(Wasn't sure where to post this.) Why do you post what you post?

rway comments on Apr 20, 2020:

Hi Naomi, ...depends on the post. Usually I'm just submitting my own observations for peer review, in case I'm missing something. e.g., "Is that a water buffalo? It looks to me like a water buffalo..." [proceed to explain why I think it's a water buffalo, and why I think that matters... if ...

Naomi replies on Apr 20, 2020:

Why did I post this? I was just curious. I must admit though that I am aware of myself scrolling more and more, skipping more and more posts. And then, I finally find a post I think is worth reading only to find some contemptuous, ad hominem comments or ungrounded arguments... Maybe I'm expecting too much.

The God that I doubt seems ever so much greater to me than the god that most atheists don't believe ...

Naomi comments on Apr 19, 2020:

Hello. I read or heard somewhere that religion is a knowing by revelation and science is a knowing by finding facts, or something along those lines. Perhaps, neither is evidence by itself that god(s) exists or doesn't exist. I don't like it when people talk about religion with contempt.

Naomi replies on Apr 19, 2020:

@govols Then, how can you tell if you like something, say, a particular philosophical idea, or not. I seem to recall that you said you didn't like Deism, for example. I've only started looking into the idea. Spinoza seems like an interesting thinker.

The God that I doubt seems ever so much greater to me than the god that most atheists don't believe ...

Naomi comments on Apr 19, 2020:

Hello. I read or heard somewhere that religion is a knowing by revelation and science is a knowing by finding facts, or something along those lines. Perhaps, neither is evidence by itself that god(s) exists or doesn't exist. I don't like it when people talk about religion with contempt.

Naomi replies on Apr 19, 2020:

@govols Probably because you've already reached conclusions on many things and are sure of your opinions, based on which you are free to decide what is nonsense and what is not. My head is constantly in a zigzag pattern and I'm always looking for alternative, unconventional views.

(Wasn't sure where to post this.) Why do you post what you post?

MaskedRiderChris comments on Apr 19, 2020:

Sharing thoughts, above all. Mining sometimes greater minds than mine for information, indirectly. Airing my own thoughts and getting feedback, thereby learning and if need be, altering my perspective. I may seem naive in my posts at times, but there's a reason for that; learning above all.

Naomi replies on Apr 19, 2020:

Hello. I have a habit of asking the obvious, which makes me sound naive and stupid, I know! Lol

(Wasn't sure where to post this.) Why do you post what you post?

cRaZyTMG comments on Apr 19, 2020:

...

Naomi replies on Apr 19, 2020:

Can't open the link for some reason. What is it about?

Founding Fathers' "strange and unorthodox" ideas: Matthew Stewart Nature's God: The Heretical ...

JoeySparks comments on Apr 19, 2020:

I liked his dodge of the climate change question at the end there, made me giggle. But this is a good video, pretty thought provoking. The questions at the end were more interesting, interesting at least in the fact of where the talk lead the audience. His general assessment seemed legit, the ...

Naomi replies on Apr 19, 2020:

I find the video interesting, purely from an academic point of view. I watched it objectively in a manner of acquiring knowledge. I can't agree or disagree with any subjective interpretation of the video. Thanks anyway for your input.

Husbands are beginning to get on their wives' nerves . Can you relate? 😜

cRaZyTMG comments on Apr 18, 2020:

And that is only half of it!

Naomi replies on Apr 18, 2020:

@cRaZyTMG Crazy times indeed. Yes, I'm fine. Let's try to stay safe and "sane". Lol

Husbands are beginning to get on their wives' nerves . Can you relate? 😜

cRaZyTMG comments on Apr 18, 2020:

And that is only half of it!

Naomi replies on Apr 18, 2020:

How are you? Managing to keep the virus at bay?

End of debate

SpikeTalon comments on Apr 17, 2020:

I contend it is also a manifestation of one's ego. Ever notice how the god someone claims to believe in supposedly thinks and acts the way they do, for example if an individual hates homosexuals so does their god.

Naomi replies on Apr 17, 2020:

True that.

StrategyPage: battery powered subs, Japan gets there first.

Naomi comments on Apr 17, 2020:

Hello. It is said that lithium-ion batteries are the future. The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2019 was awarded to John B. Goodenough, M. Stanley Whittingham and Akira Yoshino for their contributions to the development of the lithium-ion battery, the world's most powerful battery, and faster-charging, ...

Naomi replies on Apr 17, 2020:

@timon_phocas I'm sure that other countries will soon follow suit.

Trump defunds WHO in an effort to deflect his incompetent role in the current crisis.

Naomi comments on Apr 16, 2020:

Looks like you've hit a nerve, hence contemptuous reactions. 😂

Naomi replies on Apr 16, 2020:

@maxmaccc Agreed.

Trump defunds WHO in an effort to deflect his incompetent role in the current crisis.

Naomi comments on Apr 16, 2020:

Looks like you've hit a nerve, hence contemptuous reactions. 😂

Naomi replies on Apr 16, 2020:

@govols I like people who do their homework well.

Hmmm.

Header comments on Apr 16, 2020:

That’s about it! Double talk standard for anyone in public service!

Naomi replies on Apr 16, 2020:

Hello. It's been circulated on social media for some time now. It's self-contradiction and therefore is meant be funny. It's not meant to be serious. Rest assured. X

100 year old WW2 Veteran, Captain Tom Moore, raises 16 million pounds by walking around his garden ...

Serg97 comments on Apr 16, 2020:

That is why we call them "The Greatest Generation"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Willing to give their all!!!!

Naomi replies on Apr 16, 2020:

You are soooooo right!!!!!!!!

people are so quick to forget

Naomi comments on Apr 13, 2020:

Hello. What is this meme implying?

Naomi replies on Apr 16, 2020:

@KeVince I like pragmatic approaches, and yours is a good one.

Is there a religion that is regarded as deism?

dmatic comments on Apr 13, 2020:

"Instead, deism holds that religious beliefs must be founded on human reason and observed features of the natural world, ..." This, I think, would be called humanism...a religion that holds that humans and human reason are supreme. It is obvious, to any thinking mind, "that these sources reveal ...

