30 replies to this topic

[spectator12]

Does anyne think that RUS. dude that said that America would break up in 2010, is a joke or should be taken seriously? One video on Youtube even said he had predicted the timing of the Soviet Union collapse. I would post the youtube link if I knew how. I think he is a professor, and the video went on to explain how the U.S. would be divided into 4 administrative regions, claiming Obama's America would not work like Gorbachev's RUS. I know many might find this hilarious, but if not 2010 what about 20 years down the road. The quality of U.S. public schools, IS hilarious, and is producing a generation dumb as bricks. A generation that will be our future leaders. Anyone, can cleary see there has been a decline in the moral and social values of the U.S. as well. I mean the rise of the hip-hop culture, has not been particulary flattering to US. I personally do find this theory hilarious as the year is already well underway. I personally do not think the U.S. will ever split, but is definitely heading in a more socialist direction.

[Olympian2004]

Into a more socialist direction? Get real. What you Americans already define as "socialist" is sometimes breathtaking.

I don't see the US political direction (with only minor differences between Democrat politics and Republican politics) changing within my lifetime -- and I suppose I still have quite many years ahead.

[Aronious]

spectator12, on 08 February 2010 - 11:12 PM, said:

Does anyne think that RUS. dude that said that America would break up in 2010, is a joke or should be taken seriously? One video on Youtube even said he had predicted the timing of the Soviet Union collapse. I would post the youtube link if I knew how. I think he is a professor, and the video went on to explain how the U.S. would be divided into 4 administrative regions, claiming Obama's America would not work like Gorbachev's RUS. I know many might find this hilarious, but if not 2010 what about 20 years down the road. The quality of U.S. public schools, IS hilarious, and is producing a generation dumb as bricks. A generation that will be our future leaders. Anyone, can cleary see there has been a decline in the moral and social values of the U.S. as well. I mean the rise of the hip-hop culture, has not been particulary flattering to US. I personally do find this theory hilarious as the year is already well underway. I personally do not think the U.S. will ever split, but is definitely heading in a more socialist direction.

Oh please, while I agree the US is in some form of decline (at least economically for the time being) the suggestion that the root of this problem is caused by the US moving to a socialist state is ridiculous.

The US has clung to the far right in almost every regard for the past century. While other countries embraced a balanced form of government and society, the US has managed to convince itself that the only way to govern a society is by absolute freedom, miniature government and a "survival of the fittest" attitude.

The US will always be a resilient society but it will continue to slip, or even fall behind the rest of the western world if it keeps up this idea that centrist government is bad or "un-American".

A lot of people within the US disagree with President Obama's ambitions, but quite frankly, all he's trying to do is bring the US with a standard set by many European and western nations. The arrogance of the American voter to look beyond the short-term will mean the status quo remains in America for a very long time, while the rest of the world moves forward.

[spectator12]

I just don't understand the President's philosophy that he must spend trillions of dollars to get out of trillions of dollars of debt.

[Aronious]

spectator12, on 09 February 2010 - 01:48 AM, said:

I just don't understand the President's philosophy that he must spend trillions of dollars to get out of trillions of dollars of debt.

To put it simply...during a downturn > lower tax revenue due to lower economic activity > increased government spending to make up the short-fall > government spending increases economic activity > increased economic activity leads to higher tax revenue > easier for government to pay off debt.

Obama, in a technical sense is doing what is fiscally responsible by spending in a downturn. He has been SEVERELY let down by his predecessors who failed to increase government savings and drive down debt during prosperous periods.

Basically since the 1960's, the US economy has been in a slow decline of productivity and efficiency to the point where, although the US produces a massive amount of activity, the way it is produced has a massive drag on profitability. The US needs some serious economic and social reform. Thats what Obama is trying to kick start.

[spectator12]

I guess economically speaking, I just don't see the U.S. getting any better, and building the U.S. as a 'green' economy. I mean honestly how many wind turbines does the world need?

[Aronious]

spectator12, on 09 February 2010 - 01:55 AM, said:

I guess economically speaking, I just don't see the U.S. getting any better, and building the U.S. as a 'green' economy. I mean honestly how many wind turbines does the world need?

The large building and financial capacity of the US make it a prime candidate for a major "green market". Apart from the, the US is, arguably, the biggest polluter (not just CO2) of any country.

Its an untapped market that can create millions of NEW jobs, while satisfying environmental concerns.

During the 1980's Australia went through dramatic economic restructuring and change which saw massive fluctuations in inflation and unemployment. The end result was a transformation from an industrial wasteland focused on primary resources, to a diverse economy based around service and tertiary industries. Along with some major macro-economic changes (such as the introduction of compulsory superannuation and the restructuring of welfare/healthcare services) the economy took a turn for the better and is now, as some would suggest, the strongest in the western world.

American's will call what Obama is doing "socialist". The rest of the world applauds him for being a "forward thinking conservative".

[spectator12]

I voted for Obama don't get me wrong, but the jobless rate is ridiculous in Tampa and I guess everywhere else. Cities like Detroit are resorting to pot growing. Thatcherism at its finest, I just don't know if it works for a country as large as the U.S..

[spectator12]

Nevermind, I guess Thatcherism limited spending. I guess I was comparing, because supposedly the U.S. should have transitioned to a service-based economy years ago.

[Aronious]

spectator12, on 09 February 2010 - 02:12 AM, said:

I voted for Obama don't get me wrong, but the jobless rate is ridiculous in Tampa and I guess everywhere else. Cities like Detroit are resorting to pot growing. Thatcherism at its finest, I just don't know if it works for a country as large as the U.S..

Extreme socialism has worked wonders for China (in many, but not all respects). The US model needs a serious shakeup and an injection a change to bring it inline with most European countries. Like I said, many say that that would be "un-American" but its a stable, centrist model that works. Rather than making jokes about places like Canada, the US should be looking at making themselves more like them.

In the short-term the US should look seriously at income tax system reform. The US has one of the most unfair tax systems going around and one that has lead to the increasing disparity between rich and poor citizens (and no doubt the large ques at social security offices).