Monkeysox
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Sep 6, 2014 5:52 AM
Monkeysox
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lbcmac92
Why does this make the front page everytime. Pretty sure Europeans love this shiznit
whyistheworldlikethis
America isn't perfect and has quite a lot of flaws, but It is still a very nice place to live.
SwashbucklingMelee
As a mobile user: downvote and move on.
GunLovingTreeHugger
The right to say whatever you want and then wipe it in the face of people who protect your right to do so, without getting beheaded.
IDidNotChooseTheNerdLifeItChoseMe
China and Russia are not our allies....
RickCaptain
It's a great country because total douchebags like this are allowed to state their opinions.
boyz4now
This show and speech are both extremely uninformed and unintelligent. His stats are correct but his reasoning is like swiss cheese
LyndiaCooey71
Through on-campus lectures, drawing in reputable guest lecturers, and offering research positions for high performing students
BustaCrhymes
Yeah we know. Shit, I could've said that. Now if you really wanna impress us, you gotta tell us how to fix it.
HerpestonMcDerping
YOSEMITE?
QuadrilateralEnix
Hey, the national parks are still my favorite part of this country.
impayshunz
...coming out next week, I believe.
paps511
SHUT UP! REALLY?
LadyMaryofHouseImgur
I still have no idea what he means when he says that
TheDogEnd
He means her memories of her family trip to Yosemite fitting into the 3.5 kids, Leave it to Beaver narrative of US superiority.
Soolie
Yosemite National Park
LadyMaryofHouseImgur
yeah but why does he just randomly mention Yosemite park?
Soolie
Because it's amazing. He's saying that it is America's greatest attribute and the only thing that we could possibly be number 1 for.
WhenEmusAttack
those who get their knowledge from cable TV shows may not think it is, but they are wrong.
SteelIsTheAnswer
I don't know the numbers so I'm not going to pretend to argue with him but, I feel like it would be easy to cherry pick numbers about...
SteelIsTheAnswer
any country. Those are a lot of random areas to judge a country on. Also, there are 196 countries in the world. Saying we're 7th at...
SteelIsTheAnswer
something doesn't really mean we're doing poorly. Also, most of his points are about education. Our education system as a whole is...
SteelIsTheAnswer
broken. That's like having a totaled car and listing every broken part as something you're bad at. The whole system needs overhauled.
SteelIsTheAnswer
Lastly, is there some average score? Being the best doesn't mean you're the best at every measurable skill. The winning NFL team doesn't...
SteelIsTheAnswer
have the best of every tracked statistic.
hannibal1barca
aaaand GDP if you don't consider the E.U. one country, how many times do I have to see this stupid set of gifs?
StreakyBacon
spent two yearsin the amazon and Brazil, trust me America is the best after all I've seen which isn't anything compared to a lot more people
herc18
Did he say we where 178 in infant mortality? That sounds like a good thing.
JustSomeEnglishGuy
I would assume being number 1 would be a low mortality rate, so 178 not good.
herc18
So Wikipedia says. Though it also says we're 34 not 178.
micotyro
Would 178th in infant mortality be a good thing?
bobbi21
Yeah, worldwide it's not that bad. It's still like 30th going the other way (putting it near the bottom for developed countries)
bobbi21
According to CIA world factbook 46. Below Hungary and Cuba. Damn canada is 43... we suck..
InterruptingA10
The US defense spending is what it is because they are the defacto world police. Nobody else wants to do it, nobody else can it.
Materclaritas
HI HO SILVER
poolaka
I see this repost so much, I'm actually beginning to expect dickbutt...and keep being disappointed.
[deleted]
[deleted]
poolaka
And an internet point for you, good sir/maam/it/whatever!
nogoat23
America is #1 in Dickbutt! U-S-A! U-S-A!
DoingMyKanyeBest
How did you do that
ItisquitepossiblethatImayormaynotbebatman
just type #number. it will link it, and if there is a picture, it will go to that specific one. ex. #5
DoingMyKanyeBest
Holy shit its magic. Ive been on imgur for almost a year and didnt know that.
8sid
it's a pretty fresh feature, most people don't know it's around yet
nickyaddrison
i seriously had to check the time sig on the past few posts to be sure i wasnt browsing from 2 years ago. also i miss that show
Sarbc
Goddamnit man.