Naomi replies on Apr 16, 2020:

@Biosphere So, you are an essential worker? Protect yourself and stay safe!

people are so quick to forget

Naomi comments on Apr 13, 2020:

Hello. What is this meme implying?

Naomi replies on Apr 15, 2020:

Say, you're right, what could/should we, ordinary citizens, do about it?

Restoring a healthy economy will require local focus.

govols comments on Apr 14, 2020:

Reversion to the city-state as an autonomous, self-accountable polis? A scale down from global and universal to local and fit to a knowable people and place? Did we actually require a growth toward too big for our britches to remind us that for most of us the reality of our experience is within ...

Naomi replies on Apr 15, 2020:

I think that people take action more willingly about matters that are in the context of their everyday lives.

Nietzsche - On the Genealogy of Morality

govols comments on Apr 14, 2020:

*Does that mean the human mind or our way of thinking has hardly changed ever?* The human mind and its manners of thinking are largely unchanging. On some level we're nothing but apes with language enough to apologize to one another if we're open enough to the idea the we might have fucked up. ...

Naomi replies on Apr 14, 2020:

@govols Just out of curiosity. I was intrigued by it's idea. I asked a question about it in the IDW Atheist group.

Coronavirus shows we can – and must – change how we work

warminster100 comments on Apr 14, 2020:

if government is the solution, there is no solution.

Naomi replies on Apr 14, 2020:

Public-private collaboration is required.

British media slammedhttps://youtu.be/6ARXTc_siIs

Naomi comments on Apr 14, 2020:

Hello. This really isn't the time for petty partisanship (or "never" I should say).

Naomi replies on Apr 14, 2020:

And Marcus J Ball - what a tw*t.

Nietzsche - On the Genealogy of Morality

govols comments on Apr 14, 2020:

Have you noticed the growing detail to the theme of pre-civilizational humans as being heroic masters of destiny, and of modernity being the tool through which The Great Heroic is subjected to a regression to the mean? That civilizational forces enable mediocrity, suppress individuality, impose ...

Naomi replies on Apr 14, 2020:

You're obviously well-read and your view is too profound for me to follow exactly. Lol I can digest only a tiny bit from each video at a time, hence back and forth through the series. I find it interesting when Nietzsche flips over the good and the bad and the strong and the weak; the strong are good because they're successful and the weak are bad because they're unsuccessful, but then the strong are evil because they make the weak feel bad about themselves and dominate the weak. This sounds like the victimisation of the poor and the demonisation of the rich in today's politics. It is also an interesting view that the morality is the way to protect the weak against the strong. Again, this is very relevant to today's identity politics, I think.

Nietzsche - On the Genealogy of Morality

CarrenTracey comments on Apr 14, 2020:

https://youtu.be/_uIv7elByXY

Naomi replies on Apr 14, 2020:

@CarrenTracey I used to follow Jordan Peterson very closely - not so much now. He is very inspiring and he is very sure of his own views, plus, he doesn't hide his political bias. Prof. Roth, meanwhile, introduces many different ideologies from a historical and academic perspective (he is a historian) without political bias. For example, in one of his videos, Prof. Roth sits with Judith Butler, a philosopher and a feminist, and listens objectively to her about her postmodern concept of gender being a social construct.

Nietzsche - On the Genealogy of Morality

govols comments on Apr 14, 2020:

*Does that mean the human mind or our way of thinking has hardly changed ever?* The human mind and its manners of thinking are largely unchanging. On some level we're nothing but apes with language enough to apologize to one another if we're open enough to the idea the we might have fucked up. ...

Naomi replies on Apr 14, 2020:

I'm finding a little about deism at the moment...

Was the American Revolution a progressive or a conservative movement? What is your interpretation?

1776g comments on Apr 14, 2020:

It was clearly neither. It was #liberal. It was the first society based on the Enlightenment philosophy that the individual and individual liberty is the most important goal of that society. Progressives believe in the State. They support atheist Dictatorship. The State can fix everything ...

Naomi replies on Apr 14, 2020:

Hello. "We would soon realize that we are all mostly Centrists which would put an end to the current "Conservative" vs "Liberal" shit show." I sincerely hope so. :)

Is there a religion that is regarded as deism?

SupraLibrix comments on Apr 14, 2020:

Why are you interested in deism? Deep question, I know.

Naomi replies on Apr 14, 2020:

@Supra_Librix Very kind. X

Nietzsche - On the Genealogy of Morality

CarrenTracey comments on Apr 14, 2020:

https://youtu.be/_uIv7elByXY

Naomi replies on Apr 14, 2020:

Hello. I've watched this one more than once before. I prefer Prof. Roth's presentation. :)

Is there a religion that is regarded as deism?

SupraLibrix comments on Apr 14, 2020:

Why are you interested in deism? Deep question, I know.

Naomi replies on Apr 14, 2020:

@Supra_Librix I may be one of them! Lol!

Is there a religion that is regarded as deism?

SupraLibrix comments on Apr 14, 2020:

Why are you interested in deism? Deep question, I know.

Naomi replies on Apr 14, 2020:

Dunno. Lol Just curious, I guess. Also, I have a habit of questioning the obvious (which makes me sound stupid sometimes, I know. lol).

Is there a religion that is regarded as deism?

JoeySparks comments on Apr 14, 2020:

What would a religion of deism even look like? Doesn’t seem like there would be much to do with a deity that is in all ways unapproachable and inactive.

Naomi replies on Apr 14, 2020:

Hello. Apparently, the Unitarian Universalists have carried forward deism. I'll check it out.

YOU .

Serg97 comments on Apr 13, 2020:

Another reason to get back to work, everyone that can!!!!!

Naomi replies on Apr 13, 2020:

@Serg97 I'm working from home. All my work is done via the Internet. I get paid electronically. I'm earning regularly and I'm allowed to go out to buy essentials. Panic-buying has somehow calmed down in my town, which is good news. How about yourself? Are you and your family well stocked? Have you lost many people to COVID-19 in your area? I hope not. Look after yourself, and stay safe (and sane)!!!

