Aug 25, 2020:

Naomi replies on Aug 25, 2020:

@1patriot There is always room for improvement.

Good news! Africa is to be declared free from wild polio by the independent body, the Africa ...

1patriot comments on Aug 25, 2020:

Naomi replies on Aug 25, 2020:

@1patriot Notice that the article says "in rare cases". You stirrer. 🙄😝

What's going on?! Is this real? 😲😲😲

CHFandango comments on Aug 24, 2020:

Is this the AOC breadline she predicted no wonder so many people were being imprisoned for bread theft. Who knew

Naomi replies on Aug 25, 2020:

Sheer madness.

Good news! Africa is to be declared free from wild polio by the independent body, the Africa ...

RobBlair comments on Aug 25, 2020:

Eliminating Polio seems both amazing and an obvious good.

Naomi replies on Aug 25, 2020:

Hello. It's kinda ironic that they are making such good progress where they don't even have a formal education or welfare system in place while a lot of progress is being prevented, if not undone, by the anti-vaccination movement in our developed countries.

What's going on?! Is this real? 😲😲😲

Serg97 comments on Aug 24, 2020:

Seem that most of the DEM run states keep complaining about TRUMP taking action in THEIR jurisdictions!!! I would be surprised that if TRUMP took action to correct this (possible fictitious) problem, The DEMS would not like it!!!! But, they will also complain if he does nothing!!! A NO WIN ...

Naomi replies on Aug 25, 2020:

I don't know. How did Obama handle SARs? Your two parties are always fighting each other. They won't even sit at the same table to discuss anything.

What's going on?! Is this real? 😲😲😲

CHFandango comments on Aug 24, 2020:

Is this the AOC breadline she predicted no wonder so many people were being imprisoned for bread theft. Who knew

Naomi replies on Aug 25, 2020:

Oops, my bad.

What's going on?! Is this real? 😲😲😲

CHFandango comments on Aug 24, 2020:

Is this the AOC breadline she predicted no wonder so many people were being imprisoned for bread theft. Who knew

Naomi replies on Aug 25, 2020:

Hello there. "... no wonder so many people were being imprisoned for bread theft." Seriously?

What's going on?! Is this real? 😲😲😲

govols comments on Aug 24, 2020:

When I search "New York Bread Lines," I see many articles using this photo, most of which refer to NY restaurant workers. There seems to be a story there, but I'm not diving in...

Naomi replies on Aug 25, 2020:

@govols As usual, the media never tell us the whole story.

What's going on?! Is this real? 😲😲😲

Serg97 comments on Aug 24, 2020:

Seem that most of the DEM run states keep complaining about TRUMP taking action in THEIR jurisdictions!!! I would be surprised that if TRUMP took action to correct this (possible fictitious) problem, The DEMS would not like it!!!! But, they will also complain if he does nothing!!! A NO WIN ...

Naomi replies on Aug 25, 2020:

Hello Grandpa. It's a shame that both sides can't put each other's differences aside and make joint efforts to tackle the pandemic.

I posted the following expression elsewhere but I thought I would share it here, too.

Crikey comments on Aug 23, 2020:

I quite like a quote by Bakunin, which sums up a heck of a lot of understanding of ideology in a few words: "Freedom without socialism is privilege and injustice; socialism without freedom is slavery and brutality" I'm of the opinion that society exists whether we like it or not, despite the ...

Naomi replies on Aug 24, 2020:

@Crikey Not sure what Thatcher said was full of rhetoric... it was actually part of this interview: https://www.margaretthatcher.org/document/106689 I believe that the British society has always been a cradle-to-grave society, which is nice, but it can give the false impression that people can turn to the government/society and expect it to solve their problems for them instead of trying to solve by themselves first. I think Thatcher was right when she talked about individual responsibilities. It's like a family consisting of several members. When the members of the family act responsibly and support each other, the family can function well as a whole. Otherwise, family malfunction can occur. My ex next-door neighbour was a cook. He had been on unemployment benefit for a long time. He also wasn't in a hurry to find a job. He told me once that he was better off being on benefit than earning as a cook. His wife was also a cook. She was a little more dignified than her husband. She chose to work as a cook although her income wasn't much. She said that she hated being a charity case. Surprise, surprise, they later split up. I'm inclined to support the bottom-up approach. If individuals take responsibilities for their own actions, look after themselves and live their lives well, the society they make up can function well. But then, Thatcher destroyed the mining communities, so...