PlaysWellWithOtters
http://imgur.com/oOfAp9x
SublimeSingularity
BUT!!...but but i have never seen this before and i ..liked it.. (dont kill me)
mollyImalone
DarthBrawn
My god. It even has a watermark.
ddashizzle
Thats bone...
poolaka
I think I should be disturbed that I find this comforting. Thank you?
mollyImalone
you're welcome?
poolaka
http://imgur.com/fRKQlZJ
ImNotRacistBut
Could Sorkin have hamfisted his lecturing any more?
Texantioch
I really like how that lines up with your name.
SirStrongBad
Kind of convenient to leave out "largest economy"...
breakalime
I think that's included in "defense spending".
IrrelevantButPlausibleConspiracyTheories
I think one could argue that this isn't really due to anything this nation has done recently.
bobbi21
Not per person though. Shear numbers US is largest in a lot of things.
failsafe
Per capita GDP is not relevant. GDP measures the economic power and influence of a country. It's overall value is more important.
bobbi21
If we're talking global influence yeah. Doesn't matter for the people living in it though. Feel that matters more than just politics
bobbi21
that it'd be a pretty shitty place to live 3
bobbi21
Like china is an economic powerhouse but sucks in every respect per person. I don't care about it's influence in the world in my decision 2
wtfdoimakemyusername
*Cough* 17 trillion debt *cough*
wilburx
eh. foreign countries owe us more than we owe them
kickflipinyaface
But everyone is in debt to everybody though...
Mos2414
I'm not in debt. My roommate's not in debt. The girl I've been courting for three years isn't in debt.
kickflipinyaface
First, when I say everybody, I mean every nation is in debt. Second, courting? This ain't the round table Lancelot. Third, 3 years? Give up.
Mos2414
You live your life the way you want without judging me for my decisions, and I'll live mine the way I want without judging you for yours.
Csel
debt is an abstract idea when its talking about sovereign nations, especially ones with active nuclear arsenals.
Counterfit
*cough* http://www.factcheck.org/2013/11/who-holds-our-debt/
MrJohnsonAndTheJuiceCrew
aww, someone doesnt know how economics works
TraitorousTrump3
Aww, someone doesn't know how crippling debt works.
SirusKing
You don't know how national debt works.
warick
It's not crippling, yet. It's bad, I don't like it, but it's not a death sentence.
TraitorousTrump3
Qualify it however you want. We're spending >$400b per year on interest alone. Before touching the $17 T principal.
NobodyNamedMe
Most European countries are in worse shape with debt as a % of GDP
StarkRG
GDP has no connection to national debt. Perhaps you could say that GDP is indicative of taxes, but that doesn't mean the debt gets paid
NobodyNamedMe
It's a common ratio to compare the potential burden of debt to the country's economy and ability to pay off that debt.
StarkRG
That may be true, but besides the Clinton administration, the US hasn't seemed to be concerned with paying off any of the debt at all.
NobodyNamedMe
It also allows us to make a comparison between different sized countries and economies.
skookysnax
I really hate when people who are Americans hate on America. Its like fuck you dude, go move somewhere else and see how they have it.
GunLovingTreeHugger
I like you and I agree. +1
skookysnax
:)
Knukails
Idk. I see those things as subjects we should strive to improve upon. We really have been lacking in places.
NomidyNom
Upvoting for the hard truth
skookysnax
You know.
jackbos
Oh for fuck's sake stop reposting this. It's a shitty show that was so up its own ass that it disappeared.
Texantioch
disappeared meaning took a break between seasons like 99% of all television shows do?
JustGreg
I felt that the acting was really emotionless. Everyone talked really quickly and I wasn't "feeling" the stuff they were saying.
truth71
Sorkin has a hard time writing different types of characters. All of his end up sounding like the same person.
MrJohnsonAndTheJuiceCrew
i love you for this. people rave about this show buts its mostly boring hyper-liberal circlejerking
RedbeardTheFurious
A.K.A. propaganda
rando84
I'm a liberal and I can't stand Aaron Sorkin's sanctimonious speeches (usually directed at an inept caricature of a group he disagrees with)
FerricGuy
for those who would rather just watch it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPHSXUS0_1c
TheTerrorThatFlapsInTheNight
Thank you.