YOU .

Serg97 comments on Apr 13, 2020:

Another reason to get back to work, everyone that can!!!!!

Naomi replies on Apr 13, 2020:

@Serg97 Personally, I'm actually OK, because I work from home anyway. And people like me are actually the ones who can get the economy going. So, it isn't the case that everyone has to stay home, and therefore can't earn money. The truckers mentioned in the original post are also keeping the economy going. They're essential workers. We have to support them!!!

Is there a religion that is regarded as deism?

dmatic comments on Apr 13, 2020:

"Instead, deism holds that religious beliefs must be founded on human reason and observed features of the natural world, ..." This, I think, would be called humanism...a religion that holds that humans and human reason are supreme. It is obvious, to any thinking mind, "that these sources reveal ...

Naomi replies on Apr 13, 2020:

Hello JacksonNought. That's all right. From what I can gather, this group isn't an echo chamber for atheists. There are many atheists who are ex-religious believers. Atheists are often very knowledgeable about religions although they don't believe in any. And Christians like dmatic are interested in atheism and enjoy challenging atheists. In fact, the originator of this group, @Boardwine, is Christian.

Is there a religion that is regarded as deism?

Crikey comments on Apr 13, 2020:

Deism, to me, is an example of our limited minds inventing an answer to mysteries that don't actually suggest any good answers (yet?). We have done this throughout the history of human knowledge. History is strewn with examples of where we made stuff up (which most people actually believed) to ...

Naomi replies on Apr 13, 2020:

Complicated, but kind of makes sense. I shall dig deeper. Thanks!

YOU .

Serg97 comments on Apr 13, 2020:

Another reason to get back to work, everyone that can!!!!!

Naomi replies on Apr 13, 2020:

@Serg97 Then better not get back to work!!! I don't want to die!!!! (My friend in Italy nearly did. :()

YOU .

Serg97 comments on Apr 13, 2020:

Another reason to get back to work, everyone that can!!!!!

Naomi replies on Apr 13, 2020:

Provided that they have PPE kits!!!

Is there a religion that is regarded as deism?

dmatic comments on Apr 13, 2020:

"Instead, deism holds that religious beliefs must be founded on human reason and observed features of the natural world, ..." This, I think, would be called humanism...a religion that holds that humans and human reason are supreme. It is obvious, to any thinking mind, "that these sources reveal ...

Naomi replies on Apr 13, 2020:

I don't know, dmatic. I'll have to do a bit more research.

Is there a religion that is regarded as deism?

SupraLibrix comments on Apr 13, 2020:

This is a simulation.

Naomi replies on Apr 13, 2020:

Hello. What do you mean by simulation?

Is there a religion that is regarded as deism?

dmatic comments on Apr 13, 2020:

"Instead, deism holds that religious beliefs must be founded on human reason and observed features of the natural world, ..." This, I think, would be called humanism...a religion that holds that humans and human reason are supreme. It is obvious, to any thinking mind, "that these sources reveal ...

Naomi replies on Apr 13, 2020:

Hello. But you see, it also says that "deism is the belief that at least one deity exists". It sounds like deists believe in a god, wouldn't you say? It's a little confusing.

Is there a religion that is regarded as deism?

WilyRickWiles comments on Apr 13, 2020:

I think the Unitarian Universalists have carried forward some of those ideas. The description you provided evokes the watchmaker analogy, which I learned about when visiting the home of the American founding father (and deist author) Ethan Allen in Vermont. ...

Naomi replies on Apr 13, 2020:

Hello, and thank you for this! I've been intrigued by the idea of deism. I'll do some more homework now.

The UK seems at its best in these difficult times.

RobBlair comments on Apr 13, 2020:

It is not serious enough to break the political polarization. One side will use every emergency to forward their agenda and any chaos they cause is seen as another emergency. Until wisdom starts becoming valued again, this cycle will continue.

Naomi replies on Apr 13, 2020:

I know what you mean. In the UK, some politicians and media are still trying to politicize and weaponize the crisis, but there is a shared feeling, at least in my community, "For pity's sake, shut up, this isn't the time for it."

Why is it so difficult to distribute wealth in a manner that ensures a basic minimum standard of ...

Jeeper752 comments on Apr 11, 2020:

I don't know. Maybe it's because it's so difficult to motivate producers to work harder to provide for their non-producer neighbors. The receivers always want more and see no reason they shouldn't get it. The producers always to pay no more than they currently do and see no reason why they ...

Naomi replies on Apr 12, 2020:

@Supra_Librix I know I'm naive... I really don't like this elite-commoner concept, and I keep hoping that it could change.

Why is it so difficult to distribute wealth in a manner that ensures a basic minimum standard of ...

Jeeper752 comments on Apr 11, 2020:

I don't know. Maybe it's because it's so difficult to motivate producers to work harder to provide for their non-producer neighbors. The receivers always want more and see no reason they shouldn't get it. The producers always to pay no more than they currently do and see no reason why they ...

Naomi replies on Apr 12, 2020:

@Supra_Librix When I say "no charity", I mean "I'm not a charity case". I know many people who are struggling to live an adequate life but are too proud to rely on charity. Helping each other out is different from charity. That's more like community spirit. Those who are in power and have a lot of money don't have to do anything for the poor. Why do you assume that? Maybe there is a difference in the way of thinking between the British and the American. I don't know.

Why is it so difficult to distribute wealth in a manner that ensures a basic minimum standard of ...

Jeeper752 comments on Apr 11, 2020:

I don't know. Maybe it's because it's so difficult to motivate producers to work harder to provide for their non-producer neighbors. The receivers always want more and see no reason they shouldn't get it. The producers always to pay no more than they currently do and see no reason why they ...

Naomi replies on Apr 12, 2020:

@Supra_Librix No charity.

Why is it so difficult to distribute wealth in a manner that ensures a basic minimum standard of ...

Jeeper752 comments on Apr 11, 2020:

I don't know. Maybe it's because it's so difficult to motivate producers to work harder to provide for their non-producer neighbors. The receivers always want more and see no reason they shouldn't get it. The producers always to pay no more than they currently do and see no reason why they ...