I get nervous when things are going rather well. 😂

FEWI comments on Aug 23, 2020:

With two hurricanes heading my way within a 48 hr period..Yep, true.

Naomi replies on Aug 23, 2020:

Stay safe.

I posted the following expression elsewhere but I thought I would share it here, too.

Crikey comments on Aug 23, 2020:

I quite like a quote by Bakunin, which sums up a heck of a lot of understanding of ideology in a few words: "Freedom without socialism is privilege and injustice; socialism without freedom is slavery and brutality" I'm of the opinion that society exists whether we like it or not, despite the ...

Naomi replies on Aug 23, 2020:

Hello. I like the "socialism without freedom is slavery and brutality". It's true. We definitely need bit of both. How to strike the right balance is another matter. I learned sometime ago that Thatcher's famous saying "There is no such thing as society" is often misquoted if not misused when taken out of the context. It was part of the following comment she made: "I think we have been through a period when too many people have been given to understand that when they have a problem it is government’s job to cope with it. ‘I have a problem, I’ll get a grant. I’m homeless, the government must house me.’ They are casting their problems on society. And, you know, there is no such thing as society. There are individual men and women and there are families. And no governments can do anything except through people, and people must look to themselves first. It is our duty to look after ourselves and then, also, to look after our neighbours. People have got their entitlements too much in mind, without the obligations. There is no such thing as an entitlement, unless someone has first met an obligation." It makes sense to me.

Smart alec 🤣

jackzimmerman comments on Aug 22, 2020:

It's disturbing that there are so many people now days who see conspiracy theorists under every bush and around every corner. It wouldn't surprise me if the Russians are behind it all....

Naomi replies on Aug 22, 2020:

"It wouldn't surprise me if the Russians are behind it all." And that is also a conspiracy theory? Lol

Challenge to libertarians: Why do we only judge people as individuals?

Naomi comments on Aug 21, 2020:

*We have become a culture of conformity. Even while we celebrate individualism, we have this tendency to create a situation where individualism results in everybody trying to be an individual in the same way.* Emerson's view. And I can't argue with that. We're kidding ourselves. Lol

Naomi replies on Aug 21, 2020:

@Tycho Oops, I was referring to Emerson' s self-reliance. His view is that it is easy to be a nonconformist when you are in solitude, just as it is easy to be a conformist when living in society. The great man, he says, is the man who can live as a nonconformist within society.

Challenge to libertarians: Why do we only judge people as individuals?

Naomi comments on Aug 21, 2020:

*We have become a culture of conformity. Even while we celebrate individualism, we have this tendency to create a situation where individualism results in everybody trying to be an individual in the same way.* Emerson's view. And I can't argue with that. We're kidding ourselves. Lol

Naomi replies on Aug 21, 2020:

@wolfhnd, @Tycho @Thaw If individualism means the principle of being independent and self-reliant, and if being self-reliant means being a nonconformist, one will have to completely isolate oneself from any unit of people, which I would find impossible.

Challenge to libertarians: Why do we only judge people as individuals?

Naomi comments on Aug 21, 2020:

*We have become a culture of conformity. Even while we celebrate individualism, we have this tendency to create a situation where individualism results in everybody trying to be an individual in the same way.* Emerson's view. And I can't argue with that. We're kidding ourselves. Lol

Naomi replies on Aug 21, 2020:

@wolfhnd And hipsters, skinheads, bikers, and many more. They think they are unique individuals, but they conform to the "look" and "attitude" to show their rebellion. They don't realise that they see themselves as "collective". And I'm sure that we are all like that. Ironic. Lol

I posted the following expression elsewhere but I thought I would share it here, too.

ZantiMisfit comments on Aug 21, 2020:

His standards of being a non-conformist are pretty high indeed. But what I've always taken from his principle of Self-Reliance is the idea of finding, listening, and cultivating your own inner voice. For me, Socrates seems to be the prime example of this idea. Side note, your line "we have ...

Naomi replies on Aug 21, 2020:

Hello there. Thanks for your input. "I immediately thought of the Hipster uniform." Me, too! And hippies, skinheads, bikers, and many more. They all conform to the "look" to be rebellious. 😂

When I think that way, yeah, it's kinda scary...

Krunoslav comments on Aug 21, 2020:

He really likes to exaturate , selectively things about religion and omit or downplay things that about religion that do not fit his narrative. Once you look past his charmingly witty use of insults, you can see a sad individual with tones of personal problems. Instead of dealing which those he ...