IupvoteSource
+1
mrsquigglysflyingzucchini
1:27 is when the question is asked
Trythall
Thank you!
TheBestKindOfPerson
Thank you, IronMan
adeciduoustree
The gifs don't do this justice
KFizzle
Immense.
ladymayo
What's this from?
screamingwinemaker
I think it's called Newsroom on HBO or Showtime, but I could be wrong.
kmikl
There's a LOT more to it. If you're going to look at your country, look at with a clear eye. Warts and all.
ZhangLau
Doing angels' work, son.
sorrycannotbraintoday
the gifs always go on the first, rant-half of his speech. it never shows the sad, serious 2nd half that completely makes it great.
michaelg366
I think that's what makes Sorkin great. He can write this intense speech and then follow it up with something incredibly heartfelt.
dbrsong
Now you tell me
kungfuman
Man he does make valid points.
ben9105
Wow, much better than the gifs.
giantsquirrel
As a non-american the one thing I think the US is best at is retrospectivity. It's one of very few countries that can criticize itself.
JupiterWhistles
I don't think you know what 'retrospectivity' means.
giantsquirrel
I think I do. From Latin retrospectare, "look back"). To take a look back at events that already have taken place.
JupiterWhistles
Yes to look back, not to look inwards at oneself. I think it conveys a rather different concept.
giantsquirrel
Not sure I agree. Hard to look back without judging yourself. You think I should have used introspective?
JupiterWhistles
Perhaps? Not too sure to be honest. Perhaps introspective though, yeah.
MusculusSternocleidomastoideus
Hahaha, I've never seen anyone who doesn't criticizes his own country!
giantsquirrel
Case in point: The Vietnam war. All though this might be fading as of late, as the criticism towards the War on Terror is lacking. :-/
TraitorousTrump3
If you criticize, you're considered a terrorist. And the gubment don't take kindly to unchristian terrerists.
RedbeardTheFurious
Schools and news don't talk about Vietnam or anything else that makes the party look bad.
Raguleader
So what's this from? I see it get posted every year or so.
rpurplel
more like once a month or so
SandsSerif
Try every 2 weeks lol. This is the new Sealion interacting with the National Geographic photographer.
lpooptoomuch
Newsroom on HBO
Thorhees
This is literally the first 5 min of The Newsroom pilot.
Raguleader
Literally? Are you sure it's not just figuratively the first five minutes?
WhenInDoubtC4
The Newsroom, first episode, the first couple of minutes. Still gives me goosebumbs.
piratelulu
its from a tv show called the newsroom.
IMaedThisForYou
The Newsroom. We got it on season one and it was pretty painful trying to get through the first episode. Trying again soon
spamfolder7777
Time does weird stuff on Imgur.
Anlurai
"Published on Sep 18, 2012 The opening scene of HBO's "The Newsroom"." "Or so" is stretching it a little, I think.
Raguleader
Huh. Thought I'd seen it back in 2007ish. Timey Wimey Wibbly Wobbly...
Csel
i like when people choose a polite interesting way to call OP a dirty dirty reposter
Raguleader
Eh, could care less about reposts. Just noting I'd seen it before but knew not what it was from.
Obamanatrix
The Newsroom on HBO
Saevio
Its an amazing show, that unfortunately is about to end. with a final 6 episode season. Aaron Sorkin is my personal TV jesus.
Raguleader
What's the context where this question was asked? Cause it seems like a really weird question to ask someone at a panel.
Obamanatrix
You'd have to watch the show but if I remember correctly he was asked why 'merica is the best country in the world.
Raguleader
She just stood right up and asked that out of the blue? What were they all there to discuss?
Obamanatrix
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zqOYBabXmA (scene in question starts approx. 3:30) It's from the 1st episode in the series.
RapCatTheRappingestCat
Unless you're super into the cast, the first episode is about where the series peaks. Don't get me wrong it's a great show but it slows down
hopethisisarelevantname
I enjoyed the first season...I only watched the 2nd season in the hopes that it would improve by the end. It didn't.
superjario18
Idk, I guess i thought it peaked closer to S2 opener. I think S1 was played out pretty well.
IlIIlllIIllllIIlllIlIl
i thought the first season was fantastic
aguyuno
I dunno, I heard the first season was pretty good. Went straight downhill from there though
Esqueak
AsYouCanSeeTheresNothingToSee
Isn't this an opinion?