Naomi replies on Apr 12, 2020:

@Supra_Librix To raise the standard of living. Absolute poverty, no. Relative poverty, always exists.

Why is it so difficult to distribute wealth in a manner that ensures a basic minimum standard of ...

Jeeper752 comments on Apr 11, 2020:

I don't know. Maybe it's because it's so difficult to motivate producers to work harder to provide for their non-producer neighbors. The receivers always want more and see no reason they shouldn't get it. The producers always to pay no more than they currently do and see no reason why they ...

Naomi replies on Apr 12, 2020:

@Supra_Librix Why is that? Why doesn't wealth trickle down to the economic lower class? Economics isn't my strength. do you notice? 😟😭

Why is it so difficult to distribute wealth in a manner that ensures a basic minimum standard of ...

SupraLibrix comments on Apr 12, 2020:

Money has replaced human trust as a source of power. We've reached the point that those who can't compete in the field of capitalism find themselves unable to have any influence on their own government.

Naomi replies on Apr 12, 2020:

Hello. Interesting perspective. Who are "those who can't compete in the field of capitalism"? Can you give me examples, please?

This is the problem! It always has been, all over the world! 😂

SupraLibrix comments on Apr 10, 2020:

OK, @Naomi (if that's your real name ;) ) I see a problem here. Atheism is fine in theory, but how do you get them to agree on what is moral? In what format should they brainwash their kids? Is there any evidence that Atheism produces a higher quality and quantity of morality?

Naomi replies on Apr 12, 2020:

"We aren't born with much for instincts or capabilities. Without some serious conditioning, we would still be in the trees or ocean, however far you want to go back." You would need to provide references to support such a broad claim. "One of the contentions I have with enthusiastic atheists is that there is an air of moral superiority, mocking the "sky god" beliefs and emphasizing the problems while ignoring the efficiency of the mechanism to create a useful morality." "One of the contentions I have with enthusiastic libertarians is that there is an air of intellectual superiority, mocking the "socialist" beliefs and emphasizing the problems while ignoring the efficiency of the mechanism to create the utility of knowledge. See what I did there?

Why is it so difficult to distribute wealth in a manner that ensures a basic minimum standard of ...

Dale comments on Apr 10, 2020:

Suggesting that a basic minimum standard of living for everyone be ensured, simply implies that property should be forcibly taken away from those who work and earn and given to those who don't work and/or earn. Such an idea suggests abuse and stealing which is not acceptable in any society. This is...

Naomi replies on Apr 11, 2020:

No, I'm not talking about the public ownership of production- the principle of socialism. I'm thinking about a healthy cycle of production, distribution and consumption of wealth, in the context of free market, by which wealth is reflected in everyone's daily life and subsequently raising the basic standard of living for everyone. Read the other comments including dmatic's mentioning financialism and mine mentioning Japan's success by which some 90% of its population once regarded themselves as midlle-class.

Why is it so difficult to distribute wealth in a manner that ensures a basic minimum standard of ...

Jeeper752 comments on Apr 11, 2020:

I don't know. Maybe it's because it's so difficult to motivate producers to work harder to provide for their non-producer neighbors. The receivers always want more and see no reason they shouldn't get it. The producers always to pay no more than they currently do and see no reason why they ...

Naomi replies on Apr 11, 2020:

Good point that. In my simple head, when the cycle of production, distribution and consumption of wealth works healthily, everyone should feel that they're doing well because they are more affluent than before, i.e. the basic standard of living has been raised. I shall ponder on. Thanks for your input.

This is the problem! It always has been, all over the world! 😂

SupraLibrix comments on Apr 10, 2020:

OK, @Naomi (if that's your real name ;) ) I see a problem here. Atheism is fine in theory, but how do you get them to agree on what is moral? In what format should they brainwash their kids? Is there any evidence that Atheism produces a higher quality and quantity of morality?

Naomi replies on Apr 11, 2020:

Hello. What is moral? It could be what the Ten Commandments tell you, it could be what Confucius tells you, or it could be what you Grandma tells you. An interesting study was carried out some years ago, claiming that babies are bone with a moral core: https://edition.cnn.com/2014/02/12/us/baby-lab-morals-ac360/index.html One might say if religion brainwashes it's believers, atheism also brainwashes its supporters - I don't know. (BTW, I'm agnostic.) One might say if temples, churches, mosques and synagogues, and religious texts are the core elements for defining who worshippers are, science and science literature are the core elements for defining who atheists are. I don't know if it is reasonable to regard these core elements as "formats". You assume that atheism produces a higher quality and quantity of morality. I don't know why that should be the case.

In the UK, a Labour-supporting woman said on FB that "Boris Johnson completely deserves to be in ...

Lt-JW comments on Apr 10, 2020:

@Naomi, don't get me wrong, I think Labours are scum bags - my personal opinion. Yet I do NOT want employers to play moral arbitrator of society. The issue is that we have laws as point of reference. Social media, employers... must not be allowed to curtail our democratic values and freedom of ...

Naomi replies on Apr 10, 2020:

Fair point, sir.

Why is it so difficult to distribute wealth in a manner that ensures a basic minimum standard of ...

govols comments on Apr 8, 2020:

@Naomi, you're asking many good questions, and from a decent and open state of mind. In this case, the problems with your question stem from the fact that we don't have a "meaning" for basic minimum standard of living" and we don't have any entity with the authority to distribute such a thing to ...

Naomi replies on Apr 10, 2020:

@govols For now, I'm gonna settle with dmatic's thought on "financialism". It's kinda frustrating that when I ask questions (which are often silly and I'm well aware of it), they're greeted with "that's how it is" or "don't be so naive" or "that's Marxism", that sort of responses. They immediately put a stop to free thinking (and this is supposed to be a freethinker group). Probably, because they've already reached their own conclusions on many things well before me. I can't see myself reaching any conclusion on anything although I think a lot. Anyway, had fun conversing with you. I shall ponder on. Must get back to work. Bye for now.

One cost of closing the economy - 164.