Naomi replies on Aug 21, 2020:

It's interesting that his brother is a Christian.

Tough old boots are demonstrating their real strength.

BikerPetehall70 comments on Aug 18, 2020:

Doc's have been made in china for the last ten years or more

Naomi replies on Aug 18, 2020:

Hello. Not sure what your point is... Most products we buy are made in China nowadays.

Tough old boots are demonstrating their real strength.

RobBlair comments on Aug 18, 2020:

I don't see a moral issue between using the extra funding to improve their business or returning it, other than the moral incentive to improve their product for their customers (which is rewarded in a fair market). If there is a moral issue, that issue is at the government level and its decision to...

Naomi replies on Aug 18, 2020:

Apparently, furlough fraud reports are on the increase in the UK, so, I still think that it's a decent thing that companies repay the furlough grants they received from the government if they can. If they are private and independent, they should be able to look after themselves. Furlough grants are taxpayers' money, mine included. I would rather see my money being used to help a company which is truly struggling because of the pandemic than I see it stolen by a dishonest company.

May not be the best comparison, but I think I get the point.

JeffHoneyager comments on Aug 15, 2020:

Did you know that Anthony Johnson was the first legal owner in the colonies? Look him up. http://www.todayifoundout./index.php/2013/08/the-first-legal--owner-in-what-would-become-the-united-states-was-a-black-man/

Naomi replies on Aug 16, 2020:

Hello. I couldn't open the link but I found the following: Anthony Johnson (b. c. 1600 – d. 1670) was a black Angolan known for achieving wealth in the early 17th-century Colony of Virginia. He was one of the first African American property owners and had his right to legally own a slave recognized by the Virginia courts. Held as an indentured servant in 1621, he earned his freedom after several years, and was granted land by the colony. He later became a successful tobacco farmer in Maryland. He attained great wealth after completing his term as an indentured servant, and has been referred to as "'the black patriarch' of the first community of Negro property owners in America". Wikipedia

Dogs belong to nature, and I believe in nature.

JeffHoneyager comments on Aug 15, 2020:

I don't think the "Conditional Love" statement is accurate. God knows we are awful, we steal, lie, cheat, are greedy, and envious. We deserve hell if we worship him or not. I think he gave us a way out - grace - an unmerited gift.

Naomi replies on Aug 16, 2020:

Hello. "I don't think the "Conditional Love" statement is accurate." I guess not. It's just a meme after all. I was disappointed, though, when my Christian teacher (whom I liked very much) told me that although I was a very good student, I would still have to go to hell for not believing in her god. Lol

May not be the best comparison, but I think I get the point.

N0DD comments on Aug 13, 2020:

Apologies dont mean a thing but equal rights justice and payment for the work and labour of the African slaves would be a start. The slave owners and traders were compensated for the loss of their slaves, but not the slaves. The descendents of the slavers still live off the profit and compensations ...

Naomi replies on Aug 14, 2020:

@N0DD "I do not trust in God or Trump." Nor do I. Lol

May not be the best comparison, but I think I get the point.

N0DD comments on Aug 13, 2020:

Apologies dont mean a thing but equal rights justice and payment for the work and labour of the African slaves would be a start. The slave owners and traders were compensated for the loss of their slaves, but not the slaves. The descendents of the slavers still live off the profit and compensations ...

Naomi replies on Aug 13, 2020:

Hello there. I'm glad that you're still around. I would imagine that in the mid 1900s, it was difficult to find anyone who wasn't racist. Assuming that equal rights justice is a modern concept, would it be just to address reparations to African-Americans for slavery by applying the modern standard?

I recently learned a little about Native American slave holders.

Thaw comments on Aug 11, 2020:

Israel Cohen 1912: **“We must realize that our party’s most powerful weapon is RACIAL TENSION. By propounding into the consciousness of the DARK races, that for centuries they have been oppressed by Whites, we can mold them to the program of the Communist Party. In America, we will aim for ...

Naomi replies on Aug 13, 2020:

Hello dd54. Unfortunately, it seems very hard to argue against those theories, or rather, they won't allow any argument to take place in the first place. :(

The secret of how wine is really made has been leaked. 😂

Tycho comments on Aug 11, 2020:

Lets hope they don't *dump* the secret of chocolate. That's a *nugget* of knowledge I can do without.

Naomi replies on Aug 12, 2020:

That's so clever!

