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General Discussions => Revolution => Topic started by: Greg on October 06, 2014, 08:05:31 pm

Title: First!
Post by: Greg on October 06, 2014, 08:05:31 pm
I see America as a declining empire (which is not a criticism).  I wonder if you do.

I brought this up with a professor back in '78.  I could see the writing on the wall.  My question to him was, "Do you think declining empires tend to focus on the trivial and ignore the major issues that are causing them to become a declining empire?"

He actually said that he'd never thought of that and thought it was a good question.

But seriously, we are concerned with marijuana, gay marriage, and any of the latest panic buttons.  We are building giant iron gates in my town around the Coast Guard Station.  What?  Is Bin Laden coming by canoe to invade my little college town here on Lake Superior?

ISIS, ebola...it's gonna get you.

The college students in Ann Arbor used to protest over an unjust war and civil rights.  Last Thursday they protested over the d*** athletic director not doing a good job (of winning).

I guess it's very likely that I am old and out of touch.  I just think I see what I thought was going to happen all those years ago.

(btw.  Please don't hesitate to totally disagree, name call, criticize my points.  I understand.)
Title: Re: First!
Post by: Mervap on October 07, 2014, 03:16:05 am
That's a good point, actually, and I hadn't looked at it quite that way. The politics of distraction is what I like to call it. Keep the people scared of (fill in the blank) and the majority will bend to that.

Another thing that bothers me today is this: The general populace seems so "digital" in their response to things anymore....."I" or "0"....elated or outraged. There doesn't seem to be any middle ground upon which to agree. I am outraged about that.....
Title: Re: First!
Post by: Greg on October 07, 2014, 05:33:43 am
True.  That lack of a middle ground is lacking isn't it?
Title: Re: First!
Post by: 2 of 3 on October 07, 2014, 07:49:31 am
Quote
ISIS, ebola...it's gonna get you.
 

I does seem like ISIS is saying...."come and get us" doesn't it? I won't pretend to understand anything that happens in the Middle East, but it does seem like these guys are more than just a bunch of nutjobs...and their strings are pulled by somebody a lot smarter than them. For what end, I don't know. Instability always makes somebody rich though.
Title: Re: First!
Post by: Greg on October 07, 2014, 03:43:01 pm
I was just kidding about ISIS and ebola.  I personally don't put them high on my list of concerns.  Wall St. loots the country and nothing happens.  College costs rise to the benefit of the banks.  We actually have a profit-based health care system that bankrupts so many people.  Most of those who file for bankruptcy actually had a health care plan.  I grew up with the fear of the Soviets and communism spreading through southeast Asia.  I just don't buy America's latest boogie man anymore.
Title: Re: First!
Post by: 2 of 3 on October 07, 2014, 06:52:40 pm
True enough. For some reason I have Working Class Hero running around in my head now. :)
Title: Re: First!
Post by: Greg on October 07, 2014, 08:10:50 pm
Oh that's perfect.  Keep you doped with religion and sex and tv...and fear.