Naomi comments on Apr 9, 2020:

Hello. I saw on the news the other day that the Japanese government announced that it is providing a 6 trillion yen ($ 1 trillion) package to aid small/medium-sized businesses, freelancers, parents, etc. The UK government is implementing a similar plan. Is the US government doing anything to support...

Naomi replies on Apr 9, 2020:

Good point, Serg97!!!!!!!!!

Why is it so difficult to distribute wealth in a manner that ensures a basic minimum standard of ...

govols comments on Apr 8, 2020:

@Naomi, you're asking many good questions, and from a decent and open state of mind. In this case, the problems with your question stem from the fact that we don't have a "meaning" for basic minimum standard of living" and we don't have any entity with the authority to distribute such a thing to ...

Naomi replies on Apr 9, 2020:

@govols I would assume that "minimum standard of living" means the minimum degree of wealth that affords housing, clothing and food adequately.

Why is it so difficult to distribute wealth in a manner that ensures a basic minimum standard of ...

govols comments on Apr 8, 2020:

@Naomi, you're asking many good questions, and from a decent and open state of mind. In this case, the problems with your question stem from the fact that we don't have a "meaning" for basic minimum standard of living" and we don't have any entity with the authority to distribute such a thing to ...

Naomi replies on Apr 9, 2020:

@govols If you're talking about the public ownership of production, I'm not sure if that provides a good solution for raising the living standard of the economic lower class. I want to get out of the notion that raising the bottom level means lowering the top level to equalise. It doesn't sound right to me. I was thinking more like at the community level as to how well my neighbours are fairing. Some years ago, the Co-op proposed a scheme by which all customers were treated like shareholders. When a local Co-op store does well, the customers registered with it get a small proportion of its profit. It provides a win-win situation in that people are encouraged to shop at the Co-op, the Co-op's sales go up and a proportion of its profit is returned to each customer in the form of saying thank you. I don't know if this scheme is continuing, as I don't have a Co-op store in my neighbourhood, but the idea is good, I think. It doesn't involve governments, central or local. It is all based on the voluntary agreement between the Co-op and its customers. Imagine many big companies implement this idea in each part of the country.

Why is it so difficult to distribute wealth in a manner that ensures a basic minimum standard of ...

GaryWitt comments on Apr 8, 2020:

https://fee.org/articles/extreme-poverty-rates-plummet-under-capitalism/

Naomi replies on Apr 9, 2020:

I'm not reading it without reference comment, Gary.

Why is it so difficult to distribute wealth in a manner that ensures a basic minimum standard of ...

timon_phocas comments on Apr 8, 2020:

I would submit that modern capitalism had done just that. We don't have private jets and private islands, but we are fabulously wealthy judged by historical standards. We live lives that are better than Roman emperors'. Better water, better food, better shelter, real medicine (to name just a few). ...

Naomi replies on Apr 9, 2020:

Hello. I don't disagree with you at all, but how do you think your country should address the fact that the number of the homeless is on the increase and the fact that there are 30 million people who don't have health insurance and cannot afford to access health care? Why aren't these people fairing well? Is it all their own fault?

Why is it so difficult to distribute wealth in a manner that ensures a basic minimum standard of ...

RobBlair comments on Apr 8, 2020:

As a child I had all of my needs met and many of my wants. In return, I was effectively a slave to my parents who love me. Adults who continue to "benefit" from their parents' unreciprocated monetary and other gifts remain enslaved and get caught in a victim mentality. Allowing the bonds of that ...

Naomi replies on Apr 9, 2020:

Don't forget Wendy. She is the sensible one. She always keeps an eye on Peter Pan.

Why is it so difficult to distribute wealth in a manner that ensures a basic minimum standard of ...

dmatic comments on Apr 9, 2020:

I think it not so difficult. Why do you think it is?

Naomi replies on Apr 9, 2020:

Thank you, dmatic!

Why is it so difficult to distribute wealth in a manner that ensures a basic minimum standard of ...

dmatic comments on Apr 9, 2020:

I think it not so difficult. Why do you think it is?

Naomi replies on Apr 9, 2020:

@dmatic Banks and lenders and the way they make unjust profit from manufacture and distribution interrupts the path of wealth to the economic lower class. That kind of makes sense to me. Lots to ponder about. Thanks.

Why is it so difficult to distribute wealth in a manner that ensures a basic minimum standard of ...

TimTuolomne comments on Apr 9, 2020:

@Naomi, That was addressed to dmatic, not you.

Naomi replies on Apr 9, 2020:

@dmatic and I are having a conversation based on his definition of economics which is: the study of the production, distribution and consumption of wealth. Don't drag Marxism into it. It's not welcome.

Why is it so difficult to distribute wealth in a manner that ensures a basic minimum standard of ...

TimTuolomne comments on Apr 9, 2020:

@dmatic, "...ensures a basic minimum standard of living for everyone." Is not the study of economics; it is but one point of view that comes under the heading of Marxism.

Naomi replies on Apr 9, 2020:

You're trying to steer the conversation into Marxism and all that crap. Go away.🙄

Why is it so difficult to distribute wealth in a manner that ensures a basic minimum standard of ...

govols comments on Apr 8, 2020:

@Naomi, you're asking many good questions, and from a decent and open state of mind. In this case, the problems with your question stem from the fact that we don't have a "meaning" for basic minimum standard of living" and we don't have any entity with the authority to distribute such a thing to ...

Naomi replies on Apr 9, 2020:

Hello. I don't think that the distribution of wealth means "equal". It means more like "fair". The fair distribution of wealth doesn't eliminate disparities (rich and poor), though it may narrow them (rich and less poor), and I agree when Thomas Sowell says that "disparity doesn't mean discrimination", or something along those lines. The question is, what is "fair"? It is very subjective. I also realise that the level of poverty is relevant to the level of civilisation and economic growth. The poverty we talk of in the West is nothing compared to the poverty in South Asia. The poverty in India, for example, is beyond comprehension. That is why I'm wondering why millions of people are still financially struggling in the West. There are more than 4 million children in poverty in the UK, for example, despite the fact that the UK is one of the richest countries in the world. The parents of those children are working hard, yet they can't even afford bare necessities. To many children in poverty, free school lunch is the meal of the day. If "standard of living" means "the degree of wealth and material comfort available to a person" (Oxford Dictionary), these children (and their parents) are getting none, and if you're at zero level, it becomes nonsensical to talk about quality of life as such... Anyway, I'm basically wondering why the national wealth is not reflected in everyone's standard of living. Incidentally, you talk of authority and accountability - I'll come back to that later. :)

Why is it so difficult to distribute wealth in a manner that ensures a basic minimum standard of ...

dmatic comments on Apr 9, 2020:

I think it not so difficult. Why do you think it is?