GMark
every year or so? lol.
ashipthatshipsshippingships
Right.
nickg131
Maybe 4 or 5 times every Mercury year.
PurpleThomas
*mercurian year
Raguleader
*Mercyear
LMeire
*Mastercard
CaptainMcFloaty
The reason we are the greatest country in the world is because nobody has challenged us for it since we declared we are the best.
alfindel
North Korea, Islamics, China, Russia... You said nobody?
patthecat
You don't challenge a toddler who says he's stronger than you, just ignore his remark/play along, not having changed your opinion of him.
Wylf
To be fair, nobody really challenged north koreas claim on the same title either. :p
GoAwayGetaway
Are you sure about that?
AmazingBlobfish
except North Korea, the best Korea
ReallyBigRocks
the only korea
MarquisDeSadeVII
Finland, New Zealand, Norway
SanzOfTime
New Zealand, winner of the "freest country on earth" award
rando84
States like Vermont or Massachusetts could hold their own with comparably small, wealthy societies if they were counted on their own.
bobbi21
Can't really compare states to countries though... Simple example: don't really need a military or need to print your own money as a state.
MarquisDeSadeVII
They aren't, and they don't have as much freedom, education or awesome as the aforementioned states.
Imgurprettymuchsucks
They're not comparable to the US. There are like 10 cities in the US with a larger population than any of those countries.
Imgurprettymuchsucks
NYC, LA, Chicago, DC, San Fran, Boston, Philly, Dallas, Miami, Houston, Atlanta, and Detroit all have metro populations over 5 million.
MarquisDeSadeVII
But sure, create a tiny little category for the USA so they can win an award by virtue of being the only one in it.
MarquisDeSadeVII
And education.
MarquisDeSadeVII
They're nations that treat their citizens better, have more freedom, and healthcare.
Imgurprettymuchsucks
Yeah, I'd expect them to, as they have 1.5% of the population the US does!
daggnabbits
So what? They would still have 1.5% the income, and it shouldn't be a great advantage.
theusa
#1 in GPA, immigration and cultural diversity
IMadeThisAccountOnATuesday
ok
theusa
im sorry i meant gdp not gpa
Lurker13
TBF we also educate any child that lives in a certain zip code regardless of whether they are citizens are not. Only country that does that
MusculusSternocleidomastoideus
No, you're not the only one. In our country, people just become citizens like the moment they walk in...
RedbeardTheFurious
Where is this magical place where we can unload millions of refugees?
JupiterWhistles
Europe. Specifically, the UK.
JupiterWhistles
No you're not. Education for non-nationals is pretty much guaranteed across the entire European Union. Sorry.
Lurker13
In the EU you also track students by the time they are in the 8th grade. Which is awesome because the high test scores are from that system
jdijdijdi
As a Brit, the US is the only superpower left in the world and its military and cultural hegemony have brought about Pax Americana.
breakalime
What a surprise, a fucking Brit sucking up to America...
inthemorning
As an earthling, I see it's about to change in this century. I only hope we will not die as a result of it.
JupiterWhistles
There's not that much pax about if you ask me.
serban1703
Hello from Random. I think like pax romana, it's more about a lack of major, devastating conflicts.
likeabakerikneadthedough
installed even more murderous, tyrannical regimes in order to grow their economic empire that now spans the globe. Easy for us in the (2)
likeabakerikneadthedough
Pax Americana is a b.s. concept taught to students of political science. The US have overthrown countless democratically-elected govts & (1)
likeabakerikneadthedough
West to wax lyrical about this 'pax' but the nations that've been oppressed for profit won't forget. Should be called 'Corporate Pax'. (3)
sowetoninja
What the fuck are you talking about? The Obama admin has created MORE conflicts, more drone attacks, less domestic peace as well...
Rooster455
Yeah, because we totally control everything the middle east does. /sarcasm Dumbass.
Corrodias
Surely one party is responsible for every ill. Wait, did you just say unmanned military vehicles are a bad thing?
sowetoninja
oh fuck it, i'm over this. Yeah America, land of the free, bringers of peace. You people are fucking delusional.
ReallyBigRocks
Those Chinese am I right
Oh wait no, no they aren't a superpower
TheDogEnd
In the event of war, they'll build more. With five times the manpower, I wouldn't make fun unless I had an ocean between us. Oh, wait...
rando84
China can't even dominate its own backyard; its only noteworthy allies are North Korea and Pakistan.
