juantoo3

Since I highly value your insight I would very much like to discuss socialism with you at some point.

Ayn Rand, very interesting, I have only skimmed shallowly through her ideas previously and they make me a bit afraid. I have not judged her and her points of view out of principle, since I have hardly read anything at all, but I don't think I can move past some of these things to actually give her a chance. It is most unfortunate that I can seriously study the thoughts at oppose my own, it will only limit my horizon, but there is a level of pain and there are other paths to widen my gaze.

I fully agree that cultural bias clouds things, but it's interesting that you mention 'patriotic' since here there has long been a counter reaction to this and is seen as something ugly in the general public. Waving our country flag, singing the anthem and celebrating the national day isn't practices much at all compared to neighbouring countries, and nowhere near the pride Americans have. This crisis of identity is fertile ground for the racism that is sweeping though Europe.

FWIW, my opinions towards socialism are grounded more in the writings of Ayn Rand (an atheist) than they are from any religion. I doubt that would shed much light to aid my position, and I don't agree with Rand wholesale (there are some points she makes, or rather doesn't make, about the "worth" of an average "joe guy" individual that don't make sense to me), but from a purely political POV I think she sums the matter up quite well. It is not in my interest to speak ill of existing political systems, but I think recent history does that well enough in many cases, while a few exceptions do seem to hold on. As with any patriotic propaganda, sometimes it can be difficult to see beyond the nationalist sentiment...and that includes myself and my country.

I've been thinking about it and it's probably true that socialism and religion don't go well together. But being from a socialist country 'socialism' doesn't really stand out the same way that it does for an American. I will give it some more thought and search the internet for some causations and correlations.

Interesting, could you give me some examples? We're not from the same country so I need some background info.

OK, well, I hardly think it requires a belief in conspiracy to note the close association between socialism and atheism in many, if not most, institutions of higher learning. While I do believe a healthy dose of scepticism and critical thinking are essential, that is not what I see being taught at all. Rather students seem to end up mindlessly mimicking rote endorsing a socialist agenda, and it seems to me (without having any direct proof) that a lot of liberal foundations are only too happy to further this end with generous donations. Hardly anything conspiratorial. More of an observation of the disintegration of learning.

Hmmm, I might have misunderstood you. You where talking about socialism, I assumed you were talking about politics. But I don't see the connection between socialism, atheism and academia. Could you please clarify before I go forward passing judgement on you*?

*Humor

Greetings, Cup!

How so? Would you disagree there is a strong atheist bent underlining much of academia?

"...or else some multimillion dollar grant from a liberal foundation looking to forward a socialist agenda by planting the seeds of doubt in young minds."
Waoh, that came from nowhere, you always seem line such a well rounded guy, but this is pretty much conspiracy level.

Indeed I did, sounds like an interesting choice! So far I am impressed.

We're as fine as can be considering who the governor of Wisconsin is.

Did you hear/read who the new pope is? *meow* <(^x^)>

Phyllis Sidhe_Uaine42

Greetings, Poh! and a drive-by hello to my favorite kitties!

Hope this note finds you well my friend...

Sorry the s and I missed you. My previous computer gave up the ghost (fried insides due to heat and use.)

s are nicely moved into their new territory and await a drive-by meow from one of their favorite humans.

Phyllis Sidhe_Uaine

happy bathday

*a cute pawses at juantoo3's door, pulling a wagon laden with his favorites, including his favorite kind of birthday cake, a pleading meow for attention reaching the human's ear*

Are you going to answer?

Phyllis Sidhe_Uaine

*a cute pauses (pawses?) at juantoo3's "door", a pleading meow for attention reaching the human's ear*

Are you going to answer?

Phyllis Sidhe_Uaine

Just heard from a Jamaican contact I have. She lost an aunt in the clashes down there (a government soldier shot the woman, who leaves behind three sons.)

Sorry to put a damper on your day.

Oh, and Chii's still waiting for a proper scratch between the ears.

Check out my last posts on This is not the thread you are looking for, and Your two words (cents) worth. You might get a kick out of them. s are waiting for response.

Phyllis Sidhe_Uaine

*meow?*

Phyllis Sidhe_Uaine