Naomi replies on Apr 9, 2020:

Hello. Like you put it, economics is about production, distribution and consumption of wealth. Countries like the US and UK are the richest countries in the world, yet there are millions of people who are "working poor". They work hard but they don't feel rewarded. (I know someone who has three jobs, yet, he can barely support his family.) To them, living is not a joy but endurance. They just can't feel the wealth of their countries through their everyday lives, i.e., the national wealth is not reflected in their lives. They can't enjoy consuming wealth. So, I was wondering why it is difficult to get the production-distribution-wealth consumption cycle right.

Why is it so difficult to distribute wealth in a manner that ensures a basic minimum standard of ...

TimTuolomne comments on Apr 8, 2020:

Before asking about "distributing wealth," one should ask if it is right to try. It isn't. Only equality of opportunity is valid. Only Marxism would propose such a question.

Naomi replies on Apr 8, 2020:

@RobBlair Or social democratic. Do not go there. 🤣

Why is it so difficult to distribute wealth in a manner that ensures a basic minimum standard of ...

TimTuolomne comments on Apr 8, 2020:

Before asking about "distributing wealth," one should ask if it is right to try. It isn't. Only equality of opportunity is valid. Only Marxism would propose such a question.

Naomi replies on Apr 8, 2020:

Here we go, jumping straight onto Marxism/socialism/communism. 🤣 I gather free thinking isn't your strength.

How many animals?

RobBlair comments on Apr 8, 2020:

How the **** should I know? You only told me about 5 of them. If the river is the Nile there could be thousands of animals goings towards it. Maybe the elephants are too, who knows. :)

Naomi replies on Apr 8, 2020:

You don't wanna give a wrong answer. I know you! 😁 😂🤣

UK.

bastion comments on Apr 8, 2020:

She should learn something about free speech!

Naomi replies on Apr 8, 2020:

Having said that, this woman is heartless, and it is a nasty thing to say to anyone who is very ill.

UK.

bastion comments on Apr 8, 2020:

She should learn something about free speech!

Naomi replies on Apr 8, 2020:

Tell me about it! I think because people have a double standard. They believe that they advocate for free speech, but when free speech goes against them, e.g., making them feel offended or uncomfortable, they don't want to know. It's hard to be consistent.

UK.

bastion comments on Apr 8, 2020:

She should learn something about free speech!

Naomi replies on Apr 8, 2020:

Yes, bastion, VERY weird. 😂

UK.

bastion comments on Apr 8, 2020:

She should learn something about free speech!

Naomi replies on Apr 8, 2020:

She exercised her speech well and freely though. Look what happened! She's been silenced as a consequence. That's a violation of free speech, wouldn't you say?

Usa usa usa!

RobBlair comments on Apr 2, 2020:

South Korea - 3 deaths/million - test everyone Italy - 218 deaths/million - ignore until health system is overrun China - Is lying USA - 15 deaths/million - isolate everyone

Naomi replies on Apr 7, 2020:

@RobBlair Looks like we've got some entertaining new members in our community. Great! 😂

Meme: 2020

TimTuolomne comments on Apr 5, 2020:

The guy making the "heart" symbol is the guy who killed 20 million people, tortured millions more and starved even millions more into submission. This is the darling of socialists.

Naomi replies on Apr 7, 2020:

@TimTuolomne "Is everyone enjoying their 30 day trial of communism?" That is the "joke" this meme carries. You missed it completely in the first place, hence your "serious" comment. You killjoy. 😂

Meme: 2020

TimTuolomne comments on Apr 5, 2020:

The guy making the "heart" symbol is the guy who killed 20 million people, tortured millions more and starved even millions more into submission. This is the darling of socialists.

Naomi replies on Apr 7, 2020:

@JVIP-WTPNN, @TimTuolomne It's a fake photo BTW. "Hand heart" didn't exist in Stalin's days. 😂

UK.

bastion comments on Apr 6, 2020:

CORRECT! WE MUST GO on as NORMAL and if some people die who cares : Only virtue signallers care.

Naomi replies on Apr 7, 2020:

If you die, who cares, right? You're one funny guy. 😂

Saw this craziness as I was scrolling through my Facebook News Feed.

Naomi comments on Apr 7, 2020:

Hello. I recently learned about Project Blitz. Have you heard of it?

Naomi replies on Apr 7, 2020:

This is also interesting - some information about Randy Forbes, the founder of Project Blitz, and Christian nationalism: [politicalresearch.org] It is said that ethnonationalism is on the rise in Europe, which is a similar kind of movement.

Ida Bae Wells on Twitter: "When Covid-19 first hit America hard last month, the narrative was that ...

RobBlair comments on Apr 6, 2020:

This type of equality (equality of outcome) is a call for everyone to be equally poor and miserable and stems from jealousy. Instead, focus on being individually exceptional and deny those voices that would hold you to the bondage of victimhood. No sane American wants to be brought down to be ...

Naomi replies on Apr 7, 2020:

@RobBlair The poverty they're in is beyond comprehension, though... They have no access to health care. They are the very last class to be considered. The caste system is a terrible part of Indian society.

Ida Bae Wells on Twitter: "When Covid-19 first hit America hard last month, the narrative was that ...

RobBlair comments on Apr 6, 2020:

This type of equality (equality of outcome) is a call for everyone to be equally poor and miserable and stems from jealousy. Instead, focus on being individually exceptional and deny those voices that would hold you to the bondage of victimhood. No sane American wants to be brought down to be ...

