Michael Hardner

Yeah, deep state is real. So is 'waste' 'corruption' and so on... It doesn't seem to be getting better though so I would say just pointing out that it exists isn't helping. I would say that you need this: -An agreed-upon metricked framework to assess how we're doing, set up before we start and hopefully from existing sources -A set of people with knowledge of the system, as well as public access to such people, to lay out a series of plans/discussions on what can be done. Such people need to be arm's length from the current system -Periodic check-in as to what's happening -Finally, a true "public" with patience and wisdom to give responsible feedback and accept that they won't get their way most of the time Something like that. Videos about floating space cubes to solve our problems are laughable. I say this with due respect as you yourself seem to be at least a little skeptical

From the folks I recognize on that trailer, the movie is pure space junk... designed for people who have no idea how to analyze or critique our actual systems. Ask yourself this: -If this is a framework for improving our world, why doesn't it mention all the convention wisdom, institutions, and individuals who have helped us ? -Why the emotional music and voice over ? -Why do they not (I assume) provide a counter-point to talk about the flaws with the various disparate theories that they will present ? We have the tools to make the world better, but from the trailer, I doubt they're interested in keeping what works.

Sure, but also it's real. Trying to change it... formidable task.

To add: I have no idea either. I'm just guessing as to the reason.

Except, by your own evidence, they sometimes don't. So what do you think is happening then ?

Why ? Her claims are pretty extreme however she WAS on the inside.

My theory is that the bar for shocking comments has been raised. People don't react anymore as they did. Do you agree?

My experience is that there's no difference in skills. There is however a deficit in quality for some offshore vendors. I find that that's a culture thing, not National culture but corporate culture. These folks came into the game undercutting and going for Rock bottom costs. Pretty clearly when their people get better, they move on to other firms or come on Shore. But my claims, and the others are anecdotal. At least you provided some metrics.

"Deep State" is a loaded political term like "gravy train". It is simultaneously true and false. Meaningful and meaningless. You can use it to campaign forever since the problem can't be fixed, the swamp can't be drained. This Fitts person alleges some extraordinary things, namely that the security apparatus secretly steals massive amounts from other departments' budgets. True? Well she supported Trump before, and apparently nothing about this was found to be reported. So, show me the goods.

Uh... the WHOLE Bible? 🤔

Happy new year to you too ?

Kind of an anti-Semite too, with defacing that temple and all...

Also ... MY opinion ... Such major social forces such as religion can't be easily assessed for their impact on daily life. However, given the moral and metaphysical implications there definitely must be major effects and they're not going to be obvious either. I would submit that the so-called culture wars are an echo of the ecumenical clashes that were common in public life in past centuries. I once did some research on the churches in my small Ontario hometown and found, in the microfilms, evidence of viscous fights between the Presbyterians, Anglicans, and Methodists (these were pre-United Church days) over placement, and land allocation with the same accusations of elitism and favour with the elite classes. "God is dead, and we have killed him" said the philosopher. And he knew that there would a horrible period where humans would grasp for meaning and - for a time - find none. To my mind, our tribalism, hedonism, fake-patriotism are all symptoms of a post-modern people who don't have a good reason to live. MHO - My Humble Opinion Old phrase. It's still with us, in the shrill morality of the fervent... in lots of ways...

I need to point out, as per PEW, that religion continues to decline...

He keeps switching between yardarms and lamp-posts. Who can stick with such a wishy-washy commander?

Correct. There's a third group: THE SUPERIORS. The population of that group is me.

If you read between the lines, there's a startling amount of agreement between factions on here. The fact that we argue so much is a reflection of our sameness.

You are articulate enough. Don't rely on other people to encapsulate your views, just speak up! My dream is for forums like this to be the go-to for information, not old style TV commercials

Up until the end of your post I didn't know which way it was going. I'm not going to make any more comments on your person, as long as you do. Felicity.

You do you. It's my job to work for a country where you can be happy wearing a helmet with horns or a kilt.

1. No. 2. You don't like the fact that your pathology is called out. You can't prove I'm lying vs just mistaken but your calling me a liar and yet trying to get my attention over and over is clear to everyone. 3. 5K posts? Why would I care about that? Again, the pathology is there. 4. Really? Ok then ... I'll update user list. Welcome, in all sincerity.

So, go back to.... uh.... Scottish Germany ? 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

1. No, that sounds like the most useless waste of time possible. Let's start fresh. 2. Go ahead and respond. Just don't expect me to if you think I'm here under false pretenses. 3. I'm glad if you want to take your corrupted vision for how this forum should work away from here. If you want to move forward fresh and post to me without insults, I will gladly take you off ignore.

Maybe they think I'm a liar. That's fine because I want to spend my time on here reading and learning about others' perspectives to hone my own ideas. I don't want to spend time with people who call me a liar or who post "you think THIS and YOU KNOW IT". Pretty telling that they're upset that I won't play with them and they keep posting to me even though they're ghosted. Any of you will come off my ignore if you pledge to play more nicely.

1. Well, the thing is: -You call me a liar when I state my OPINIONS sometimes. Which is like me saying "I like chocolate" and you saying "No you don't" -You state that you only respond to me to call out my lies but you also add to my points and in fact don't always call me out. So am I a liar or not ? -You seem to think that it's ok to disparage my character and that I should be unbothered by that and just go on posting as though I have some obligation to you or the forum to put up with it. 2. "You should" means you're prescribing what this forum is and should be. I would counter that with saying "you SHOULD" engage in substantial arguments and not name-call. Furthermore my version of how this forum should operate is substantiated in the Guidelines: https://repolitics.com/forums/guidelines/ Be Polite and Respect Others Repolitics.com operates these forums in the hopes that they will promote intelligent, honest and responsible discussion. We encourage you to speak your mind on relevant issues in a thoughtful way. Please respect others using this board and treat them with respect and dignity. 3. I'm glad that you're unhappy with this. Given that you don't like how the forum works, I recommend the best thing is for you to leave immediately and never come back. I think that would be best.