SirusKing
which if you didn't know nearly all countries got rid of theirs the moment they didn't need them.
Corrodias
While I wouldn't normally condone a comment like this, I can see it's in response to several other people saying, "What about China?"
onslaught86
Corvette Strength 9.
Harmonex
Agility +10000000
SirusKing
Ah yes, highlight all the ones in which america does better but not the chinese, and point out that china doesn't have a big military...
ReallyBigRocks
China doesn't have the force projection America does, America could invade them but China could barely put up a fight outside their borders
shadowex3
that's got to be from a game or something because China doesn't even have a true blue water navy yet
Rooster455
They actually do have a carrier, and they have a surprising number of submarines, most bought from the russkies
TheDogEnd
To say nothing of China probably wouldn't be detailing its military strength to the world. National security and all.
ReallyBigRocks
They still have the ships, they just don't have the force projection
shadowex3
If you can't use it it's useless.
MrJohnsonAndTheJuiceCrew
seeing a comment about America that isnt either hateful, bashing, or ignorant is truly beautiful and rare. its like seeing a unicorn
Unindoctrinated
...and just like the Unicorn. Merely a myth.
bluekestral
coming from a brit, i am beside myself.
MrJohnsonAndTheJuiceCrew
whys that?
bluekestral
that whole revolution thing kinda left them a bit sour
MrJohnsonAndTheJuiceCrew
the limeys are sour? gee, imagine that
fraxinusoleaceae
As an American who's lost family to 3 recent wars, & watched thousands die in places we don't care about, I've no idea what you're on about.
bobbi21
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pax_Americana Sorry for your loss but we're talking about now compared to WWI and WWII. Big difference
Stonebank
All wars not against major powers. Pax (insert here) is not about total peace, but relative peace between major powers.
Stonebank
Kind of sickening to think that "thousands dying" is a low statistic when looking at the death tolls of the average war throughout history.
Tzaot
As a German, NO country is the greatest country. Believe me, this very thought process comes with IMMENSE CONSEQUENCES.
jdijdijdi
All Germans say one thing but deep down know they are, at the very least, the best in Europe.
Tzaot
That allways needs a "field of service" in which a company, or country or individual person is best. There is no "best in all things".^^
SirusKing
FUK U U CHEEKY WANKA
Knukails
I've always wanted to ask. Are Germans really that paranoid (lack of better term) about national pride?
DukeofReynington
1/2 As a Brit: I think that a lot of Europeans are. We have a bit of a bad history with nationalism. The sad thing is that all these fucking
DukeofReynington
2/2 political parties like UKIP gaining support in their respective countries, and most want less involvement with the EU. And are racists.
Tzaot
I would say yes. We have street-fighter organisations called Antifa which hunt Nazis. Also the topic of WW2 makes up 80% of history lessons.
igetanxiouscomingupwithusernames
As an American, I am so glad I'm not the only one who uses that term. That said, I'm pretty sure we're in the waning days of it.
TraitorousTrump3
Hopefully, we stop paying for it too.
MarquisDeSadeVII
I wonder if the Romans saw their empire declining.
SirusKing
and rome got a bunch of plagues from their chinese trade routes. Then the huns happened and the west fell.
SirusKing
They realised their empire was too big to rule so split it into two, with the west pseudo-ruling the eastern emperor. Then they fell out
MarquisDeSadeVII
I was kinda just referring to this: http://tombstonedadeadman.bandcamp.com/track/empire
diregamer
Ok, I will be the one to ask (for science) what does Pax Americana mean?
Raguleader
It's a phrase referring to a period of relative peace due to America having overwhelming military/cultural influence globally.
igetanxiouscomingupwithusernames
In Latin, it means "The Peace of America." It's a spin on what the Romans called the Pax Romana, "The Peace of Rome."
CoyoteSabre
Peace. Especially a peaceful world where trade and prosperity are possible. Following Pax Britannica and and Pax Romana.
CoyoteSabre
For the record, Genghis Khan did something similar in his lifetime.
Raguleader
I did stumble across "Pax Mongolia" recently as well. Not to mention Pax Bisonica.