Naomi replies on Apr 7, 2020:

@RobBlair My friends in India told me about this. Villages are isolating themselves for 14 days in trees to protect their families because they don't have separate rooms in their houses.

Ida Bae Wells on Twitter: "When Covid-19 first hit America hard last month, the narrative was that ...

Naomi comments on Apr 6, 2020:

Hello. According to this article https://www.propublica.org/article/early-data-shows-african-americans-have-contracted-and-died-of-coronavirus-at-an-alarming-rate: *As public health officials watched cases rise in March, too many in the community shrugged off warnings. Rumors and conspiracy ...

Naomi replies on Apr 7, 2020:

@WilyRickWiles That's true. Yesterday, Japanese PM declared State of Emergency (for the second time I believe), and announced that the Japanese government will provide a 6-trillion-yen ($1 trillion) package for parents, small/medium-sized businesses and freelancers. The UK government has a similar plan. The oppositions are bound to say that it's not enough, but still, it's better than nothing. I hope that the US government is preparing a similar aid. https://asia.nikkei.com/Economy/Japan-s-1tn-stimulus-offers-18-000-to-mom-and-pop-businesses

Ida Bae Wells on Twitter: "When Covid-19 first hit America hard last month, the narrative was that ...

Naomi comments on Apr 6, 2020:

Hello. According to this article https://www.propublica.org/article/early-data-shows-african-americans-have-contracted-and-died-of-coronavirus-at-an-alarming-rate: *As public health officials watched cases rise in March, too many in the community shrugged off warnings. Rumors and conspiracy ...

Naomi replies on Apr 6, 2020:

@RobBlair As of January, no experts knew anything about this new coronavirus. Now, we know a little about it, but so much misinformation has been circulated and it is getting worse. Rumours, conspiracy theories... many people can't seem to get enough of them. :(

Labour party need geography lessonshttps://youtu.be/ZVfET0uS4jQ

Naomi comments on Apr 6, 2020:

No virus belongs to any race or nationality, though. I've got to wonder why "choose" to call the virus "Chinese virus" despite its proper name, I'm just saying.

Naomi replies on Apr 6, 2020:

Yes TimTuolomne, that's my opinion, thank you. You spread the word "Chinese virus", useful idiots will believe that the disease is all Chinese people's fault, and hatred will spread against the Chinese. Similarly, you spread the word "white privilege", useful idiots will believe that all white people are privileged and hatred will spread against white people. Words like these are used as political weapons because they play on people's minds and divide people, and those who choose to use and spread them do know the effects these words carry, advantageous to them.

Boris Johnson is in ICU now... COVID-19

RobBlair comments on Apr 6, 2020:

UK - 79 deaths/mil - 0.4% tested - Looks like you guys are just a little behind on the log-curve from us. Hope you are all doing well.

Naomi replies on Apr 6, 2020:

I believe that peaks arrive at different times in different cities, regions, countries, etc. Japan is just about to declare State of Emergency for the second time - the second wave?

Boris Johnson is in ICU now... COVID-19

CookieMonster comments on Apr 6, 2020:

Hope he makes it through, next few days will be critical.

Naomi replies on Apr 6, 2020:

I hope so, too.

Interesting - 1918 Spanish Flu historical documentary

timon_phocas comments on Apr 6, 2020:

Deeply frightening. Educational but frightening. We do have anti-viral drugs and a hundred year catalog of pharmaceuticals to fall back on. It looks like we'll have a widely accepted treatment suite very soon. We 'should' be able to transition to isolating vulnerable populations, treating acute ...

Naomi replies on Apr 6, 2020:

Hello. Frightening indeed, not only how people died but also how quickly it spread worldwide. Boris Johnson is in ICU now... I've just heard on the news. #COVID-19

NRO: Sweden has no national lockdown and a lower Wuhan flu infection rate. [nationalreview.com]?

Naomi comments on Apr 6, 2020:

Hello. An interesting subject, but the link may be broken. I got an eroor message. :(

Naomi replies on Apr 6, 2020:

I've got it now!

Interesting - 1918 Spanish Flu historical documentary

govols comments on Apr 6, 2020:

Hell on Earth.

Naomi replies on Apr 6, 2020:

Yes govols, we're all silly like that. Some one very close to you catches the virus and becomes very ill, and it finally sinks in your head. We are all like that.

Interesting - 1918 Spanish Flu historical documentary

govols comments on Apr 6, 2020:

Hell on Earth.

Naomi replies on Apr 6, 2020:

You could say that again. It tells me that how important it is to "cut the chain".

Worth a read for its humour content as much as truth.

rway comments on Apr 5, 2020:

"Getting everyone to listen and change their behaviour is a fucking nightmare".... because you don't have a right to do that. Offer your misguided, yet somehow arrogant, opinion... no problem. Then, fuck off. You can't stop an outbreak by trying to hide from the ecosystem. You're a part of the...

Naomi replies on Apr 6, 2020:

@rway "Who decides who is a "key worker"... the Government." False. Knowing that you're an intelligent person, I think you're deliberately presenting extreme cases and assumptions... Had fun conversing with you. Until another time, and stay safe.

Worth a read for its humour content as much as truth.

rway comments on Apr 5, 2020:

"Getting everyone to listen and change their behaviour is a fucking nightmare".... because you don't have a right to do that. Offer your misguided, yet somehow arrogant, opinion... no problem. Then, fuck off. You can't stop an outbreak by trying to hide from the ecosystem. You're a part of the...

Naomi replies on Apr 6, 2020:

@rway Not sure what is happening exactly in the US, but I think there is a flaw to the premise that when the economy shuts down, people die. That's not gonna happen, at least in the UK. All businesses and industries are getting priorities right, the government is aiding them with some financial support (whether it is enough or not is a different matter but still...), key workers are still allowed to work, everyone is asked to keep distance from each other while they'are out, and so on. It's not like everyone is forced to stay indoors forever so that the entire economy will have to come to an absolute halt. Nobody is stupid enough to let that happen.