I recently learned a little about Native American slave holders.

Thaw comments on Aug 11, 2020:

Israel Cohen 1912: **“We must realize that our party’s most powerful weapon is RACIAL TENSION. By propounding into the consciousness of the DARK races, that for centuries they have been oppressed by Whites, we can mold them to the program of the Communist Party. In America, we will aim for ...

Naomi replies on Aug 12, 2020:

Hello there. Thanks for this. I also read a bit about Critical Race Theory. Critical race theorists want to keep racism going. They are not genuine anti-racism activists. :(

An atomic bomb was dropped in Hiroshima on Aug.

klaatu comments on Aug 10, 2020:

As a scientist and a polymath and a historian, I'm against nuclear weapons but I know that countries that have nukes and lead by narcissistic and dictatorial leaders will use them to intimidate others into submission. During WWI, the Germans use poison gas and were only deterred when the Allies ...

Naomi replies on Aug 10, 2020:

Hello there. Not sure why you think that my statement about the Bomb attack on Japan is one sided and prejudicial. I just stated a simple fact that two a-bombs were dropped in the cities of Japan in 1945. It is also a fact that so far, the US is the only country in the entire world that actually used nuclear bombs. Everybody knows that. I have no reason to get personal over what happened more than 70 years ago, whereas by the way you call the Japanese "Japs", you seem to have prejudice against Japan. How old are you, sir? In your late 80s or early 90s? Anyway, I appreciate your time commenting on this topic.

If you were (politely) to contrast the left and the right politically, what would you say?

wolfhnd comments on Aug 9, 2020:

Jordan Peterson has an answer, I do not. Over the last year the definitions have shifted. Trump moved the right towards the center and the left has moved far left in the U.S. In other countries the words unfortunately have to be understood in reference to their political and cultural history....

Naomi replies on Aug 10, 2020:

@2FollowHim Funny you should say that. I always thought that JP was a rather insecure person on the inside. That's the impression I get from him anyway.

Yes, it is a tiny country. 😂

Brumalis comments on Aug 10, 2020:

In the US a hundred miles is nothing however a hundred years seems like forever. In Britain a hundred years is nothing yet a hundred miles seems like forever.

Naomi replies on Aug 10, 2020:

Good point.

An atomic bomb was dropped in Hiroshima on Aug.

george comments on Aug 9, 2020:

I'm not for nuclear weapons but I understand the need for them once the car was out of the bag. If we don't have them someone else will. Can any government be trusted to disarm completely? Sign all the treaties people want but someone will always have some hidden away.

Naomi replies on Aug 9, 2020:

Hello there. "Can any government be trusted to disarm completely?" Can any government be trusted to not press the "button"? So far only the US actually detonated , twice, this ultimate weapon of mass annihilation, but it’s only a matter of time before another one is unleashed ...by whom? Only god knows.

An atomic bomb was dropped in Hiroshima on Aug.

govols comments on Aug 9, 2020:

Some things can't be undone. Knowledge makes weapons of most anything it masters.

Naomi replies on Aug 9, 2020:

Master of our own destruction.

"Meat is the most spiritually evolved diet." 😂 🤣 [youtube.com]

Naomi comments on Aug 9, 2020:

His reverse perception of veganism is spot on. Very clever. Hope you find his satire funny. This is just for a laugh. No personal offence intended.

Naomi replies on Aug 9, 2020:

@saramarylop3z There is a lot more to life than politics. We can always agree to disagree and move on. We can even put each other's differences aside and laugh together and even cooperate for mutual benefit. :)

Party Time .....

0C1F3R comments on Aug 9, 2020:

......

Naomi replies on Aug 9, 2020:

We need a "groan" button.

"Meat is the most spiritually evolved diet." 😂 🤣 [youtube.com]

Fleabag comments on Aug 9, 2020:

Thanks for linking this guy, had to subscribe after watching this just to see his antics.

Naomi replies on Aug 9, 2020:

Thanks for the coins.

"Meat is the most spiritually evolved diet." 😂 🤣 [youtube.com]

curvycom comments on Aug 9, 2020:

@MikeHunt @Naomi @saramarylop3z feel like helping on my new poll. It's not a joke--although it does have a toung in cheek element to it, to be honest. "I feel like I'm about to put @B1967 on ignore, because all he seems to do is spam yahoo news ..."

Naomi replies on Aug 9, 2020:

Hello there. What's wrong with B1967, may I ask?