ConfuzzledPuzzles
Likely we will enter Pax Europae pretty soon.
Himser
Can Canada Join Europe? we arent in as bad a decline and we were part of Europe once before.
alfindel
Quebec can join France, the rest can merge with the US.
Himser
Why would we merge with US not the UK? doesnt even make any sense.
Csel
too far away, drive on wrong side, not enough kraft dinners there
ConfuzzledPuzzles
Come on Canada, let's form a new Empire with Europe, Australia can come too. Canada is essentially a pretty chill and more awesome Britain
QuintusTulliusCicero
As a New Zealander: Screw you guys... China, wait for me, I'm changed my mind!
GoTobannPratai
Trying to get all the countries of the EU to work together would be a pretty tough job.
ConfuzzledPuzzles
I see a split into Northern Europe and Southern Europe on the cards as two states. 150 characters is not enough to explain 1/2
ConfuzzledPuzzles
2/2 but it would probably be feasible to get a German/British/French/Scandinavian alliance and a Southern Union in the near future
alfindel
British? We're not even sure they will stay in EU...
ConfuzzledPuzzles
Britain will definitely stay in the EU
MusculusSternocleidomastoideus
As a Belgian I think the US is great, but not number one, nor is any other country in this world.
acoconutladenswallow
As an American, I agree.
brillantmc
As an America, I think you should remember 1918 and 1944-45. Also known as "Saving Countries like Belgium from utter domination time"
brillantmc
I now understand that Europeans don't understand a little historical sarcasm.
MusculusSternocleidomastoideus
You're the reasons Europeans dislike Americans, especially when you don't know what you're talking about
IMadeThisAccountOnATuesday
America didn't help win the war nearly as much as the UK or the USSR.
CoyoteSabre
First on the moon. Panama canal. First in technological development, world currency, least empirical superpower in history, on and on.
NeverTrustAWombat
Yeah because being the first on the Moon is totally a medal that relates to being a great country on Earth. And the US is FAR from [1/2]
NeverTrustAWombat
[2/2] being first in tech development. The UK was the first industrialised country, and Japan leads in modern technological innovation.
CoyoteSabre
Japan does NOT lead in modern technological innovation.
NeverTrustAWombat
Japan is the most technologically-advanced country in the world AND possesses the most rapidly-progressing technological advancements.
CoyoteSabre
Yeah. No. Japan has languished since about 1990. What exactly have they pushed forward other than sex robots?
RicardoVanDijke
when did you get first in technologica development? when the industrial revolution started in UK?
CoyoteSabre
Later than that. Much of the early success was the cultural and financial heritage of England and France.
CoyoteSabre
If number of people incarcerated or who believe in angels and defense spending are all he can think of, he's an idiot.
hardytardigrade
There's a bigger picture there. What makes you think that's all he (a fictional character) could think of? Those are two telling stats.
CoyoteSabre
His words. "The only things..."
hardytardigrade
Oh, yeah. Oops, sorry. But what about defense spending? :)
CoyoteSabre
Still number 1.
hardytardigrade
1969. 1914. Barely (and lower-ranking in other technological aspects), this lagging indicator is threatened, and "least worst" ain't great.
CoyoteSabre
All major world computer operating systems were US designs. That's not 1914 or 1969. Most medical breakthroughs are still US.
iLynux
I can't argue with this. Computer science is rocking in the US.
hardytardigrade
You certainly can cherry-pick plenty of examples where the US is leading the world. That doesn't excuse our standing in most major areas.
CoyoteSabre
Most? Maybe you could be specific.
hardytardigrade
Education, healthcare, infrastructure, egalitarianism, happiness, economic mobility. We do very well for our very rich, but not the rest.
ShamnusMcfee
All your comments seem to be about successful businesses, which I don't see how those make America 'great'.
CoyoteSabre
"The business of America is business." Which fuels every good thing in the world except love.
PurpleThomas
Yet you can't give yourselves decent life expectancy, sane gun laws, proper education, lower incarceration, etc. etc. that's a special (1)
PurpleThomas
kind of incompetent. Like an idiot savant or something. (2)
CoyoteSabre
Yes. Crime keeps dropping but incarceration rates keep going up. Why? Why? Oh...
PurpleThomas
Actually, crime is on the rise in most of the US and most of the incarcerated are there for non-violent drug offences. Mostly pot.