Good idea that. 😁

Lt-JW comments on Apr 5, 2020:

Or equally invest in a powerful binocular. Depending on how hot your naked body is

Naomi replies on Apr 5, 2020:

I prefer a privacy fence, so I shall put on a sumo wrestler costume, pretending that I'm naked.

Worth a read for its humour content as much as truth.

rway comments on Apr 5, 2020:

"Getting everyone to listen and change their behaviour is a fucking nightmare".... because you don't have a right to do that. Offer your misguided, yet somehow arrogant, opinion... no problem. Then, fuck off. You can't stop an outbreak by trying to hide from the ecosystem. You're a part of the...

Naomi replies on Apr 5, 2020:

Hello. Herd immunity - I kind of agree with the idea. It's a natural way for living bodies to develop resistance against viruses. But, if you let the coronavirus go viral (and it is inevitable that millions of people will become very ill, while some will have only mild symptoms), will the hospitals be able to cope in the US? I recently learnt that in the US, some 30 million people are without health insurance (as of 2019) and can't access hospital treatment - that's higher than the entire population of Australia. Prohibitively high cost is the primary reason Americans give for problems accessing health care. The US has already hit 300,000 coronavirus cases. Doctors and nurses themselves are being infected and self-isolating, i.e., staff shortages. Is herd immunity really a practical solution? Will millions of people have to die, untreated, along the way before the entire nation build the immune system, and what impact will that have on the economy when millions of people cannot work because they've become ill?

Now THIS makes me very angry!!! Doctors exploiting coronavirus fears.

Lt-JW comments on Apr 3, 2020:

Pharmaceuticals invent diseases for their existing drugs. They never make solutions for eradicating diseases

Naomi replies on Apr 5, 2020:

@Lt-JW I believe you're right. The NHS is far from perfect, but I still think we're lucky to have it.

Now THIS makes me very angry!!! Doctors exploiting coronavirus fears.

Lt-JW comments on Apr 3, 2020:

Pharmaceuticals invent diseases for their existing drugs. They never make solutions for eradicating diseases

Naomi replies on Apr 4, 2020:

@Lt-JW The health care system in the US is in a big mess. Nearly 30 million people are without health insurance and can't afford the medical treatment they desperately need. 30 million - That's larger than the entire population of Australia.

Now THIS makes me very angry!!! Doctors exploiting coronavirus fears.

RobBlair comments on Apr 3, 2020:

My wife went shopping this morning and they still don't have toilet paper and paper towels due to people hoarding. If we removed the "profiteering" stigma, stores would have increased their costs in response to the false demand and forced hoarders to either reconsider their purchase of 10 year ...

Naomi replies on Apr 3, 2020:

Hello. Talking of grocery shopping, in my town, because we're all told to stay at home, the local supermarkets have been inundated with home-delivery orders. So, they are now recruiting temporary stocking/packing/delivery staff to enhance their services. (They're regarded as essential workers.) This of course creates job opportunities for those who can't go to work at the moment, and enhanced services reassure their customers as well as attracting new ones, while not having to increase prices. I think it's good that they are taking part in the community this way rather than being totally profit-oriented. Thanks for the Randox article. For the supply of testing kits, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has got the priorities right. The media keep criticising the government for shortages and slow supplies of testing kits, PPE kits and ventilators. These things are being made but it takes time and cannot be done overnight (and they know it!). As usual, the media are looking for "gotcha!" moments. They're annoying!

Sam and Jordan and Bret delved into the (im)morality of slavery.

Crikey comments on Apr 2, 2020:

I really hope that current generations will be judged as harshly by future generations, for our attitude towards poverty and the homeless, as our generation judges the slave owners and their enablers of past generations.

Naomi replies on Apr 3, 2020:

Hello govols, Crikey, The distribution of wealth is very tricky, no?

Many people are debating on whether people are more important than economy or economy is more ...

RobBlair comments on Apr 1, 2020:

When did hospitals and health care become free? Thought exercise - imagine our economy stalled in the 1960s and nothing has been developed since. Now imagine how many more lives would be lost in this current pandemic because we are still using 1960s medical technology. Now in the other ...

Naomi replies on Apr 2, 2020:

@Serg97 You tell me!!!!!!!!!! 😂

Many people are debating on whether people are more important than economy or economy is more ...

RobBlair comments on Apr 1, 2020:

When did hospitals and health care become free? Thought exercise - imagine our economy stalled in the 1960s and nothing has been developed since. Now imagine how many more lives would be lost in this current pandemic because we are still using 1960s medical technology. Now in the other ...

Naomi replies on Apr 1, 2020:

@RobBlair It is important to strike the right socio-economic balance, if it is ever possible because social and economic factors change all the time. I know this much. For example (with the hope that you wouldn't get offended by me mentioning this), I recently learned that in the US, nearly 30 million people - that's larger than the entire population of Australia and half of the UK population - don't have health insurance, and prohibitively high cost is the primary reason Americans give for problems accessing health care. The US is one of the economy giants in the world, yet it is not helping its own people have easy, affordable access to hospitals. What is the point of having hospitals with advanced medicines and equipment if millions of people can't access them easily when needed most? No economy to serve people, no hospitals. (What is gonna happen to those who are uninsured and can't afford medical treatment if they become infected with the coronavirus?) I think that this is a good example of how difficult it is to get the socio-economic balance right. I watched the film a few years ago BTW. I enjoyed it.

Many people are debating on whether people are more important than economy or economy is more ...

RobBlair comments on Apr 1, 2020:

When did hospitals and health care become free? Thought exercise - imagine our economy stalled in the 1960s and nothing has been developed since. Now imagine how many more lives would be lost in this current pandemic because we are still using 1960s medical technology. Now in the other ...

Naomi replies on Apr 1, 2020:

"When did hospitals and health care become free?" Where did hospitals and healthcare become free?

Celebrities DESTROYED For Virtue Signalling During Health Emergency - YouTube

RobBlair comments on Apr 1, 2020:

Let this be a lesson for everyone. If all your friends and other people you talk to, agree with you, this could happen to you.

Naomi replies on Apr 1, 2020:

Oh, and narcissistic!