CoyoteSabre
You mean smuggling drugs? Maybe. Smoking pot? No. Most of our prison population is NOT there for a joint.
PurpleThomas
Actually, they are! Look it up. The drug war is the direct cause of your incarceration rate.
PurpleThomas
And not just smuggling drugs, btw. Some people there have longer sentences than murderers just for having a small amount of cocaine.
hannibal1barca
78 isn't decent life expectancy? you're an idiot. American Universities are some of, if not the, best in the world. Some gun reform is 1/2
PurpleThomas
78 is actually short compared to other developed nations. That was our life expectancy like, twenty or thirty years ago.
hannibal1barca
78 isn't bad at all, and besides, too high of life expectancy combined with low birthrate brings its own aging population problems
PurpleThomas
Maybe if your old people can't get decent healthcare and become useless like thirty years before they die.
hannibal1barca
needed, like background checks, but in the future our right to have weapons will protect our rights and freedoms
CoyoteSabre
Life expectancy in the US is a function of the decisions individuals make for themselves. Take care of yourself and be healthy. Freedom.
PurpleThomas
Actually it's mostly due to the lack of universal healthcare. Lots of people simply can't afford to see a doctor when they are ill.
CoyoteSabre
Horsepoop. I was very poor for decades and always had insurance.
PurpleThomas
Guess who else has always had health insurance? The entire population of Canada, including the homeless. We also live five years longer.
Momof2needsabreak
Yes, but that was decades ago. We cut funding to NASA. Perhaps we used to be the greatest, but we haven't been in a long time.
rando84
We cut the shuttle program, which was mostly just corporate welfare for Lockheed/Boeing anyway. NASA is still doing good science.
CoyoteSabre
NASA has become an unmanageable boondoggle. Now private companies are doing what NASA should have done.
MarquisDeSadeVII
But we sure used to be.
CoyoteSabre
eBay. Google. Boeing. Texas Instruments. Youtube. GPS.
jsktrogdor
1/3 As someone who loves NASA, I'm so fucking sick of people talking about us cutting funding to NASA like it's the end of NASA. NASA has
jsktrogdor
2/3 a 17.5 BILLION dollar budget. The next largest space agency in the world (FKA) has a 5.6 Billion dollar budget. The ESA has a budget
jsktrogdor
3/3 of 5.51 Billion dollars divided between 20 countries. You have to combine the next 4 largest programs before they equal NASA's budget.
iLoveItWhenMyFingersSmellLikePussy
US military's budget for air conditioning: 20 billion dollars.. I dunno, but that just doesn't seem right..
jsktrogdor
Not a whole lot of Somali pirates, radical Islamists and failing nuclear states threaten hundreds of millions of people on Mars.
ThomasMontgomeryHaverford
That number is very manipulative as it includes building, maintaing, and securing roads and other transport routes. Those routes can be used
ThomasMontgomeryHaverford
for all sorts of things beyond just AC.
CoyoteSabre
Microsoft. Quallcomm. Apple. Pixar. Facebook. Imgur. Costco. Walmart. Oracle. Cisco. Intel. Motorola. Holywood. Silicon Valley.
Momof2needsabreak
Yes, but how do those companies make America the greatest country? We still lag in education and spend too much on the "war on drugs".
CoyoteSabre
"War on drugs" turns out to be rather ineffective. But really, that's not where our money goes. It's mostly irrelevant.
CoyoteSabre
I would say that it points out that "education" all by itself isn't the most important factor.
Momof2needsabreak
Do we want leaders who are dumb? Its not leadership, its privilege. And how about the fact almost 15% of Americans cant afford food.
Momof2needsabreak
When we cut education, it just means the ones who can afford private education will run things. Thats how you get 1%ers running things.
ThomasMontgomeryHaverford
Although early education could use some work, the US dominates higher education. 31 of the top 50 universities in the world are in the US
ThomasMontgomeryHaverford
Source: http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2013-14/world-ranking
UpvoteFairyCakes
60% of the valuation for those is research based, only 30% education based. And huge fees make a lot of them inaccessible. 1/2
CoyoteSabre
Education is not intelligence and neither one is wisdom. Leadership, willingness to take risks, vision, culture which rewards innovation (1)
CoyoteSabre
all those things turn out to be more important than the number of degrees awarded. (2)